Thread: Should I get a straight razor?

Hi guys. I am new to this site as of about 10 minutes ago. I have been a member at badger and blade for a while, but now I am interested in getting into straight razor shaving.
I have been using a DE safety razor now for around 3 years, and I am loving it. But I want to take the next step.
There is one main issue that is keeping me from diving right in. As with DE shaving, I know that I should start with the grain. The only problem I have is that the hair on my neck grows straight sideways. Coupled with the defined adam's apple and relatively deep indentations below my jawline, it seems near impossible to be able to shave straight sideways on my neck. It is hard enough to do with a de safety razor.
Does anybody else have this problem? Should I just shave straight down my neck and ignore the direction of the grain?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

I ignore grain direction, but agree that on some points of the face the right direction and angle is important, but not necessarily in-line with my beard direction.

I think going sideways on the neck is silly.

Yep...the hair on my neck grows sideways as well. I don't think that's uncommon.

I just shave straight down on my face and neck.

~ Ryan

First off "Welcome".. now on to your question,i have the same problem. Hair grows in every direction possible on my neck. When using a straight,just go straight down at first. Get comfortable with using a straight,it is not a crime to do as much as you can with a straight and finish with a DE. After time,and practice. You will wind up using a straight from start to finish to achieve the famous BBE. Until then,take your time and enjoy.

Mine grows sideways too and I tackle it every day. With a few months of practice, you can nail it down pat.

I have one data point, i.e. one straight razor shave--when it came to the neck was no different than my DE shaves, one pass down, one pass up, maybe a little clean up after that. You see, I have crop circles on either side of my throat, and would go nuts worrying about WTG, XTG, and ATG. My neck was the cleanest part of my first straight razor shave, as it usually is with DE. Give it a shot.

Thanks a lot everyone. Looks like I'm going for it.

I too have sideways growing hair on the neckline. So what I do is there is sort of a 45 degree str8 blade angle with a slight scything motion. I can really get a close shave doing that.

One other thing to mention. Until you do get the technique down, don't be afraid or ashamed of using your DE for cleanup. I think a lot of people cross over that way. I did and once in a while still do.

Welcome to SRP. Most of us approached it with some trepidation at first but if you go through the learning curve you'll be very glad you did..... just like with the DE shaving only better.

My hair grows that way as well. As others have said, just shave straight down the neck making sure you stretch the skin as you go.

Give it a try! I'm sure you'll end up hooked...!