First shave with Ralf Aust

So I purchased my Ralf Aust from Straight Razor Designs and it works very well! It was truly shave ready out of the box. I didn't strop it or anything. I performed a two pass shave which was very close. The only thing that I can't seem to figure out is a way to get a truly close shave on the sides of my neck. The hair on the middle of the sides of my neck grows from my chin to my ear (with the grain). I am having a hard time doing with the grain and against the grain passes there which means I leave stubble there. I am new at straight razor shaving so I am asking for help. Also I am wondering what a good effective number of razors is for shaving every day or every other day? I am thinking 3 because that way I should be able to keep two sharp and be able to have one out at the honer due to the fact that I am not trying to learn how to hone yet.

I have a similar problem with direction of growth on my neck. I would suggest checking out lots of shaving videos- most of the time I find that these things are much easier to see than to explain. Also, check out info in the wiki on "advanced" strokes/techniques.

Most of all, I would suggest (assuming that this is indeed your first SR shave, not just the first with this razor) that you frankly get sort of used to leaving a little stubble for now. This sounds a little off-putting and contrary to what we usually read on here, but it is very important to get comfortable with and gain consistency in your WTG pass before worrying too much about BBS all over your face. Many people (including myself) use/used another shaving method, such as DE or cartridge razors, to "clean up" when first starting out. JMHO

Regarding the number of razors, you'll find that many of us can never seem to get enough razors- as new as I am to this, I am already falling victim to the RAD. Most people, however, agree that having at least two razors is best for exactly the reason you mentioned above- you want to have a backup to use when the other is out for honing. Also, it is a good idea to reserve the extra razor to use occasionally to remind you of what shave ready feels like (this will also help you to know when your primary razor needs honing). If you're looking to save some $$$ on the second (or third, or fourth...), take a look at some of the used/vintage razors in the classifieds; you can also check out whipped dog. Good Luck!

Hi simplerbydesign, first of all congratulations on your purchase and good luck with the razor. I would like to ask how it's been doing this past month, did you have to refresh the edge yet or it wasn't necessary yet?
Which one did you get from SRD, the one with de horn scales (a 5/8)? Good luck with your shaves, and remember to lower your angles. Peace!