Really bad neck shaving experience

Hi everyone,

I am new here. I am planning on using a straight razor, but I started with a safety razor for the time being. It has been about 2 weeks since I started with it, and my first two weeks were great! I was using proraso shaving cream, and I had no problems with ingrowns or razor burn.

Then I ran out....I ordered 2 pucks of Colonel Conk's shaving soap.

I watched videos and read this forums to learn how to use shaving soap. I got my brush wet, shook off the excess, and brushed the soap in a circular pattern for about 3 seconds. Then I put the soap on my face (it seemed less "thick" than the Proraso). Here is what happened:

1) Day 1 -- Beard was a bit longer (probably 3 days). Shaving my cheeks and chin was fine. No problems. Then I got to my neck. Normally, I shave upwards because it is the most comfortable. I absolutely can't tell which way my hair grows on my neck. However, with the shaving soap this hurt quite a bit. The shave was unpleasant, but I didn't cut myself.

2) Day 2 -- OUCH! I had a really short beard. I put a little more soap on my brush because of my bad experience the day before. I tried to follow the direction of the hair grain. Around my adam's apple on both sides and a little further towards my ears I cut myself probably 100 times (tiny nicks -- razor burn?). I thought I did a great job lathering, so I don't understand.

Any ideas why this would be? Do some people not handle shaving soap well?

Welcome to SRP. Hard to say why your last couple of shaves weren't good. I haven't tried that soap. Was it an old blade ? Finding the map of your whiskers is just running the finger tips over them. One way you'll feel them a lot and the other way you won't. Do with the grain first then across the grain. Try against the grain. It is not for everybody.

Don't try to get it all with one pass. Multiple passes with little or no pressure and gradual stubble reduction is the way to avoid razor burn. Adequate prep is essential. Wash your face with hot water and soap then rinse and do it again before you lather. Here is an explanation of the multiple pass thing.

Go to youtube and search for Mantic. He has some good videos on lathering and also on shaving with a DE.

Sounds like a couple things...first, ease up on the pressure on the blade. I started like you and found out I was bearing down a little too hard on the razor. This causes burn. Unlike the Mach3 I was using, razors cut just as well with only the slightest pressure. Also, make sure that skin is pulled tight so that the razor has an easier glide. The second thing is that while I like my Col. Conk soap, it's just shy of the lowest common denominator in soaps. I don't get as much lubrication on the blade as most other soaps. Even the Classic Shaving soap I have provides WAY more protection than the Col. Conk soaps (and some here really don't even like the CS soaps).

Soooo....let me wrap this up, practice on your technique, and get some reasonable soap like Mama Bears.

Thanks for the tips guys. I am going to try a new soap (or switch back to Proraso if I can find it at a store here). I am also going to try to figure out which way to shave on my neck.

Great advice.

I've always had good results with the Conk's soaps, but a 3 seconds swirl is inadequate. Load the brush more and your results should improve. 10 or 12 seconds would be more like it for me, but YMMV depending on your water and brush.

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Originally Posted by jayhawkbrandon

It has been about 2 weeks since I started with it, and my first two weeks were great! I was using proraso shaving cream, and I had no problems with ingrowns or razor burn.

Then I ran out....I ordered 2 pucks of Colonel Conk's shaving soap.

Any ideas why this would be? Do some people not handle shaving soap well?

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Clearly from your description, it is obvious that the problem was your lather. When you used Proraso things were fine and when you switched to Col Conk, things went wrong, correct? If so, this is indicative that you had your technique down "reasonable" well.

I do not think the problem is switching to soap but rather switching to that particular soap. Proraso produces a very good lather that provides good cushion and lather. In other words, it provides better protection against the razor. When you switched to Col Conk, a fairly inexpensive glycerin based soap that provides much less protection, small problems with your technique became evident.

I would recommend a couple of things:

1) Work on your lathering skills. You will definitely use these when you start shaving with a straight. Also, you may want to start paying attention to bread preparation if you are not already doing so. Here is the link with all the info: Category:Straight Razor Shaving - Straight Razor Place Wiki

This is an excellent video describing the process for both cream and soaps:

YouTube - How To Build And Apply Traditional Shaving Lather



2) You may want to switch to a better soap, Col Conk is ok but it does not do much for you in terms of performance. Likely, you would not find many people that had tried more than 10 soaps say that this is their favorite soap. Basically, you like it until you try others. Do not take me wrong, Col Conk will do the job, it is just that others would do the same much better ;-).

I think that I am a bit late with this piece of advice but it never hurts to know about it. Before you start going around doing multiple passes, etc. It is advice that you read this thread from Lynn: http://straightrazorpalace.com/newbi...icipation.html

as well that other relevant info for new users contained in the wiki.

Al raz.

Thanks everyone!

I am going to give this soap one more go with a good lather and more careful strokes. Maybe 10-12 seconds on the soap with the brush..

If that doesn't work, has anyone found a good source for proraso (department store in town?). I can order online, but I am impatient :)

Bath and Body Works carries the Proraso brand

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Originally Posted by jayhawkbrandon

Thanks everyone!

I am going to give this soap one more go with a good lather and more careful strokes. Maybe 10-12 seconds on the soap with the brush..

I

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IIRC, Mantic or maybe it was someone else posted that he took 60 seconds on one particular lathering. Wet shaving is about relaxing and enjoying what used to be wam bam thank you mam. Take time out to smell the shave soap. :)

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Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

IIRC, Mantic or maybe it was someone else posted that he took 60 seconds on one particular lathering. Wet shaving is about relaxing and enjoying what used to be wam bam thank you mam. Take time out to smell the shave soap. :)

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I think these guys are right. You have your technique down more than likely, but sounds like you are trying to rush it.

With my Vulfix super badger & momma bears awakenings I probably spend close to 60 seconds for a good whip in my bowl & proraso (green tub) takes me about 45 seconds with my tap water. I'm not pushing either, but both work well for me.

This is about the only thing that I do for myself & only myself...I enjoy my 15 minutes of daily grooming & look forward to it every day as most of here do.

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Originally Posted by shooter74743

I think these guys are right. You have your technique down more than likely, but sounds like you are trying to rush it.

With my Vulfix super badger & momma bears awakenings I probably spend close to 60 seconds for a good whip in my bowl & proraso (green tub) takes me about 45 seconds with my tap water. I'm not pushing either, but both work well for me.

This is about the only thing that I do for myself & only myself...I enjoy my 15 minutes of daily grooming & look forward to it every day as most of here do.

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With a hard soap, do you still use that much time rubbing the brush on the soap? I am going to try using a lot more today and taking my time. I'll post back.

I probably "load" the brush about half that time or less, the rest is whipping. I do my whipping in a seperate bowl. If you don't think you have enough soap, go back to the bar & load up the brush more & whip some more. You are looking for a whipped up foam, not a thick paste. If you end up with more of a paste, add more water & whip some more. Once you get it, you will know it...