One problem for over a year

So, I have beens having with a DE for over an entire year, (Still learning the Straight)
I am able to get very close and effortless shaves these days with my DE razors, but I have had this same problem for over a year, and nothing has worked ever.
So no matter what I do, no matter what setup I use, I have tried so many different blades, razors and soaps, so these variables are not the issue, but I cannot get a close shave on my neck without a few weepers or some razor burn.
I need to go ATG to feel smooth on my neck, but I can't, because it ALWAYS results in weepers and a bit of redness, no matter how careful I am.
I am going insane over this, because my shaves are always super close and comfortable, with the exception of my lower neck, which always has a lot of stray hairs, because I cannot show ATG, I repeat: No matter how careful I am, no matter what setup, I have done it all, and I always get some weepers or some razor burn on my lower neck if I shave ATG, and if I don't I have so many stray hair and so much growth left it feels like 2 days of growth
Am I doomed? Do I have to live with always feeling a bunch of coarse stubble on my neck, or is there something I can do? I am getting sick of it! I just want a close shave...

The neck is a very sensitive area indeed. I don't do against the grain passes, I like to shave everyday and against the grain passes, to me, are nothing more than an irritant.

Soft touch, no pressure is all I can suggest for you. Mapping your beard is the best to know how to attack each area. For example, my neck hair grows in different directions, so it requires different angles of attack.

What kind of razor/Blade combo are you using as your regular setup?

I switch between a Merkur 34C and a Gillette Slim Adjustable, I use either an Astra SP blade or a Voskhod blade most of the time.
As for soap and preshave, I always do a good hot towel before I shave, and use Musgo Preshave soap or Proraso preshave cream. I use Tabac, Proraso and TOBS as my daily driver soaps.
I always try to shave with a very soft touch, and I use no pressure at all.
I have mapped my grain, and I know how to tackle every area, and I get very close and comfortable all over except for my lower neck.
I can go against the grain on my lower neck as I said, and get it very close, but it alwats results in a few weepers and a bit of redness.
I just can't see what is wrong, is my lower neck skin too sensitive? I really can't live with having so much stubble on my neck, my shaves neve feel "great" because it feels like I forgot to shave my lower neck.

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Originally Posted by alla2465

I switch between a Merkur 34C and a Gillette Slim Adjustable, I use either an Astra SP blade or a Voskhod blade most of the time.
As for soap and preshave, I always do a good hot towel before I shave, and use Musgo Preshave soap or Proraso preshave cream. I use Tabac, Proraso and TOBS as my daily driver soaps.
I always try to shave with a very soft touch, and I use no pressure at all.
I have mapped my grain, and I know how to tackle every area, and I get very close and comfortable all over except for my lower neck.
I can go against the grain on my lower neck as I said, and get it very close, but it alwats results in a few weepers and a bit of redness.
I just can't see what is wrong, is my lower neck skin too sensitive? I really can't live with having so much stubble on my neck, my shaves neve feel "great" because it feels like I forgot to shave my lower neck.

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Personally, I never found any of those two blades satisfying, I only use Kai and Med Preps.

It seems you are doing what's right for you, so all I can tell you is to take from the shave what you can get. The more you force it, the more uncomfortable is going to be and the more problems you are going to encounter.

I'm not a subscriber of the so called BBS society, for me a good DFS is better than walking around with a tomatoe face for the sake of "BBS". But, that's me.

Good luck!

I totally agree with that
I am not tryng to chase a BBS either, I just want some closeness on my lower neck, because it always feels like a day of growth right after the shave, just going WTG there doesn't remove enough stubble, I dont want a tomatoe face, but I just hate always having a coarse neck that feels like 1+ day.

If the lather is good then too much pressure and/or not the right angle on the blade can give you irritation/weepers. Going ATG on the neck makes it difficult to maintain the correct angle and light pressure. You didn't mention it but stretching your skin also helps.

Bob

have you tried changing the setting on the adjustable (to a lower setting) when doing the neck area?

I have tried anything from a 1 to a 9, it helps a little but it does not eliminate the problem

Wel as for the angle, North to South on my lower neck is ATG, so I don't thinkt he angle is an issue either?
Pressure was an issue for a long time, and with no pressure at all it helps a lot for sure, but it does not help 100%
As for skin stretching I will focus a bit more than that, it could be important int he equation as well

You might want to recheck the angle you are using. Not all DEs work well at the same angle and it is the same with SRs too. I'd try placing the head of the DE flat on your face with the handle parallel to the floor. Rotate the handle downward till you just feel the blade on your skin. That should be a good angle. If you drop the handle lower then you are scraping more than cutting the stubble.

Bob

I have a hard time as well with my neck as it grows from left to right. I usually do two XG passes (one from either side) and call it good. I would suggest two different things that I have found helped me a bit.

1) I started with a Gillette Adjustable as well, but would suggest trying a MUCH lighter razor. I am currently using a Gillette Ball End Tech (the old three piece razors you see every where and can snag for 5 - $10). This lighter razor is much more nimble and I have gotten consistently better results.

2) Don't try for the BBS every time you shave. Give you neck a few days of "easier" shaves so any nicks are fully healed and you aren't feeling frustrated.

Best of luck!

Are you using an alum block after your shaves? I don't as a routine but they will reduce bumps over time. Remember to rinse after the Alum.

As a rule personally, I get two passes to get it right and live with the results. On Saturday and Sunday I may go for a third against the grain but very light on pressure and usually longer non buffing strokes.

You probably need to experiment more with angles and stretching. You might also try a sharper blade like the feather.

I struggle with my neck as well my adams apple is a huge issue it hangs out there loud and proud and DE or straight the lower part of my neck is never as close as the rest I have just learned to live with that. I too get weepers and irritation from ATG. I go WTG and XTG and call that a day I have not tried too many different blades as even cheaper blades work well for everything else. BEst of luck

I have one spot that is really difficult on my neck like you. Try doing 2 wtg or 2 xtg before atg. It helped me remove weepers in that spot. I would also second shallowing the angle as well as checking out feathers. Those hair might be a touch tougher and need something keener

I have the same issue and stretching has gotten me closer. Below my jawline between my chin and ear is my trouble spot and always feels stubblyee. One of these days I think I will have an epiphany and figure it out. If you do before me let me know :)

Have a great day...

I was thinking stretching too. I never get weepers on the neck ....... ever. I get them occasionally between the chin and the bottom lip. Only occasionally. We are all the same, yet all different.

For instance, I can do one pass with a DE and a Feather blade, or with a super shave ready straight, and my whole physiognomy above the jawline is bbs smooth, but my neck needs another pass to achieve bbs. Always.

Seventy five percent of the time I call it good and don't do another pass. YMMV .......... :)