Thread: east west neck hair

I am having a bit of trouble with my neck, the hair grows east west, I have been shaving diagonally which eventually removes the hair with multiple passes, while I stretch the skin I get a fair amount of razor burn, I am fairly new to this so wondered if there were any better ways of tackling this type of growth.
Thanks in advance for your help.

I have the same issue with the east/west direction on my neck. Over time, trying different stretches and angles of attack have made it possible for me to get it all with 2 passes and a touch up on the tougher spots. It is just a matter of trial and error.

Now the razor burn would probably be a result of trying to do it with pressure. If your edge is adequately sharp and smooth, you should be able to finesse those whiskers off with a combination of the guillotine stroke and the correct angle. That is for my whiskers though. We don't all have the same and maybe yours are tougher.

Good freaking question. I have similar growth on my neck. The hair grows sideways not down which means my initial N->S pass is not actually WTG but XTG. I firmly believe this is why I have never gotten perfectly smooth shaves regardless of the type of razor used. That being said, I'm still getting better results with a straight than I ever did with disposables or cartridges.

I've been wondering if a kamisori with its smaller blade might open up some additional angles to attack to sideways, and reverse angled growth.

Originally Posted by LiamPBoyle

Good freaking question. I have similar growth on my neck. The hair grows sideways not down which means my initial N->S pass is not actually WTG but XTG. I firmly believe this is why I have never gotten perfectly smooth shaves regardless of the type of razor used. That being said, I'm still getting better results with a straight than I ever did with disposables or cartridges. I've been wondering if a kamisori with its smaller blade might open up some additional angles to attack to sideways, and reverse angled growth.

I think the lack of flat surface combined with the long blade makes the neck area so difficult. With a cartridge I would kind of undeliberately go "schrab, schrab, schrab, schrab" with just little offset and this way catch most of the stubbles. Using a straight each stroke is done deliberatly and the offset is much bigger.

Shaving with a kamisori is different. With my great treasure of experience ( two kamisori shaves so far ) I can tell You, that the shorter blade works well on the neck. Do not underestimate the harsh tip and heel though. They like to catch on hollow parts.

In that case, come next year's tax refund I may have to treat myself to a Kamisori rather than the Hart custom i was thinking about.

I have the exact same experience as JimmHad. With practice you will tame that East-West beast. I have found (the hard way) a round nose blade is best for avoiding nicks and slices. Patience, patience, patience and a well honed blade will be your best tool.

Dave

This will eventually be solved with more experimentation and practice. I would strive for short light touch strokes, look up scything strokes, and stretch smaller areas and more often than you do. Instead of thinking about covering a 3-4" swath, for example, make your shave stroke and stretch for it at around 1-2".

I have looked up the scything strokes, I've just been having trouble putting it into practice. So should I just focus on making the diagonal stroke it calls for with just the toe of the blade in contact with the trouble spot?

I also think replacing the burned out light bulb in my bathroom might help as well

Originally Posted by LiamPBoyle

I have looked up the scything strokes, I've just been having trouble putting it into practice. So should I just focus on making the diagonal stroke it calls for with just the toe of the blade in contact with the trouble spot?

I also think replacing the burned out light bulb in my bathroom might help as well

What helps me is to slightly rotate on an imaginary pivot. The remaining lather on the outer edge of your shaving stroke should have a slight curve to it showing you did the stroke right. Eventually it just becomes a feel. Perhaps practice this first with a butter knife on something else to practice the movement.

So almost a windshield wiper type motion then?