Thread: Neck Shaving

Hello, I am just getting into shaving with a straight razor shaving, but I am only using it for my neck (I use a safety razor for my face). I have read through many of the articles on this site so I wouldn't have to bug anyone on the forum, but I can't seem to find anything devoted to neck shaving. I guess for starters, would you guys (and girls) have any suggestions for a beginner's razor if it is used exclusively for the neck. Also could you suggest a strop that would compliment that particular razor well? Thank you for your time and your help, and good job on the site, I am very impressed.

Originally Posted by greenevening

Hello, I am just getting into shaving with a straight razor shaving, but I am only using it for my neck (I use a safety razor for my face). I have read through many of the articles on this site so I wouldn't have to bug anyone on the forum, but I can't seem to find anything devoted to neck shaving. I guess for starters, would you guys (and girls) have any suggestions for a beginner's razor if it is used exclusively for the neck. Also could you suggest a strop that would compliment that particular razor well? Thank you for your time and your help, and good job on the site, I am very impressed.

Hi Greenevening...Welcome to the fold

Are there compelling reasons why you decided to use two different instruments for shaving??? If DE razors work for you, stick with it throughout your entire face. Why have one for the neck and another for the rest of the face? IMHO, str8 razor is the way to go.

But, if you had to stick to your method, there's no particular str8 razor that is specifically made for the neck (at least that I know of). It's a matter of preference. Some prefer wedge and others full hollow and of course, there are all sorts of flavors in between.

As far as strops, I have been very happy with the Bridle Premium IV (leather + Webbed fabric) that I purchased through SRD (Straight Razor Designs). Great performance that you will be happy with.

Sorry if this wasn't much help to you,
-Robert

That is actually helpful, thank you. Would you suggest that I buy a really cheap strop to begin with so that I don't begin by cutting the one you suggested in half?

Originally Posted by greenevening

That is actually helpful, thank you. Would you suggest that I buy a really cheap strop to begin with so that I don't begin by cutting the one you suggested in half?

I went right for the good stuff...your edge depends on it. Go for the good stuff from the getgo, IMO. The good thing about the SRD strops (Bridle IV) or other is that they also sell a replacement part...i.e., don't have to get the whole thing. I got a replacement leather and I would recommend. You can easily unscrew the parts and put them back together...easy as pie.

I have some small nick towards the ends of my strop that do not interfere with performance...nonetheless, I use pumice stone to iron those out. The strop will probably outlast you.

Stick with str8 shaving...there's a learning curve (like learning to swim or bike), but once you get it, it's very enjoyable, Zen like if you will.


-Robert

Hello again, and thanks again for the advice. Is it necessary to use the strop before and after every shave if all that I am doing is a touch up on the neck? Also, do you know of a ballpark figure of number of uses I could get on that much surface area before it needed to be honed again?

Originally Posted by greenevening

Hello again, and thanks again for the advice. Is it necessary to use the strop before and after every shave if all that I am doing is a touch up on the neck? Also, do you know of a ballpark figure of number of uses I could get on that much surface area before it needed to be honed again?

But in all seriousness, why two instruments (DE for face and str8 for neck)? I am very curious.

-Robert

You're starting with your neck instead of your side burn areas? My neck is my bugaboo. My beard down there grows from my left ear down under my chin then up to my right ear. That will be the LAST area of priority in developing my technique.

Go with any straight razor that is (in order of importance):

a) TRULY shave ready (recommend you buy from SRP Classifieds or from Straight Razor Designs).
b) Affordable.
c) Pleasing to your eye so you feel good about it.

As far as strops go, you'll get conflicting advice but both sides of that coin make sense. One school recommends newbies go with a cheap strop (which will be a narrow strop) so we don't lose a lot of money when/if we nick it badly. The other school recommends newbies go with a top quality 3" strop. +1 on what -Robert says: "I went right for the good stuff...your edge depends on it." With a high quality 3" strop you don't need to worry about learning an X-stroke and doing it evenly while concentrating on the proper pressure that will align the edge but not too much pressure that will roll the edge, dulling it.

Be sure and read the Wiki section on stropping and watch the videos. Also be sure and read Lynn's article on the First Straight Razor Shave:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...tml#post409888

Namaste,
Morty -_-

You would not need another strop. That would serve you very well. Good luck with the straight razor and have fun.

I must be weird because I don't use a mirror or anything to do the back of my neck with a straight. The only I do occasionally is peek in a mirror for the sides closer to my ears. No cuts there yet .

I hate to even ask this, considering that I use the whole soap/cream/brush setup with my safety razor, but for such a small area as the back of my neck, assuming I go with the grain, would it still work well if I used regular shaving cream, or would I still need to go all out with the brush and lather?

Hi Greenevening,
Hey - i don't want to ruin the party here-but buying a str8 razor to shave the back of your neck sounds like a mistake .It's hard enough to learn to shave the front of your face and neck, so even with the swing arm mirror it would be far too difficult imho.
Stick to using the D/E-at least if you do cut yourself it won't be life threatening.
It's your choice!
Stay alive
regards
Noggs