Thread: Got the neck down! Best shave yet!

Hey all,

Been shaving with a DE razor for a few months now. The kit I originally got given consists of a locally-made [Mister Brand[ handle (appears to be modeled-off the 1949 super speed, with a longer handle), a best badger brush, locally-made soap and a pack of Feather blades (!).

Though I had success with a single pass with the Feathers, anything more just irritated my skin (not a great starter blade, Mister Brand). Thanks to a bit of lurking on SRP I figured that I had to try different blades and ordered a sample pack (Derby, Merkur, Astra Green, Gillette Yellow, Feather) that I've been working through. Found most success with Astra Greens (never irritate me and are sharp enough to leave me smooth).

I'm trying out a set-up that I'd be able to travel with, so, today's shave went:
- Hot towel
- Pre-shave oil (trying out Grim Blades 'smolder')
- Satin Tip synthetic brush with 'smolder' soap
- My trusty handle and Astra blade
- WTG, XTG, ATG - everywhere
- GB 'smolder' after-shave splash

Now, up until now, since I got blades that were more forgiving than the Feathers, I've been really gingerly doing a second pass ATG with bugger-all pressure to clean up my neck towards the end of my shave and leaving it at that.
Today, I decided to try a gentle WTG, XTG, ATG technique and, lo and behold, the planets aligned and my neck currently feels as smooth as my cheeks and chin. Pretty stoked to have figured this out and happy that I can continue to perfect this.

I'll be getting a vintage straight in the mail soon (thanks, Substance!), so, at least I know I'll have a reasonable DE technique to fall back on as I enter the world of straight shaving.

Welcome aboard & enjoy your journey.

Welcome Nick, I too went from DE to straights.

My advice, stick with that zero pressure philosophy it will serve you well with straights. The learning curve for me was much longer with straights than with a DE, in fact I still have a long way to go.

Most importantly make sure your razor is shave ready before you begin, that might mean sending it out for a hone depending on where and whom you bought it from of course.

Take your time, enjoy yourself and you will get there.

Congrats! The neck can be a tricky place filled with all sorts of unexpected twists and turns.

Welcome to SRP! You're in the stage of your journey where little "aha" moments will frequently happen. Enjoy the ride.

Welcome aboard the great shave journey, I've been working on my skills for around a year now starting as most with the DE and moving to the world of SR8 shaving. Take your time in your Zen moments and keep the pressure light and even let the razors do the work.

Originally Posted by Wayne1963

Welcome to SRP! You're in the stage of your journey where little "aha" moments will frequently happen. Enjoy the ride.

"Aha" moments are right. Had my a straight razor shave today and, man, best. shave. yet. Still not game to really go for the neck with the straight, but I'm getting more confident with my left hand and am pretty pleased with the results I'm getting so far.