How do you guys get a close smooth shave on the back and sides???

• How do you guys get a close smooth shave on the back and sides??? by The_White_shadow on 11 Jul, 2014 00:56
• Well like the title says this has to do with getting it close and smooth on the back and sides. I can manage to get the top so smooth it shines and it feels great to boot. But it seems no matter what I try I can't do the same for those though spots (Back and sides) I've tried going with and against the grain, trying a new blade just for those areas, doing multiple passes and i still end up with that unappealing feel of sandpaper. So what do you guys do, is there some secret technique i've yet to master or something? 
• #1 by Frontier Guy on 11 Jul, 2014 03:27
• Hopefully some of the others will provide the secret.
  
  Personally, I haven't found it.
  
  I can be obsessive about a lot of things, but those little patches are something I've come to accept. They are not visibly obvious to anyone looking - just those who touch. LOL.
• #2 by 120inna55 on 11 Jul, 2014 06:47
• I've never had an issue with the sides.  I do have a patch in the back---just south of the crown---that is a little difficult.  I'm BBC, so I just figure that area is just thicker and probably has a swirl.  I use a DE and get the best results. 
  
  For one, you want to ensure there's nothing lacking in your prep.
  
  When you've mastered that (you may already have), I recommend you have a look at mantic59's advanced techniques.  He uses them when describing face shaving, but they are effective for head shaving as well.  I particularly like the "j-hook."
  
  
• #3 by warhawk on 11 Jul, 2014 08:33
• There will always be a difficult area to shave that a shaver will have problems with.  That is why I shave with a safety razor.  Since 2012, I have been shaving the traditional way with a DE or SE razor, shaving brush, and shave soap or cream.  I get the BEST SHAVES with this way of shaving. 
  
  WARHAWK
• #4 by greatnessinc on 11 Jul, 2014 13:48
• I don't have a completely smooth head (for a myriad of reasons) so there are trouble spots that just don't seem to get completely smooth.
• #5 by 120inna55 on 11 Jul, 2014 14:25
• Here is a bit of advice I've learned from this board.  I can't find the precise quote and thus cannot say it as eloquently as the original poster, but in essence, "A little roughness is sometimes the best you can hope for, and you are the only one that notices it. However, everyone notices razor burn."
  
  Continuing in that vein, many of us, within just a few hours of the shave begin feeling invisible stubble in places that were BBS initially.
• #6 by Goatee on 11 Jul, 2014 14:39
• Same here. I cannot get a 100% smooth shave all over on my head no matter what i try!
• #7 by Fondlheine on 11 Jul, 2014 14:46
• For me to get it all the way to BBS requires a lot of time and multiple passes in multiple directions.
  My average shave is 3 passes on the face (WTG, XTG, ATG) and 2 on the head (WTG, ATG) and then pickups.
  
  
  
• #8 by The_White_shadow on 11 Jul, 2014 16:12
• Thanks for the advice guys. I guess ill just get a better razor (Been using my old trusty Gillette I use for regular shaving) and opt for one with more blades and work on my technique. Till then I guess ill just need some practice (or get a devoted girlfriend to help lol) But agian thanks for the advice, you sly guys are always a great help. 
• #9 by Goatee on 11 Jul, 2014 23:09
• To be honest i dont think more blades = closer / better shave. I converted to DE shaving some time ago and find one blade just as good if not better!
• #10 by greatnessinc on 12 Jul, 2014 10:36
• Honestly, my electric remmington gets the leftover stubble on the back of my head and that stays smooth for a little while.
• #11 by Adamski1972 on 14 Jul, 2014 14:04
• I get stubborn stubble on the sides sometimes. What works for me is pulling the skin upwards with my fingers as I shave. It definitely gives me a closer shave on the sides. Hope this helps with your problem.