Thread: Total Newbie Questions - Help appreciated

This is a cool site. I had no idea so many people were so involved with shaving!
I've never even considered a straight blade until I discovered this site and it got me thinking. My main issue is shaving my neck. I use a multi-blade cartridge and frequently get skin rash on my neck from shaving. It's so annoying I have even considered hair removal so I'd never have to shave there again! I also never feel like I get a close shave with the cartridges. I've used dry electric, and it's much closer on my face, but still doesn't get a close shave on my neck.
So my main question is: Can a straight blade do a better job without the rash?
I'm also wondering if the round tip blades have a cutting edge on the round tip. That seems like a good shape to get in the curves of my neck.

Thanks for advice.

I never get irritated anywhere on my face with a straight. Totally worth it to switch to straights. After shaving your face will feel much healthier and smoother. Of course it takes quite a bit of practice to become proficient and getting that bare bottom smooth shave, but once you get the results youre looking for it is all worthwhile. And yes, round point razors still have a cutting edge, it is just more difficult to get small places such as right under your nose. But they are more forgiving than square point razors.

Also, welcome to SRP! It is a great site full of great people with great advice.

Bthr22

Hi and welcome !
I would of said so, i never get a rash with a straight and i used to with a cartridge razor, an against the grain cut no matter which make, would leave my face looking like a cheese grater had been on it.. Whereas its now probably my favourite stroke and is VERY smooth. As regards the round tip, no its not sharp but there wont be many places you cant get or handle with practise. Its a steep learning curve but the best shave you will experience and probably the most enjoyable !

Welcome to SRP.

I originally moved on from cartridge razors after having the realization that the red irritation and ingrown hairs all over my neck was not okay and just could not continue. A search resulted in a brief dalliance with DE's but straights were an inevitable destination for me.

Revelatory it was.

The shaves are superior in every respect. Just do not expect it to happen over night. There is a steep learning curve and a whole buch of technique related issues to address. Shave preparation, soap and shaving brush will also become influencing factors.

As somebody who has been in your situation I can whole heartedly recommend shaving with a straight razor.

Whichever way you go, good luck in your endeavours sir and I wish you great shaves

At first welcome.
Answer to your questions is YES.
Remember it won't be easy. Takes time to get hung straight razors.
Face needs time to get used to it,
your techniques.
Properly honed blade,
soap.
preparation and so on.
you have to make yourself ready for straight shave in your mind then switch.
you will have a lot fun
gl

IMHO: Skin is skin and as long as it's softened and cleaned in some way, if you go slow and are careful (big IF) I would think you can shave anywhere.

I never liked cartridge razors. Too expensive and difficult to clean. Many people here have found that switching to a straight solves a lot of thier skin problems. Also, since you are already "wet" shaving, are you using spray cans of soap, or real shaving soap and a brush?

You can also give a double-edge razor a try. Less of a learning curve, and it might solve some of your problems, although I've read here about straights solving a lot of skin problems.

Keep us posted.

Originally Posted by GPX

I'm also wondering if the round tip blades have a cutting edge on the round tip. That seems like a good shape to get in the curves of my neck.

Thanks for advice.

No no no no no . . . .

The round tip isn't sharpened. And you wouldn't _want_ it to be sharpened -- very very very dangerous.

[Sorry if I sound overly cautious, but it's easy enough to gash yourself with a square point. The idea of a fully-sharpened _end_ gives me the shivers.]

On a "round point" razor, the edge is basically straight, but "lifts" just a little bit at the toe and heel.

Charles