Thread: Old problem - the neck

So I have been useing a Feather SS and DX for a while, and my Whipped Dog straight as well. I get great results on my cheeks and under the nose and below the mouth, but my problem area is.... the neck.
I'm not alone in this, I know.

Here's my problem, my beard grown N - S from my sideburns and down to my chinline, there is decides to go nuts and start growing away form the adams apple and sideways out and then kind of angling upwards towards my ear (apart from one small spot the size of a quarter maybe that goes N - S just to spite me). This means that XTG on the neck is easy. What is problematic is WTG and ATG. Because the scales are in the way and I'm a skinny guy with a neck equipped with hollows between the jugular and the sides of the neck. It's hell. Tried going diagonal when going ATG and WTG, but that's still a bother because of the scales and the hollows. With a DE this isn't a problem at all, but I would like to be able to cut down to just using one razor per shave insted of having to switch mid-shave.

The way I see it is that I either pick up some tips on how to handle this, or faten up so my neck becomes round and jolly, this making nack shaving easier. I'm hoping on the technique one, to be honest.

I have not been shaving with a straight long, but have the same issue with my neck hairs growing from the midline outwards. Something I've noticed is if I do two XTG passes, one N-S then one S-N, it gives me a good DFS, not great but pretty good. I remember reading a post about a few different grips gents have tried with our same issue. That's been the biggest help to me is just trying new grips when the classic ones don't pan out. Good luck.

Over the years I've tried just about every grip and stroke and I've given up trying to get BBS in areas of my neck and to tell you the truth just because it's not BBS doesn't mean you didn't get a great shave. BBS isn't the arbiter folks think it is.

I've found using a shorter razor helps and a razor with a heavy smile makes a big difference too.

I simply go N-S, then S-N.

I have tried going across, but the blade scares me on the jugular

Still, a DFS providing the blade is sharp.

Mine neck hairs swirl...
I'll likely not get it completely smooth, but I'm happy with how it turns out. My final pass is east west, with a short buffing stroke and the skin pulled tight and head all contorted. ;-)
I'm sure there's an easier way, but this is how I skin a cat.

the adams apple is my problem. I can't get BBS but what ever I get without a cut is fine with me.

If XTG is easy then the solution is simple: bypass WTG and ATG and do 2 XTG passes on your neck, in opposite directions (S to N, then N to S) and that should do the trick. I have the same issue and it works like a charm

After time and practice (and a sharp razor ) you might find that WTG and XTG is all you need to get BBS across the majority of your face....

I don't have a great solution because just below my jaw line and the neck hollows are problematic for me as well. Part of the solution lies in stretching the skin in different directions and doing several clean up passes.

I usually don't start out chasing a BSS but often it turns out that way. What's weird is sometimes I feel I've accomplished it about an hour later after my whiskers dry out I feel the stubble. I figure it's just the challenge of learning the stroke, pressure & stretching all together.

Here's what works for me:
Make sure the razor is sharp and stropped. Disregard direction of whiskers and go in any direction that is comfortable and controllable. Gently stretch skin. Use a high enough blade angle to follow the contours of any wrinkles and such and do not press down on the blade (to avoid razor burn or nicks). Repeat: Do NOT press down on the blade. You will be rewarded with a smooth, closely shaved neck.

The Adam's Apple is to the crown of your head as Antarctica is to the North Pole.

I still reach for the safety razor if i want to make full ATG passes there, and that's looking for trouble, so i may quit that altogether. I've learned to give it a good South then North pass and maybe ONE touch-up attempt per side. Law of diminishing returns kicks in really quickly after that.