help from anyone?

[Katy_blade]

Greetings, all. I was hoping someone could help me. I just switched to a Merkur 33C. The shave is great and smooth, but some areas mostly my neck, don't get quite as close ( I know my neck hairs grow in diff directions) I am trying like crazy to get the right angle. Apparently I can press pretty hard on this razor with out any nicks or cuts, but I think the repeated attempted to get a good stroke is hurting my neck.
I'm using the Merkur blades from Solingen, Germany. Do I need a more aggressive blade? tilt razor? Its been 4 shaves are the blades dulling on me?

Thanks Guys.
Bob

 

[Nadir M]

Hi Bob, and welcome to B&B. You definitely need to avoid applying pressure with your razor. Ditch the Merkur blades, because they are garbage. Get a blade sampler pack from a place like westcoastshaving.com. Don't try to get a smooth shave on your neck...instead, aim for a nice comfortable shave. Hope this helps.

 

[SilentTuba]

Hi Bob, and welcome to B&B. You definitely need to avoid applying pressure with your razor. Ditch the Merkur blades, because they are garbage. Get a blade sampler pack from a place like westcoastshaving.com. Don't try to get a smooth shave on your neck...instead, aim for a nice comfortable shave. Hope this helps.

What he said. Everyone has their own favorite blade, but I've never seen anyone say the Merkur blades were their favorite.

 

[Jnyboer]

I'd say skip the sampler and go ahead and buy a pack of Feathers. Like Nick said, pressure won't help. It took me a while to get used to the grain on my neck. After my first two passes, I give my face/neck a good firm rub and make sure I shave against whatever direction I find the most resistance. Give yourself time to figure it out, and be happy with "good" results until then.

 

[oldtrout]

Welcome to B&B.
I agree with the above, Merkur blades are no good, but YMMV.
I recommend:
1) Personna Med Preps;
2) Astra SPs; and
3) Feather blades.

The neck area is troublesome for many of us.
I usually need to stretch my skin and do several passes in different directions in order to achieve a BBS on the right side of my neck. The left side of my neck is no problem.

 

[bmilcs]

Polsilver, Astras and Feather FTW

 

[russhatch]

Instead of a "stock" blade sample package - I suggest you head over to the reviews and see what people are reporting. Then order 3 different blades, after using them whichever you like best is now your baseline to rate other blades against. If you find a new "favorite" then it becomes the go to - at some point you will have 2 or 3 blades that make you smile.
Here is my line up 1) Astra SP, just ordered a 100 more 2) 7 o'clock black 3) feather, nice and sharp but dull quickly IMO

 

[Toothpick]

As others have said avoid the pressure. even if you think you can get away with it. When you advance to different razors/blades you will be thankful you broke the habit of applying pressure.

This page is from the ShaveWiki. It will tell you everything you need to know about proper blade angle. I suspect that is your problem with not getting total smoothness.

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Blade_Angle

Also It sounds like you could benefit from a better blade. Astra, Feathers, Personna, are great blades.

Lastly mapping your beard could help. Knowing the direction your hair grows will be a big advantage. You might think you are shaving with the grain on your neck when in fact you could be shaving across the grain.

here is a handy diagram to help.

 

[Katy_blade]

Thanks all. New Astras on the way. Will give it a go!

 

[Gary H]

Stretch the skin as far as you can.