Thread: Left hander getting started

Okey dokey,

I'am yet another newbie venturing forth here.

Here's where I'am at. I have a cheap disposable blade razor. Like they use for cutting hair. I'am going to sharpen these single edge blades and shaving with them. I have a arkansas medium stone that feels pretty fine, but I'am going to use 2K wet dry paper over it and hone these disposeable razors to a fairly good edge. They actually cut ok, over most of my face, but grab a bit around the tricky parts, maybe I'am just a little scared.

For a strope I'am using an old weightlifting belt on the dyed side. The natural side is pretty rough.

I found a boars bristle brush at CVS for 6 bucks and some shave soap. Just using some of these new pieces and finishing with my old trach 2 on some of the areas I'am a little hesitant with I already get a better shave.

Here's one area that might pose a problem. I'am left handed. It seems these razors all appear to be right handed. I could probably learn to do it right handed , but right now I'am trying to just not cut myself, to much.

Are these made to be right handed only? Are there such beast as left handed razors? Has anybody else sharpened the single edge disposeables before. At least I'll get some practice at honing if I can get them sharper than stock out of the box.

Thoughts? Thanks Jeff.

Honing a disposable blade? I mean they are disposable for a reason right? I m new to all this but it seems to me you would just be wasting your time. get yourself a cheap blade on ebay to practive with or try a local antique shop you could get one there prolly fairly cheaply. Thats what i did.

Yes they are throw aways,

While they are sharp, they are not really sharp. Plus I can practice honing them to get them sharper and smooth out the edge. It's good prractice at least. If I mess it up I'am not out anything.

I still need to go find a razor. I just started this a couple of days ago. So I'am really new at this. I've just started lookingand delving into this world.

Also I don't really have anything yet, I'am going to try a few local antique stores and thrift shops inthe area, North Houston, and see what I can find.

I think the right handed thing will work itself out, or I'll be looking for my head on the floor.

Straight razors are neither right handed or left handed they are neutral, proof in the matter being that some people use both hands to shave depending wich side they are shaving, also if your disposable blades arent sharp they are poor quality and you should try either derby'S Merkurs, or if you want ninja asssasin sharp feathers.

I was going to ask if there were some good sharp disposables.

What I have right now are called "Fromm" they are actually for hair cutting, not actually shaving. I'll look into those brands you mentioned.

n a side note. I did just get done honing one of those blades. It did make a difference. I just tested a small swipe. A noticeable difference for the better. I'am sure they are dull if compared to a real razor, but will have to do for now.

I'm a lefty as well. I can only think of 2 things that I do right handed off the top of my head. When I started shaving with a DE I only shaved left handed. Then when I made the jump to a straight I decided I would learn to use my right hand. Hell half the time I swear im better with my right hand. It's a lot easier (to me) to learn to use a straight with both hands from the start then to try and relearn a straight with your off hand.

YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HONE THOSE BLADES!!

The engineered geometry of the disposables is not set up for honing. The traditional straight razor has a very specific blade width to spine width ratio which is essential to set up the perfect and consistent bevel needed to create the shaving edge.

Most straight shavers are at least a little bit ambidextrous at the task. I'll bet you can do it if you put your mind to it.

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