Thread: Shaving Accross Neck

I have been shaving with a straight razor for about 2 weeks. All is well except for 2 small spots on my neck...The hair on my neck grows both north and south as well as east and west in some spots. Shaving north and south on my neck is easy. Shaving east and west however, not so much! I have always shaved with a Gillette Fusion and gone North and South, then east and west with no problem.

Does anyone shave east-west on their neck? Unfortunately, I have to in order to get a clean shave. I can tell it is possible because I have gotten close, but I do always end up cleaning up with a Gillette and am looking to get away from that obviously. Any tips or videos on this? Thanks a lot!

Unless you have a large and rotund neck true E-W is very difficult. Probably the best way to attack the issue is with extreme stretching and an oblique type of stroke. I have the same issue and really unless I'm using a Kamisori which can get into those areas really well because it's smaller I just don't worry about it anymore. I guess if it really bothers you and you can't get a straight to work well you could use a DE just for those areas.

The hair on my lower neck also grows east to west, i've found that doing two passes in a sort of north west to south east and then south west to north easy direction will get me a good smooth shave. Experimenting with some different angles may help you too.

The neck is tough, and I am still struggling as well. I have found Guillotine cuts work best for going EW and that is the only way I can fit a blade there in that direction. Be careful, and good luck

I've been working on this area ever since I started straight shaving. what I have found that many do is to use a DE as a touch-up, but it is possible with a straight. I actually use one of my wife's shorter blades for this as it works better for me, but it does work with my normal length blades as well. I use a round point for this. I start by pushing my chin into my chest fairly tight. Grasping the skin at my chin with the chin in the joint between the thumb and palm with my fingers grasping the skin on either side. I then lift my head and had together stretching the skin up on my neck. I can then run a razor from the outside towards the adam's apple and get a close shave. I don't do this every time as I rarely wish to use specific razors for certain areas and generally have a couple of razors from other people to try along with my shave. I just have come to a point where I enjoy my shave and accept what happens. I usually get a very close shave, but on occasion they are lacking in some areas.

I haven't been using a straight very long and this is the exact same problem i have been having. I find that using a choke hold grip on the bottom of my neck with one hand and tilting my head backwards and slightly to the opposite side that you are shaving allows me to shave that area of my neck easier because it causes the skin to become flatter and i can shave with the grain. If this isn't working for me sometimes i just have to stop and use a DE to get that area which is no big deal, i still use the straight for the reast of the shave. Still gives a close shave, hope this helps!

I find I don't need to worry too much about a E to W pass on the neck. Generally, I don't get overly concerned about the few hairs that I find almost impossible (within reason) to get. I feel I COULD eliminate every hair, but I'd probably end up with some irritation; and the hairs (that I can feel) are generally not visible. I do understand how annoying it'd be for people who have a lot of hair on the neck. I think if I had thick hair on my neck I'd use a straight and a DE everyday in combination.

At the same time, there's always a challenge...

I have the same problem but found that Guillotine cuts and also rotating the blade in somewhat of a circular motion when i do my touch ups remedies the problem.

Originally Posted by Dcole

I have been shaving with a straight razor for about 2 weeks. All is well except for 2 small spots on my neck...The hair on my neck grows both north and south as well as east and west in some spots. Shaving north and south on my neck is easy. Shaving east and west however, not so much! I have always shaved with a Gillette Fusion and gone North and South, then east and west with no problem.

Does anyone shave east-west on their neck? Unfortunately, I have to in order to get a clean shave. I can tell it is possible because I have gotten close, but I do always end up cleaning up with a Gillette and am looking to get away from that obviously. Any tips or videos on this? Thanks a lot!

The following video is what I try to emulate east-west. I've been straight shaving two years and occasionally get all the hair there, but most often close. This guy has used a straight over 30 years and admitted in forum conversation that it wasn't until the last year or two leading up to the video that he conquered the jaw line and other trouble spots.



Note that over time you can reach spots you couldn't reach before. It's just a matter of practice.

Originally Posted by CaliforniaCajun

Note that over time you can reach spots you couldn't reach before. It's just a matter of practice.

Great video!! Smooth shave!! Thnx!