Murdering part of my face. every time.

[dstjean93]

I recently bought a shavette (closest thing I can get to a straight until I get home), and I (somehow) get a beautiful shave on all of my face, except for one area. No matter what I use for a razor, even Gillette Fusion Proglides, I absolutely murder the part of my throat just under my chin (between the Adam's apple and Chin).. any tips on how to NOT do that?
Thanks!
-Pic of the killzone

 

[gash]

I think the problem is probably that you're using too much pressure with the razors while not stretching the skin. That's just a guess, though. On to the diagnostic questions:

First, how much pressure are you using?

Second, are you stretching the skin taut before you shave that spot? That can make a huge difference.

Third, when you shave your neck, do you use long or short strokes?

Fourth, what's your routine (prep, soap/cream, blade, etc.), and which shavette are you using?

 

[DFSDAILY]

I'm going with not stretching your skin taut enough and also possibly letting your wrist drop when you come down below your chin. It's easy to do that and have too steep of an angle.

 

[Valkyrie]

The neck is also a tough area for me /: my advice would be to just try stretch it as much as possible and slow strokes

 

[Cerbul13]

Did you try stretching your skin sideways? That worked for me. I only have to pull up my neck half way or simply show a double chin, and I stretch my skin with the free hand towards left/right. This is the only way I can get the pores not pump up and be ready to get cut. Try it and see how it goes. But remember, very important, so you technically stretch it both ways, but make sure you only stretch it half way.(just enough so that its not loose)

 

[dstjean93]

to try to reply to everyone (thanks for all the replies!)
-I try to shave with long strokes
-I dont really stretch the skin, I just look straight up to make it taught
-I dont use a lot of pressure. I try to just let it scrape the skin
-I haven't tried stretching it sideways
-My routine is a hot shower, lathering shaving cream, waiting a few minutes (5), re-lathering, and shaving

 

[gash]

Your prep seems quite thorough (good for you), so I think the trouble lies elsewhere. Try the following for two or three shaves, and see if there's any improvement:

Stretch the skin a little. It doesn't take much in order to help smooth it out, and you may feel only a tiny difference while it's taut. It can make a big difference in the shave, though.

Use short strokes. In my experience, it's hard to keep the angle/pressure/direction consistent throughout a long stroke.

Make sure you use zero pressure. Not even a tiny bit. Just keep the blade in contact with your skin. Somebody else on B&B once suggested that you imagine keeping the razor one molecule above your skin. I think that's an incredibly helpful idea to have in your head as you try people's suggestions. It completely changes how you hold and wield the razor.

Let us know how it goes.

 

[Tierdaen]

I have the same problem area when using a duller blade like a Derby with an aggressive DE like the Merkur HD. I also find it tricky with conventional straights because they are usually not sharp enough to work through the hair without special finesse or brute force.

If you're using a sharp shavette though, it is probably an angle-change problem or a pressure issue, both of which are remedied with stretching smaller areas and tilting the head back. I space my index finger and thumb about 4cm apart and pull the skin pretty tight, then shave a rather short path before moving up and pulling the next square of skin. Working small areas helps diagnose what's going on in trouble spots, I find.

 

[jmsodpc]

Use an electric for that area. I won't tell anyone.

 

[NeHal]

as everybody here has advised:
.stretch your skin, this will allow for a smooth gliding motion rather than having the razor skip and jump. does the razor skip and jump in that area of your neck?
.watch your angle- this is also necessary for smooth glides, pretty much like proper stretching but one does not work without the other.
.short strokes will help you maintain that angle.
.no pressure! pretty obvious why
all of these when applied together will make a huge difference in your shave and hopefully to the better side.

Use an electric for that area. I won't tell anyone.

your secret is safe with me.

 

[macdude357]

Sometimes I find that I end up doing a scything motion on that part of my neck. Make sure you are not scything that part of your neck or you can end up with cuts. I cut myself almost every time I accidentally use a scything motion.

 

[Gamma]

I see what could be shave bumps, which could be from ingrowns.
I used to get them from carts and disposables.
Shaving over those bumps caused bad burn like you have there.
Low/no pressure shaves, not going for BBS, and witch hazel after ever shave cleared it up.