Thread: getting there

just did my 4th shave. Self teaching isnt bad, but still have one or two areas i am having a hard time getting smooth. On the plus side i haven't made myself bleed yet!

Well done! To get truly smooth you need to work out how to tackle each hair 100% up against the grain. I found for me that some hairs are incredibly hard to get 100% ATG esp those that grow sideways on my neck...

In many ways we're worse off than our ancestors, who had the luxury of being taught to use a SR by their fathers. Unless you're fortunate enough to get personal lessons from a mentor or senior member you're stuck learning on your own. I like to think we do alright on our own, especially with SRP to help along the way.

Congrats, sounds like you are on the right track especially the not bleeding part. Never got any lessons on DE shaving from my old man so doing self taught is normal for me. It all just takes some time to figure it all out in a slow and steady fashion with no rushing.

Bob

Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider

Well done! To get truly smooth you need to work out how to tackle each hair 100% up against the grain. I found for me that some hairs are incredibly hard to get 100% ATG esp those that grow sideways on my neck...

Me too...but I have found a few things that work.

I probably ought to make a video because describing in words is going to be tough.

I lather up (second pass) my neck one side only, then use my opposite hand (left side of neck, use right hand) to touch my neck almost like in choking myself. I push the far left side farther left with my fingers, then I shove my wind pipe left also (with my thumb).

This thumb shove is critical to making the side of your neck flat. Too much makes it hump out, too little allows my dreaded concave neck sides to provide sanctuary from the edge.

I find that doing this gives me somewhat of a pass on going 100% ATG, but it also makes ATG possible in most areas of my neck.

Hope this helps

As always, just keep trying...you'll get there.