Thread: Hey yall, new user

Well from the yall in the title, I am hoping that some of yall know that I am from Texas!!! So about a month ago I dove in and got a Dovo Shavette and wow the shave with it was great. I did look at Youtube videos on how to shave with a straight edge, since I been using reg. disposable razors and cartridge razor for years. Well as I said, I dove straight in, with out even going to safety razors. The reason why I went with a shavette over a regular straight edge because I want to make sure I like shaving with it before I spend 100 $ plus on a razor.

So I am still not sure I want to get a real straight edge yet, the main reason is that when I shave my neck area, I just can't get a BSS on it with the straight edge. I use the 3 swipe method to shave, with the grain, across the grain, and against the grain. Yet on my neck the against the grain shave is hard, since the hairs grow from left to right. So I went and bought a safety razor and it works with the neck area wonderfully, but I still get a bit irritation with the safety razor.

I know with both razors to not to put any pressure on it.. to just let the weight of the razor be against the skin, no added pressure is required. I am using pre-shave oil, a badger brush, shave soup, and shaving cream. Hmm so any help with the neck area or any tips for the straight edge on the neck. BTW, I use the straight edge when I shave my neck, and for the clean up.. I use the safety razor.

John

Hey John welcome to the forum. The neck area is mostly finding what works for you. If you use the search feature you will find a lot of previous threads specifically on that very area. You will find that there are a few techniques to try. All of our faces are just a little different so you will have to do some try it and see. The neck can be a tricky area for sure.

Welcome. What is the DEAL with all these new guys from Texas? Has Wullie been putting up billboards? The neck is the hardest area to shave, don't try to go for BBS just try for acceptable. There are a bunch of members in the Lone Star State, and I figure there may be one or two near you. See if Wullie is close by and try to meet up with him, you will be glad you did, he's a character.

Welcome.

On the neck (and chin) many of us find that going diagonally works best, or some kind of combination of WTG and then kind of experimenting, as Shaun has said until you find an angle and stroke that works. I use a 'windshield wiper' like stroke to finish my neck.

By the way, thanks for your service. Army here; son in the CG.

I forgot, Boatswain or Airedale?

Putting texas on your location gave it away somewhat too .
Neck hair seems to pretty much universally grow in weird directions, if it all grows the same way you are already on to a winner.
As has been said, just go for acceptable/ comfortable then work your way up to where you are happy, a smooth but raw face is no fun.
A smiling blade is often useful for necks, as is skin stretching, bend your head towards the side you are shaving, put your oposite hand over your head and pull your neck skin up on to your cheek, or pull your nech skin sideways away from your adams apple area. Scything strokes and diagonal strokes work too.

As stated, the neck is difficult to try and get BBS. I do not worry too much about it. Just clean it up and then focus on your face for a BBS. My mustache is the toughest for me. The hairs right at my lip are difficult to do without scraping the upper lip, I also have a tough time with the hairs under my nose. The first couple of times it looked like I shaved with a chainsaw.

Thanks for the big welcome! Well as stated before I am pulling my skin to shave, the jawline area isnt much of a problem anymore and I shave most of my head with out to many nicks. Nicks are badges of honor right.. lol I am thinking of getting some better shave soap one with glycrine in it so that might help a bit too. I really don't shave everyday because I do know I still need practice so I give my skin a chance to heal. Yes, yes, yes, I am teaching my other hand to shave... right hand for the left side of my face the left hand for the right... it was hard at first but I'm getting better!

So yes, I was in the USN, I was a Radioman, well now they are called Information System Tech. I was in for eight years and was stationed for the most past in San Diego.

As for my family, hmmm I got my brother-in-law and my father a safety razor, I am slowly trying to win them over. So they can stop using the hack and slash method of disposable razors. My brother-in-law is telling me he is loving the smoothness of the safety razor, not sure about my father thou. For Christmas, I might get all of the males a safety razor.

Welcome to SRP! The neck is tough on everyone, but give it time and follow the advice given here. It will become better over time. Good luck converting the family to DEs!

Howdy, Tex! Welcome! Where do you hail from in this big state?