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No matter how hard I try, I always get irritation on the third pass on the neck when I go against the grain.
I use a Wilkinson Sword Classic, a 24mm knot Maggard synthetic shaving brush, a cream(Palmolive, D'amaris, Denim) and a D'amaris aftershave.
Anyone else who has irritation after the ATG pass? Could use some advice.
I take it you are using a DE? Most irritation going ATG is a result of the angle being off and/or too much weight on the razor.
Bob
As Bob said angle and pressure are the main culprits. Skin stretching will also help.
Another thing to bear in mind that some people just simply can not do a 3 pass shave on the neck without irritation, myself included. If it's the closeness you require try just 2 passes, 1 wtg, 1 atg. You could even try just 1 multi directional shave on the neck.
Also try different DE blades.
Personally I would never do a 3rd pass on my neck and I don't need to. What DE are you using?
An adjustable razor might help you or different blades. Watch you angle and pressure.
I cannot go against the grain unless I use a straight but even then I have to do the very dangerous slide motion. What is referred to in DE speak as the Gillette slide. I won't post any links to procedure but if you look there are a lot out there. What I do is a very subtle, not complete strokes even, very light. This is only done of course after with and across passes are done first. Also don't stretch except with just tilting your head. And make sure the DE is closed comb and non aggressive. Be careful if you try. Good luck.
I only do two passes on my neck and the first one is against the grain. Most of my shirkers lay flat against my skin and the most efficient way of getting them all is most against the grain followed by mostly with the grain. Any more and I risk irritation and by doing the against first it gives me my closest shave without irritation. You will likely need to switch up your routine a little until you find what works best. And as suggested, watch the angle and pressure, and maybe two passes can be better.
I also can't shave ATG on my neck. Also, because the direction of my beard growth, it's actually not possible to do ATG with a straight razor. However, even with a DE or SE I get terrible irritation if I do ATG. So I do two different XTG for the second and third passes. I still get a nice close shave this way, without the irritation.
ATG gives me a lot of irritation, but it is the only way I've ever been able to get a really smooth shave with straight or safety razors. That is probably my fault though.:p
I have similar issues on one side of my neck. I have found that adding some extra lubrication for the ATG pass really helps. Try some shaving oil, baby oil or other skin friendly oil and then lather. If it clogs up your DE, it’s the final pass and won’t matter that much.
I feel that many short, light (weight of the razor) strokes seem to work and are more comfortable with the last pass. Make sure you have a good sharp blade so you aren’t tempted to force things.
Today I made only 2 passes: One WTG except the neck(where I have irritation) where I went XTG and the second pass ATG everywhere.
Better results with no irritation.