Thread: Why not the neck/atg?

So I'm sure there are a lot of beginners that have shared a similar experience. I posted on a different thread that I had difficulty shaving the neck and was told by just about everyone that responded that shaving the neck or shaving against the grain is not to be attempted by beginners. Why is this? When I have shaved atg everywhere on my face I suffer no razor burn, and no nicks. The only time have experienced razor burn or nicks on my neck is when I try to hit a certain patch right under my jaw line. Is this a safety thing? Is it because we may be developing poor technique? Thanks

Hey there,

I believe it's a visibility issue. When you are learning to shave your cheek, wtg or atg, you are able to see the razor the width between the spine and your skin. It's also a flat space.

Shaving your neck is more difficult because it requires some practice to stretch it into a flat area, the hair often grows in multiple directions, and it's more difficult to see what is going on. I find that mostly when I'm shaving my neck it's done by feel more than by sight.

So it's generally recommended that you learn how to manipulate the razor on a visible, flat portion of your face. As well, there is a huge difference between a straight stroke and a scything stroke. A scything stroke on your neck is a bit more challenging.

This is my opinion of course, and may not be shared by others. It's just what I've experienced.

Each persons's experience is different. In general ATG on the neck is supposed to be an acquired skill.
I believe that with care and attention to what you're doing all is possible... But if the lather starts turning 'pink' it's not a good thing and one needs to revaluate really quick.

The scything bit is what's giving me the most difficulty. That's really the only bit that gives me any kind of razor burn/nicks. Any tips to possibly cure that?

Recommendations are just that, recommendations. We here on SRP are looking out for the best interest of our members as best we can. If you feel ready for ATG on your neck, have at it. For those of you that are not ready for it, don't. It will come in time or not at all and neither is a bad thing.

I agree with Joe. You want to shave atg on the neck, go for your life. In fact, given how many people's beards grow on their neck you are probably not talking about technically shaving atg anyway, but rather south-to-north. So in going north-to-south your have most likely shaved at least across the grain if not atg in areas already. Besides all that, how are you going to get practice and learn if you don't push yourself?

I personally jumped straight in and just shaved as I always had when I started using straights. I suffered no dire consequences and I am sure that if you are careful (always be careful) neither will you. Advice you receive online is often well meant but can as equally often be very generic as it necessarily is targeted at an idealised "average" from which pretty much all of us differ in greater or lesser degrees. Bear that in mind too as you peruse the boards.

James.

Thanks for the responses, guys. I appreciate the feedback

Originally Posted by Zjgilbert

The scything bit is what's giving me the most difficulty. That's really the only bit that gives me any kind of razor burn/nicks. Any tips to possibly cure that?

A very, very light touch.

Originally Posted by Zjgilbert

The scything bit is what's giving me the most difficulty. That's really the only bit that gives me any kind of razor burn/nicks. Any tips to possibly cure that?

If you get nicks and razor burn from scything, then don't do it.

Or adjust your technique.

and I have shaved my neck atg from the git. its the only way that feels right. I just go slower and sharpen the angle a bit.

Originally Posted by Zjgilbert

So I'm sure there are a lot of beginners that have shared a similar experience. I posted on a different thread that I had difficulty shaving the neck and was told by just about everyone that responded that shaving the neck or shaving against the grain is not to be attempted by beginners. Why is this? When I have shaved atg everywhere on my face I suffer no razor burn, and no nicks. The only time have experienced razor burn or nicks on my neck is when I try to hit a certain patch right under my jaw line. Is this a safety thing? Is it because we may be developing poor technique? Thanks

Since we are all different the answer is percentages...

For me my ATG whiskers on my neck lay very flat
and if they are not well softened are simple guides
that guide the blade down and then into my skin giving
me a rash and burn (or worse).

The percentages seem to have folk shave the easy
bits and these bits mostly correspond to the same
patches of whiskers that grew in first when we were
younger.

But what works for you is just fine.