Safety Razor that won't cut

[Deepiscool]

Hello there Heroes,
I've still been having trouble shaving my neck area (especially Adams apple). Also I have a very sharp jaw line. I was wondering if you knew of any DE Safety Razors that are "Cut proof". I know it sounds very foolish to ask, but I have no option at this point than to use my wifes Venus shaver. It's not embarassing, but I just don't want to have to buy those type of expensive cartridges just to get a smooth neck. I even grew out a beard for a few weeks because I was so sick of my "bloody" neck.

Please help me.

I'm currently using a Parker 22 with Derby Razors. The Derby's are nice, they do not cause irritation. But I'm hoping someone can direct me to a safer alternative to shaving my neck. Should I just buy Mach 3's only for my neck? This is a very frustrating situtation. Would a Merker 34C help? Is there a DE razor that would eliminate the chances of getting cut up?

Hope to hear from you soon

Deep

 

[joglander]

I would try a sample pack that includes red personnas and feathers. I can't get a decent shave with a derby and I have tried them in five different razors. My blade favorites: Feather, Astra, Red Personna, US Personna, Merkur. Shark's aren't too bad. I think the blade is more important than the instrument. YMMV!

 

[lamontqsanford]

I know this sounds a little off, but I had some similar problems on my neck line with a DE. The only thing I have found to work is a straight razor. I can actually be more aggressive with a straight razor on my neck and get much better results. I find that with a straight I get closer, no cuts, and no irritaiton on my neck line.

 

[GDCarrington]

Hello there Heroes,
I've still been having trouble shaving my neck area (especially Adams apple). Also I have a very sharp jaw line. I was wondering if you knew of any DE Safety Razors that are "Cut proof". I know it sounds very foolish to ask, but I have no option at this point than to use my wifes Venus shaver. It's not embarassing, but I just don't want to have to buy those type of expensive cartridges just to get a smooth neck. I even grew out a beard for a few weeks because I was so sick of my "bloody" neck.

Please help me.

I'm currently using a Parker 22 with Derby Razors. The Derby's are nice, they do not cause irritation. But I'm hoping someone can direct me to a safer alternative to shaving my neck. Should I just buy Mach 3's only for my neck? This is a very frustrating situtation. Would a Merker 34C help? Is there a DE razor that would eliminate the chances of getting cut up?

Hope to hear from you soon

Deep

No razor can eliminate all problems, though some are better at reducing the issues than others. Preparation and shaving methods can do more to reduce issues that swapping out hardware. If you have not already, please go to Mantic's videos on youtube and watch how he navigates tricky issues.

http://www.youtube.com/user/mantic59

Good fortune.

 

[Elmfuzz]

Have you checked that the quality of your Parker is as it should be?
I had one that cut me up something fantastic.

 

[edutton]

From the reviews I've read on Parker DE's, they don't necessarily give a great shave. I use a Merkur 38C and gives a beautiful shave w/ no nicks. You may also want to try an adjustable razor so that you can play with the aggressiveness and see what you're comfortable with. As stated above, you may want to try a different type of razor as well. I use feathers and they slice through hair like no other. I can't take a step back to any other blade now that I've tried feathers.

 

[Texas Don]

First off, you're pressing a sharpened blade against your skin when using a DE razor so a cut or nick is always a possibility. No matter what DE razor you might be using. Technique is what will address this issue for you. Think back to the first time you rode a bicycle. If you didn't have someone cheering you on and offering good instructions, you would have thought it impossible to stay upright. Shaving with a DE just requires developing a different skill set than you are used to using with one of those multi-bladed snow plows.
First off, ease up on the pressure. Let the weight of the razor do most if not all of the work for you. Always go with a sharp blade. By buying in larger batches, my favorite blades run about 13 cents each. I change after every other shave. Why? Because they will shave beautifully for 2 1/2 shaves. I used to push it for 3 shaves and invariably nicked myself. Usually on the upper lip or chin. At 6 1/2 cents a shave, blades are already cheap enough so that there is no justification for trying to get the last ounce of performance out of one.
Concentrate on getting comfortable with shaving with the grain (WTG). Once you've mastered that procedure, move along to against the grain (ATG). Finally, you can add across the grain (XTG) to your new found skills and then you have it. I've been wet shaving for a total of 15 years or so with a 30 year layoff in the middle. I used a Trac II exclusively during that 30 year period. I still occasionally nicked myself with the Trac II and occasionally will get a nick or a weeper with my DE. Probably once a month or so. Keep a styptic pencil or Alum block on hand to deal with it and realize that it's just part of the process.
Chances are you rode that bicycle long enough to ride without hands on the bars, pop wheelies and even put your feet on the handlebars and coast downhill before you went on to other forms of transportation. Your skill level with a DE razor will improve too. Just don't get frustrated and give up.

 

[noahpictures]

The best DE razor for the neck in my experience has been the Merkur Slant (37C/G or 39C). I'm also offering a blade sample PIF on the forum, you might want to sign up.

 

[Deepiscool]

Blades: I've tried many different sample packs. Derby's were the only ones that were compatable with my skin. Feathers, I still have nightmares

Instruments: The parker is adjusted quite well, however, I've heard that it's not the best insturment in town.

Prep: I prep very well. Hot shower. Take time lathering. I follow Mantics Advice all the way, Also Kyle from this forum.

Adam Apple: Think of a pointy mountain that has so many more edges on the was down. That's the complication with my neck

 

[drumana]

Your problem could very well be about technique, but I have to say that the Merkur Slant was a revelation for me when learning how to navigate the jaw line and neck. Many gents think the Slant is aggressive but I disagree. Also recommended is my current DE of choice - the Muhle R89. Fantastic razor. It has perfect balance as far as I'm concerned.

 

[jgkeegan]

There are a lot of variables. To know what to solve, you need to figure out where the problem lies. First the blades, try something considered sharper and more friendly, an Irridium, Kai, Red Personna maybe.

Experiment with a different razor. You can find some nice used ones here from time to time or look in the vendors groups for who might eb having a sale or discount.

change your soap/cream and try a pre-shave, perhaps.

It is a wonderful experience to get it better each day or each few days.

Good luck.

Hello there Heroes,
I've still been having trouble shaving my neck area (especially Adams apple). Also I have a very sharp jaw line. I was wondering if you knew of any DE Safety Razors that are "Cut proof". I know it sounds very foolish to ask, but I have no option at this point than to use my wifes Venus shaver. It's not embarassing, but I just don't want to have to buy those type of expensive cartridges just to get a smooth neck. I even grew out a beard for a few weeks because I was so sick of my "bloody" neck.

Please help me.

I'm currently using a Parker 22 with Derby Razors. The Derby's are nice, they do not cause irritation. But I'm hoping someone can direct me to a safer alternative to shaving my neck. Should I just buy Mach 3's only for my neck? This is a very frustrating situtation. Would a Merker 34C help? Is there a DE razor that would eliminate the chances of getting cut up?

Hope to hear from you soon

Deep

 

[ghoz]

I shave myself with a 34C since many years...
I came across a Parker razor some months ago and couldn't believe it was so miserable.

Go ahead and make yourself a favour, buy a 34C.
I recently tried a GoodFella razor. Its head it so thin that you can easily use it on any part of your face (The balance is a bit odd though).

 

[cswann1]

I agree with Texas Don, that technique will always be the determining factor in your results.

But having said that, there are some razors that are more aggressive than others, and the less aggressive ones make it easier to get a CCS without trauma to the skin.

The EJ DE89L is considered fairly mild. I own one and truth-be-told it's the first and only DE I've had. I get really good shaves with no irritation, but of course, that's just my experience. Yours may be different. In any case for about $30 you'd be hard pressed to find a higher-quality razor.

 

[DougK]

Switching to an open comb razor (Merkur 15C in my case) really helped me shave my neck/throat area more closely and with less irritation.

 

[guitar2mw]

60's Gillette SS is my vote. The only part that I shave is my neck, and I have only cut myself due to stupid mistakes (eg. like turning my head when I heard something fall off of the shelf). It gets close without butchering.

 

[Myosin]

You won't find a razor that is "cut proof."

Your technique is what determines whether you nick or cut yourself while shaving.

The hair on most peoples neck does not all go in one direction. If you let the hair grow out and examine it you will see that it will most likely go in somewhat of a swirl pattern then switch to a downward pattern near the center.

With the grain on my neck is actually about three different directions.

You could also try reducing your facial hair with an electric razor or clippers before you wetshave. Longer hair is much more difficult to cut.

 

[M80]

When I was having problems on my neck I found i was sticking my chin out and making the skin way too taut.

 

[Hex]

I would recommend trying a Gillette Tech, (known as a mild shaver), with a Feather blade (known to be very sharp).

It is my combo that is a benchmark to which I measure all others.

The other suggestions are all good.

I can't comment on the Parker since I have never used one, but I avoid the Derbys.

Let me know if you're interested and I would be happy to send you a loaner set as I have described it.

 

[franstjohn]

The Parker 22R is not a bad razor, it is just not that well manufactured or assembled. I began my journey back into DE wetshaving with the 22R. It was at the low end of the price scale and was one of the very few TTO razors I saw on Amazon. The clincher was that it had a lot of stars from the reviewers. I had a terrible time getting a nick free shave with no razor burn using this razor. I wrote it off and bought a Merkur 23C razor and found my shaves to be much improved.

After my skills improved with the 23C, I tried the Parker again and, to my surprise, I was getting a pretty good shave. However, it did require more concentration and a "deft hand" to get there. Nothing I can do will make the blade sit right in the Parker, but I did learn to accommodate this poor quality control and get a good result.

I would suggest a better quality razor such as the Merkur 23C or the Edwin Jagger DE89L and save the Parker as a travel razor after you get some more experience.