I'll never have a baby-smooth neck.

I've accepted it: hard as I try, I will never have a super smooth shave on my neck area. Or to put it more accurate, I'm not willing to do to my neck what I would have to do in order to get that close of a shave. But I'm OK with that.
I won't get into how I tried and tried. Or how I attacked it from every angle possible known to a wet shaver. You all appreciate what I went through. I just came to the point where I had to ask myself "is it worth it?".
I realize now that I can live with a reasonably close shave on my neck with minimal irritation and not consider it a defeat.
Thanks for listening.

Jeremy

 

I'm at the same point, I get irritation even when I'm being careful so now I go for bbs on my face and jaw and live with dfs on neck with minimum redness, sometimes. I have read many others have the exact same problem. The worse is my straight razor which I'm learning it really leaves my neck red and not super smooth

 

I'm with you, two with the grain passes and I call it a day. All that effort and irritation trying to achieve BBS aren't worth it to me.

 

Absolutely agree. A rash lasts much longer than a BBS.

 

Spud, I think you are on the right track. I believe that it is nearly impossible to get a BBS shave if you get irritation. The irritation ruins the next shave.

 

I'm lucky. I can get a DFS on the neck every day since I made the switch to DE/SE shaving. I do need to remember to not go overboard on the passes (3 and out!), but I can get much closer now. My irritation on the neck generally comes from stubble and friction.

 

I've given up on the BBS a while ago. Sure, it's nice when you get it right, but I find it more of a hassle than anything. I go for close and comfortable and slap on the A/S and head to work.

 

Had the same problem, theMerkur futur fixed it though.

 

I would have echoed your thoughts , before last week. Taking time and care, I used my Slim/Derby to get my first ever ATG neck shave(non-irritating). Three passes( WTG,XTG,ATG) and a shallow angle.

 

For those who are able to achieve it, congratulations to you. I am able to get a close shave on my neck but when I run my fingers over the skin I can feel some roughness. In order to get it off, I look pretty messy, especially around my lower throat.

Having said that I'm no longer disappointed and I love my shaves. I think I look better heading out the door with some neck stubble ( not really stubble but for lack of a better description) only I notice than a baby smooth neck and nicks and rash everyone else notices.

 

A BBS is nice depending on how much it hurts to achieve one. I found that once I gave up "chasing the baby" my shaves became "MUCH" more enjoyable. A DFS with "NO" irritation beats a BBS with irritation every time for me at least..

 

I'm happy, your satisfied. that is a good place to be.

 

I am happy with a two pass close comfortable shave. The neck has always been the most difficult, and like you, I gave up on chasing the baby.

 

I agree two passes and I'm done , not worth the neck irritation. Have tried all kinds of vintage and a couple of modern razors and a no name open comb I have just started using is the first razor that doesn't irritate my next . Shaving is fun and I want to be able to enjoy the whole process and result . Prep and technique are improving six months in and in another 6 months who knows .


Glenn

 

I dont over work my neck either since it will just get so irritated. I do get tempted though at times.

 

I have a hard time in the right side of my neck because of a large scar. My Gillette adjustables will get in that area with one pass going N to S on 5 with a Feather and ATG on 3. Then I have to go with every technique out there to buff the rest. If I chase the baby I pay later, so like y'al I back down early now.

 

truth. I am fine with a couple of passes WTG on mine.

 

I can get my neck smooth, just go a different direction with each pass. JUST BE CAREFUL AROUND THE ADAM'S APPLE.

 

Two passes for me WTG & ATG.....maybe a little touch up on the cheeks if needed. Usually a DFS on the neck and BBS on the cheeks. That is fine with me!!