Neck irritation on first couple of shaves

Hi,

I recently bought a new dovo bismarck. I stropped it and it seemed very sharp as when I tested it on the top of my arm it cut through perfectly. When I started shaving, from my sideburns down to my jaw line was fine, both left and right. However I can't seem to shave around my chin and underneath it without it pulling and tugging, causing lots of irritation and eventually nicks and scrapes.

As the razor seems sharp I can only imagine it's my technique. I've watched plenty of YouTube videos on how to do it and I think I'm getting the right angle but clearly something is wrong.

I know it's hard without actually seeing it, but I wondered if anyone had any tips?

Thanks,

Lewis

My only tip would be to be patient. It took me a month or two of experience before I was able to make much progress on the chin, neck and jawline. You'll eventually conquer this area, but it will take time and practice.

Look into your soap too. Along with technique, the soap that you use is a very important factor in a good shave.

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Originally Posted by Johnus

Look into your soap too. Along with technique, the soap that you use is a very important factor in a good shave.

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I'm using Taylor of Old Bond Street cream. I've been using it for a while when I was still using a cartridge razor so I tend to get a good lather.

I tried again today and I found I got a much better shave, but in areas it still felt like I was ripping at the hairs instead of slicing them. Is this most likely to be the angle?

Could very well be your angle. Start with the spine of the razor flat against your cheek and slowly angle it as you make a stroke until it cuts hairs closely but yet still comfortably. That's how I taught myself. Another thing is don't go against the grain yet. Save that for later, as it will likely only lead to irritation. Go with the grain one pass, then across the grain second pass. That's what I do every shave now and works like a charm. Sitting here stroking my smooth face as I type, haha. Hang in there, brotha. You'll be shaving and making all the guys in the office jealous in no time!

I also found it is important to control the pressure on the blade, specially in the neck area. Pressure should be enough to cut the whiskers but light enough to avoid irritation. The chin area should be the final frontier and it takes time to conquer it. Start with light, short strokes in multiple directions. Again, don't put too much pressure to avoid nicks and irritation in this area as well. At some point you will introduce ATG passes and the chin will acquire the BBS feeling we all aim for. I was were you are just a few months ago. Takes patience and time.

Forgot to mention...Shaving the chin does require introducing some creative skin stretching. Try dabbing your fingers on your allum bar and stretching the skin around the sides of your chin towards the ears. That seems to work for me.

Usually pulling is a sign the razor is not sharp enough. The chin is a more demanding area so it may work on the cheeks but fail on the chin.

Of course if you are starting out your technique can be an issue also and if that is the case you just need more experience but I'd look into the razor first.

This is probably a combination of adjusting your prep and shaving technique and also you may need to do some honing. Since you got a 'much better' shave on a later shave its probably mainly technique which always improves with practice. Do you have a pasted strop? (Chromium Oxide) If so, try doing a refresh of 7-10 laps then 60-80 laps or so on a leather strop to see if that smooths out your edge. If you only have one straight razor you, of course, will need to maintain its edge more frequently.

Is the razor shave ready when u bought it.. Has it been honed by a pro ... ??