I switch off between a Merkur HD(34C) and a Muhle R89 and love them both. I get great shaves, especially on my cheeks and jawline. I find the Merkur to be more aggressive so tend to use milder blades. With the Muhle I like Iridiums and Feathers. But for years no matter what I do I simply cannot go ATG on my neck. It is just too sensitive. So I settle for WTG on the neck which is a good shave but certainly not BBS like the rest of my face. So what would it be like for me with a Merkur 11C or another open comb? Do you think a WTG shave on my neck might an open comb might yield a better result? I know its hard to say as YMMV. But curious what your experiences have been. Thx.
Will An Open Comb Improve My WTG Neck Shave?
- Thread starter CoolBurn
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I have found the same issue trying to go ATG on my neck. The only way I achieve this is either with a SE like a Gem, due to the stiffness of the blade, or using an adjustable DE or injector dialed way down.
I think cold water rinses in between passes tightens up the skin too...
I think cold water rinses in between passes tightens up the skin too...
The neck is the spot that takes me the most time to get a nice shave. Eventually, I just shave and have a nice shave except on the neck. With time, I end up with a closer shave (I'm talking months).
Did you map the grain of your neck? I think that a different razor can do the trick yes but also, consider a slant.
Did you map the grain of your neck? I think that a different razor can do the trick yes but also, consider a slant.
Not to be snarky, but if your prep and technique were good you wouldn't be getting irritation. Your prep and technique can always be improved, especially on the neck where every slight error is magnified.
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Not snarky at all Go West. Technique can certainly always be improved. My neck is even a problem for me when I don't shave. Always red and bumpy. Been wet shaving for over 30 years ans has always been the same story. With DE shaving it is the best it has ever been, but still an issue for me. As with many a work in progress. My thinking is that if I can tolerate WTG well on my neck I may want to try something more aggressive without going crazy. The open comb seemed logical. Thanks for the comments.
How does the blade stiffness of the Gem help? Not that I'm skeptical - quite the reverse, in fact, as I have the same problem as the OP and have a Gem Junior with a few blades still on their way to me (though it's taking so long that I'm starting to suspect they might've been sent by carrier pigeon).
+1. I'm shaving with a New now, with Astra SPs, and loving it. Three pass (WTG, XTG, ATG) and consistent DFSs with the occasional BBS. I think the open comb requires a bit more respect than, say, my Tech, but it's worth the extra attention. Not sure if it will immediately improve your neck (I think Go West's advice on this one is best, i.e. practice), but it's always fun to try something new!
SE blades are thicker than DE, less flexy.
The New is a great razor but I bet it is not the razor that is causing the problem. I think it is the blade. Both the Feather and the Iridium have a great following but I don't find them to be smooth at all. Have you tried a Personna (Red Pack) or an Astra SP? If you haven't, PM me and I will send you some if you live in CONUS.
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