Thread: How do I?

Been shaving with a straight for about a year now. I feel pretty confident in my technique, equipment, and prep. However, for the LIFE of me I cannot get a smooth shave on the right side of my neck. The hair growth on that right side grows from the adam's apple to my earlobe. I find it nearly impossible to get an ATG hand position for that type of growth and WTG & XTG just don't cut it for that part of my face.
Anyone else have this same problem? I am getting tremendous shaves...BBS all over my face except for that spot. Any advice would be appreciated. Or if you have the same problem and just want to commiserate then your welcome to the thread too.

Your probably right handed so you get that awesome shave on the left side. Practice with the left hand to get the right side ATG. I was trying to shave with only my right and was having the same thing.

Originally Posted by TrilliumLT

Your probably right handed so you get that awesome shave on the left side. Practice with the left hand to get the right side ATG. I was trying to shave with only my right and was having the same thing.

I am actually LEFT handed. I can't seem to find a razor position that puts the blade flat against that portion of my neck ATG. Either the heel end hits my chin or my collarbone.

Hey Shon,

I have a beard so I only shave my neck and cheeks. I have the same sideways growth on my neck and I never get a really close shave there. Especially in the hollow areas under my jawline. When I raise my chin to stretch the skin there is a curve formed and it is hard to lay the blade flat. As TrilliumLT has said practice will help, but I still find it difficult to get a good sideways stroke without a cut. Some days I do better than others.

I'm thinking of cutting down an ebay special and experimenting with a shorter blade. Hang in there.

Bill

Hey I think I found a market for those shortened razors. They may get in there nicely.
WJF stole my thunder

Originally Posted by WJF

Hey Shon,

I have a beard so I only shave my neck and cheeks. I have the same sideways growth on my neck and I never get a really close shave there. Especially in the hollow areas under my jawline. When I raise my chin to stretch the skin there is a curve formed and it is hard to lay the blade flat. As TrilliumLT has said practice will help, but I still find it difficult to get a good sideways stroke without a cut. Some days I do better than others.

I'm thinking of cutting down an ebay special and experimenting with a shorter blade. Hang in there.

Bill

Exactly. The blade always seems to long to fit that hollow. A shorter blade might be the answer. If you chop one down and it works for you, let me know. I have a Torrey "Little Shaver" that I haven't put into the rotation yet that is only a couple of inches in length. Might have to give her a try.

I have this problem as well. I find the solution is to use a scything motion and BE VERY CAREFUL. I use a upwards and sideways scything motion. Of course this does not get as BBs as completely against the grain, but I can only feel the stubble when running my hand completely against the grain. If I really feel I need to take care of that I have a french point razor with a slight smile that helps to get in those areas. But I only feel the need to get that smooth for special occasions.

I have the same issue, but on the left side. Here's the way I've found to deal with it:

Start with the blade held to your neck paralell to the floor, with the edge facing upwards, directly below the problem area. Then sweep the blade upwards, in a window wiper-type motion, going towards the center of your neck.

Of course, skin stretching is paramount to the success of this maneuver. It takes a little getting used to, but it works like a charm, at least for me.

Originally Posted by chay2K

I have the same issue, but on the left side. Here's the way I've found to deal with it:

Start with the blade held to your neck paralell to the floor, with the edge facing upwards, directly below the problem area. Then sweep the blade upwards, in a window wiper-type motion, going towards the center of your neck.

Of course, skin stretching is paramount to the success of this maneuver. It takes a little getting used to, but it works like a charm, at least for me.

Thanks, chay2K. I'll give that a try. Just a shame to have such great shaves only to have a spot that gets missed. I'll try your technique.

Originally Posted by yosh

Thanks, chay2K. I'll give that a try. Just a shame to have such great shaves only to have a spot that gets missed. I'll try your technique.

Oh man! I just noticed that you're in Utah too, whereabouts do you live? There's getting to be quite a few of us here in the Beehive State, we might have to get a Utah meet-up planned sometime.