Hi.. and quick question

[tree1]

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

[Edgeof40]

Hello Carl and welcome to SRP.

Firstly, your razor WILL BE shave ready if it has come from the invisible edge. Steve Dempster has a very good reputation. In answer to your question I would suggest that you shave that area with the grain only at first (upwards) However, if you are sensative there, it is probably worth leaving that area with the straight until you get your technique going. It does take time to get used to and if you read the threads and wiki here you will find many references to taking things slowly at first.
Feel free to ask any questions you may have about technique etc.
Good luck and enjoy, Ryan

[tree1]

Hi Ryan, thank for the tip, I think I will just ignore that patch for the time being

I'm actually going to hospital tomorrow for some treatment and I'm going to have a swollen shut eye for a few days, I don't think I dare try my first shave half blind

[PhatMan]

tree1,

Welcome and hello from Hastings

Mr Dempster does a very fine job of honing

Initially, if you shave with-the-grain, with a safety razor (a disposable is fine !!), the awkward patch on your neck this will help a good deal in combating the soreness.

Using a safety razor in this way is not a 'cop-out' etc. It is sensible and pragmatic way to getting a comfy shave, which in the end, is what it is all about

The hair direction on the left hand side of my neck is a nightmare - there is no real 'WTG' direction, so is also prone to getting sore

Good luck !

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

[Catrentshaving]

Hello and welcome to SRP! The right side of my neck can be a real pain as well..the hair seems to grow in some wierd direction that doesn't matter which way I attack it from. It takes some monkeying around to get it as smoth as the rest. The best I can give is to remember no pressure and you should be fine. And good luck with your treatment

[VeeDubb65]

I'm actually going to hospital tomorrow for some treatment and I'm going to have a swollen shut eye for a few days, I don't think I dare try my first shave half blind

A VERY wise choice. I've found that I don't need the pull out shaving mirror anymore, but I've been at this a long time. Of course, I still use it because it's neat and it's already mounted on the wall.

[tree1]

Thanks for the tips guys. Treatment went well thanks, Catrentshaving. My eye isn't actually swollen shut this time, but I'm going to wait 'til I'm 100% before I have a stab at it (I hope that's not an unfortunate choice of metaphor)

[ace]

I think it's possible to shave with both eyes shut. I don't think it's particularly wise, but it is possible. I think the ultimate challenge would be to shave with both eyes shut and a razor in each hand shaving simultaneously. That would limit, but not necessarily eliminate, skin-stretching but it would make it interesting.