Question about using a straight razor for necklines

I see a lot of guys swear by using a straight razor for a clean neckline, but I've moved away from it. For years, I used a Dovo shavette on every skin fade, thinking it gave the sharpest line. About two years ago, I had a client in Seattle with really sensitive skin who got razor burn every time, no matter how light my touch was. I switched to just using my clippers with a zero guard and a steady hand, and the line is just as crisp without the irritation. It took me a solid month of practice to get the angle right, but now it's faster and safer. I think we get stuck on the 'classic' tools sometimes when a simpler method works better for the client. Has anyone else found a different tool that works better than the old standard for a specific cut?

3 comments

3 Comments

perry.skyler6mo ago

Ever try using a regular safety razor for that? I had a barber use a cheap one with a single blade to clean up my neckline once. It was super sharp but didn't drag at all, left a perfect line with zero redness. Makes you wonder if the tool itself matters less than the blade type.

david7014mo ago

Wait, your barber actually used a cheap one? That's wild to me because the only safety razor I ever tried was this fancy vintage thing my buddy swore by and it felt like it was ripping my skin off. I gave up after one pass and went back to my regular cartridge razor. Maybe I just had a bad blade or something, but the idea of a barber going anywhere near my neck with one of those gives me the chills. I always figured those things were just for old-school shaving snobs who like to make things harder. Your experience sounds like the complete opposite of mine, so maybe I need to give it another shot with a fresh blade.

the_charlie6mo ago

Totally agree with you on that. My barber does the same thing with a basic safety razor. The single blade just glides right through. It's all about that fresh sharp edge, not some fancy handle. Makes those expensive multi-blade cartridges seem like a total scam. A simple setup with a good blade is hard to beat.