Thread: East to west pass across the neck

Maybe try a scything pass... CAREFULLY though. You can filet yourself if it's not done properly. That's what I have to do but it's an advanced technique.

I have the same “every which way but loose” problem with the grain on my neck. I can get BBS on some parts with a straight using my dominant hand and “close enough” if I two-hand it for other parts going in another direction.

If I want a really close shave, I use my Merkur slant DE and go in several different directions.

A few of hours later, it’s grown back enough that I can’t tell the difference.

I am jealous of anyone who can achieve a really close neck shave with a straight in two passes

Originally Posted by PaulFLUS

Maybe try a scything pass... CAREFULLY though. You can filet yourself if it's not done properly. That's what I have to do but it's an advanced technique.

Can you elaborate on what that is exactly?

Originally Posted by Axeman556

Can you elaborate on what that is exactly?

The best way to describe the scything stroke is to think of the kind of stroke you use while honing but on your face. Instead of the edge being at a 90° angle to the direction of the stroke it is a much more acute angle; not necessarily 45° or any particular angle but drawing the edge not only across but along the hair.

I say it is an advanced technique because, although it is not hard to do it requires good muscle memory so as not to get "cixelsid" with the direction and cut the nonsense out of yourself.

Originally Posted by Axeman556

Can you elaborate on what that is exactly?

Like Paul said.

Think of it as an X stroke on your face. I call it the slice stroke. But don't actually slice your face with it. Requires good stretch and low shave angle, light pressure. Some DE shavers do similar and call it the "Gillette Slide" stroke.

I do a 4 pass shave every other day. And I know I'm not going to get BBS on one area of the neck. Its just how it goes. Sithing strokes can sometime get it but I find to lather only the side that needs touched up, then pushing in on the other side of the neck bulges the lathered side out. Then with the stretching it gets very close. But as with Mikes X pattern, it takes practice.

I can see where that x stroke could dive you pretty nice if not careful. I gotta be honest with myself that maybe far more advanced than I am right now. I will give it a go and report back to you guys on how it went. Worst comes to worst I just touch up with my de until I'm more seasoned. Although that makes me feel like a amateur.

Don't sweat it. We were all amateurs once. You are doing a lot better than many of us so take your time and count it a win that you are even thinking about more advanced techniques this early.

Originally Posted by PaulFLUS

Don't sweat it. We were all amateurs once. You are doing a lot better than many of us so take your time and count it a win that you are even thinking about more advanced techniques this early.

Thanks you! I haven't quite figured out why all of this has come fairly natural to me. Im thankful it has tho , it's been actually a lot of fun, I look forward to everytime I pick up my razors!

Thank you all for your comments and help!