Thread: Ready for advice on technique....

I started shaving with a razor from Larry, and after about 4 weeks purchased a shave ready dovo special from Lynn. I have been using this razor for a few months now (3-4), and I have watched Lynn's DVD and videos online. My goal is DFS with no irritation and no ingrowns, my goal is not BBS.

Currently I do one N-S pass followed by one oblique pass from midline to lateral on the cheeks, but again N-S on the chin and neck. I want to stick to 2 passes...

I am a thin guy with a pronounced jaw line, leaving me with many different angles as I am not able to "flatten" the areas on my neck easily. I have difficulty making a smooth NS stroke from my chin to bottom of the neck. This leads to far from DFS just under the jaw line and not DFS on the neck either. I do not want to shave ATG on the chin or neck if I can avoid it. Any advice is appreciated!

Originally Posted by JMP

I started shaving with a razor from Larry, and after about 4 weeks purchased a shave ready dovo special from Lynn. I have been using this razor for a few months now (3-4), and I have watched Lynn's DVD and videos online. My goal is DFS with no irritation and no ingrowns, my goal is not BBS.

Currently I do one N-S pass followed by one oblique pass from midline to lateral on the cheeks, but again N-S on the chin and neck. I want to stick to 2 passes...

I am a thin guy with a pronounced jaw line, leaving me with many different angles as I am not able to "flatten" the areas on my neck easily. I have difficulty making a smooth NS stroke from my chin to bottom of the neck. This leads to far from DFS just under the jaw line and not DFS on the neck either. I do not want to shave ATG on the chin or neck if I can avoid it. Any advice is appreciated!

Below the jawline is one of the trickiest areas of skin to map, as that's usually where people have growth in various directions. If possible, try to let it grow for like 2 days so that you can see which direction it's all growing. WTG is often not completely N > S.

I look upward to stretch that area, and then I pull on the side of my neck (outward in the direction of that side's ear) to get on the side of my windpipe. My hair grows sideways down by my neck and learning how to get a true WTG pass on that spot takes some time when the blade is like 3" long. I'll usually lead with the heel slightly to help maneuver.

Hope something in there helps you out a bit.

Originally Posted by JMP

I am a thin guy with a pronounced jaw line, leaving me with many different angles as I am not able to "flatten" the areas on my neck easily. I have difficulty making a smooth NS stroke from my chin to bottom of the neck. This leads to far from DFS just under the jaw line and not DFS on the neck either. I do not want to shave ATG on the chin or neck if I can avoid it. Any advice is appreciated!

Gain weight!

When you say you are having difficulty making a smooth stroke from your chin to the bottom of your neck, are you doing it in a single stroke? If so, that may be part of the problem. Try taking shorter strokes.

I usually use short strokes, but it seems that the few times I am able to make a smooth stroke over my chin and down my neck it works better for that area, but it is difficult to do. I try to follow Joel's video for technique. For the most part, the hair on the neck and jaw actually does grow almost completely NS. I guess I might try shaving ATG to the jawline, as my problem lies right below/under the jawline, and maybe attacking it from below instead of above will help. I just do not want to get any bumps or ingrown hairs....

thanks for the advice guys

With continued experimenting:

Cheeks and sideburns- 1 WTG, 1 XTG
Chin- 2 WTG
Neck-1 WTG, 2nd time also N-S but stretching the skin sideways

Then, for a touchup, I did ATG right at the jawline just underneath the chin-the area I have the most trouble with.

Success! Best shave I have had yet!

You may just need to take it easy for awhile, letting your skin and technique build up.

One technique I use (I also have prounounced lines) is to pull the skin up or down so that the skin that is normally on an edge is on a flat surface.

Originally Posted by JMP

With continued experimenting:

Cheeks and sideburns- 1 WTG, 1 XTG
Chin- 2 WTG
Neck-1 WTG, 2nd time also N-S but stretching the skin sideways

Then, for a touchup, I did ATG right at the jawline just underneath the chin-the area I have the most trouble with.

Success! Best shave I have had yet!

That's what it's going to come down to. Experimenting, and seeing what works best for you. You may pick up some tips here and there and It will be a rough road for a while, but stick with it. Your shaves will improve.

Videos Videos Videos.....watch whatever you can find. You may be able to pick up a different stroke or different hand position that may make your shaves easier. you tube has bunch you can check out. I have a few up there under the name Jpm7676

I'm thin and I have a strong jawline also and this is what I do for under my jaw.

Stretch the skin tight right above my jawline and pull it up so the skin that was under my jaw is now above my jawline. This takes very dry hands to grip and pull the skin since the skin there is not loose at all.