Should I go aggressive or mild

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21
Problem/sensitive areas – approach to take

I find it hard to get a close shave on some parts of my neck. The closer I try to get, the more blood is spilled.

I should get my technique a bit better, but do you think a more aggressive blade/razor combo would work better (fewer passes), or a milder one (less chance of a cut, perhaps)?

I guess experimentation may help me answer this, and my technique does need improving – maybe another look at the direction of hair growth as well (it seems to be all over the place).

I've got a pre shave oil coming, this might improve glide and reduce tugging.

Any thoughts?
 
What I did was to improve my technique with a "mild" razor (Muehle R89) until it was as good as I could manage. I still get the odd nick here and there but now it's more down to carelessness. I also used a more assertive razor (Executive Shaving Braveheart) for longer growth (3+ days) which generally goes well.
I found using a good quality shaving soap helps also - I'm extremely impressed by Stirling soap, currently running down the "Coconut & Lime" version. Next is Proraso cream. And I use pre-shave oil too.
 
Thanks! I look forward to some more practice!

I am currently using the Braveheart (on a generic bamboo style handle). It seems to work well. I have other options as well.

I looked up Stirling soap and bought one - with an aftershave to match. Both bay rum which I'm looking forward to smelling because I am not too sure whether I know the smell.

That's probably it for purchases for now, but I look forward to more recommendations of stuff to buy!
 
Could be down to a few things. Possibly the angle of attack on those areas.

Personally I've started going against the grain on my first pass which is given me better results. I used to do that pre lockdown, then changed, I ended up with more irritation. I'm using little pressure and concentrating on getting the angle correct. It doesn't matter if I use a milder razor such as the R89 or more assertive razor ES Outlaw. I'm getting pretty much the same result.
 
Could be down to a few things. Possibly the angle of attack on those areas.

Personally I've started going against the grain on my first pass which is given me better results. I used to do that pre lockdown, then changed, I ended up with more irritation. I'm using little pressure and concentrating on getting the angle correct. It doesn't matter if I use a milder razor such as the R89 or more assertive razor ES Outlaw. I'm getting pretty much the same result.

Interesting. I did that once a long time ago but can't remember the results. I am new to this in a way again after a beard most of this year and mostly cartridge the year before. I've started back with the classic WTG followed by XTG then ATG approach...

After your against the grain first pass, what did you do? Another ATG or something different?

Angle of attack is a good point. I'll look in to that, it's something I don't consider all that much during the shave.
 
Problem/sensitive areas – approach to take

I find it hard to get a close shave on some parts of my neck. The closer I try to get, the more blood is spilled.

I should get my technique a bit better, but do you think a more aggressive blade/razor combo would work better (fewer passes), or a milder one (less chance of a cut, perhaps)?

I guess experimentation may help me answer this, and my technique does need improving – maybe another look at the direction of hair growth as well (it seems to be all over the place).

I've got a pre shave oil coming, this might improve glide and reduce tugging.

Any thoughts?
There's your problem right away. ‘The closer I get...' etc. If you're just starting out on this, your skin will need to get used to a new form of shaving. Don't chase an elusive ‘baby smooth shave' as this stage. If you constantly go over the same area, you're asking for, at best, burn and rash. As you say, get your technique sorted; and consider one pass on the neck, with the grain, for now. It will fall into place.

Also, I'd advise you not to fall into the trap of buying every lotion, balm, oil and other unguents in the hope that they help just now. Too often, we've seen instances where folk have used pre-shave oils and creams; then soaps, then post-shave oils, balms and other stuff after every shave. They then wonder why they look like they've been dooking for chips.
 
Another thing to try is skin-stretching. This helps a blade to glide smoothly over the skin.

With a straight, all I have to do is throw my head back and the skin on my neck tightens up enough to shave easily. Everyone's face is different though. You could also try putting thumb & forefinger on either side of your Adam's apple then pull down and out to the side a little.
 
Before anything you have to learn how to shave as safety razors are a different breed of cat. Forego the desire to get a BBS shave and just concentrate on a DFS. Don't "faceturbate", i.e., constantly touching your face to critique the shave. As mentioned above, skip all the "snake oil" BS thinking you can somehow "high tech" your way into a great shave. Buying a new piano doesn't make you philharmonic ready. Lastly, don't make the #1 mistake of buying a hyper aggressive razor straight out of the chute as so many do and regret it.
 
Before anything you have to learn how to shave as safety razors are a different breed of cat. Forego the desire to get a BBS shave and just concentrate on a DFS. Don't "faceturbate", i.e., constantly touching your face to critique the shave. As mentioned above, skip all the "snake oil" BS thinking you can somehow "high tech" your way into a great shave. Buying a new piano doesn't make you philharmonic ready. Lastly, don't make the #1 mistake of buying a hyper aggressive razor straight out of the chute as so many do and regret it.

I agree.

FWIW, I never try to get the closest possible shave but the most comfortable one; which for myself involves making a good slick lather, the right blade in the right razor and applying as light a touch as possible during the shave, and shaving with the direction of the grain as much as is possible.

For a beginner, I'd recommend trying to keep things as simple as possible - get a reliable shaving soap, a synth brush (eg a Yaqi) and a pet feeder water bowl, with the latter it's near enough impossible to not create a great lather with those.
 
Clean the hamster/gerbil drool out first of course.

:ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::LOL::LOL:

Coming soon to A&E's new base, which will provide even more slickness than their last base, which will be sold with some kind of abstract art you can't quite tell what it is in a limited edition that sold out before it was announced and YT shaving enthusiasts will say it's the greatest ever shaving soap base but their faces go bright red like a beetroot at the end of the shave/video.
 
After your against the grain first pass, what did you do? Another ATG or something different?

I basically shave north to south, then XTG, followed by south to north. I don't do a complete pass on the final one. just the neck, chin, and side burn areas. Like others mentioned, I also never aim for the BBS smooth shave, just comfortable. The moment I went with that approach, my shaves improved.I can do just as well with a mild razor. The standard Merkur 34 or MÜHLE/Edwin Jagger R89 are good starting points for a reason. I also have the Executive Shaving Co Outlaw Mild (and Standard), the mild is a good option if your wanting to spend more, you know your cutting your beard with that, it's so noisy.
 
Don't chase BBS, as said by @Scotshave

It's all too easy to try to achieve all over smoothness every shave
WTG/XTG will get you looking presentable

Could be that you're applying too much pressure? (having used a cartridge razor which allow you to apply pressure without mishap)

One tip that has stuck with me - only shave when you need to shave - for me it's every two days
This gives your skin chance to recover from your previous shave

Get your shave done in as little time as possible - the longer the razor is in your hand, the longer the blade is in contact with your skin.

I would say it's best to stick with just one razor, one blade and one soap/cream which will help you achieve consistent results.
Too many variables will inevitably provide varied results
 
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