I just got my shaving kit and razors in the post today. (I live the UK and ordered from theinvisibleedge.co.uk. I ordered early and it was next day delivery. Although as a newbie I can't really tell you if they are honed to perfection, I highly recommend his service. I e-mailed him and he's very helpful)

After reading the newbie section I bought 2 Dovo Best Quality 6/8 razors.

I wanted to switch to a straight razor because of one real problem... I have about a 2 inch patch of hair growth on my neck that grows in the opposite direction to the rest, I shave this upwards with my disposable but it's still not perfect, and 40% of the time it results in a rash.

My question is: On my first pass with the straight razor should I shave upwards over this patch of hair, or downwards?

Thank you

Carl