Thread: Single Hand Straight Razor Shaving

Learning to to use both isn't hard

I am, for most purposes, incapable with my left (off) hand, but have learned since I have tried and documented elsewhere in the forum that I seem to be more cautious and sensitive to angle and pressure than I am with my right (dominant) hand. I think it's because my dominant hand is so much stronger than my left. I was a framing carpenter before pneumatic nail guns & used a 20 ounce hammer.

Anyway, I'd suggest experimenting carefully. Lynn's videos are especially helpful, as are other folks' videos.

Keep working at it!

I'm fine with two hands now, could do everything no problem except the ATG pass on my right hand neck area with my left hand, I had to actively practice with that area to get to the point where I could do it comfortably. But it's true, with practice, you'll eventually get the hang of it.

Here's what i did and recommend:

Try it. Brains are "wired" differently.

If it works for you great, then you can use "mirrored" left and right strokes.

If not, well then you have another set of challenges in developing the strokes that don't block your vision. I only have one place where it's a problem and i tilt my head to look over or under the blade to get that area. Sucks sometimes to find a really good stroke for one side but can't replicate it on the other because you only use one hand.

For me, i'm wired One Hand for Shiftin' The Other to Steer.

Trade-offs. there'll be more.

I'm still a beginner and when I first started I thought there would be no way I'd use my off hand for more than a cheek stroke. Little by little, with no real conscious effort, I'm using my off hand almost 50% of the time now. It just snuck up on me, the coordination building slowly over time. Just do what's easiest for you and let things develop as they might.

As Hart said. I am also a beginner. Waitting on my blade to show up at my house I was sweating bullets thinking about how I was going to do my left side. I am around the 25 shaves mark now and my left hand is my better angle and smooth hand. Before I ever picked up a straight, my left hand was only a phone holder. You will get it.

Been using my right hand only for the past 4 or so years, works fine for me! I can swap to the left and shave OK although i find its just easier and more comfortable to stay with the right

It doesn't matter how you get the best results, all that matters is you feel you're getting the best results. If you feel that you could be doing something better then try changing to make it the best. if not, stick with what feels right.

I decided that I would use both hands from the beginning. I had a commitment to traditional shaving and knew that the slices in my flesh (mostly with a shavette) really shortened up the learning curve. One of my worst 'cuts' was more of a sushi chef removal of a super thing piece of my face that I cold have laid over some seasoned rice. Now after a year (?) of regular straight shaving only the Across the Grain, off hand, yanking my right ear out to stretch my Gumby face still causes me to take an extra moment to fix the angle before proceeding.
Having babbled all that, do what works for you, you can always modify if not outright change the process later. Never forget how lucky you are to discover this righteous pursuit and this community of enthusiasts that cover a broad spectrum and are always willing to lend a hand so to speak.

I am also a right hander, and was having the same thoughts about using my left hand with a sharp razor! The key is just starting slow and building a familiarity in your left hand. I had the best luck by just going slow and only doing parts of my face that I felt comfortable doing, mainly just the side burns. I am still by all means a newbie, but I am able to comfortable use my left hand on my entire face and neck when needed. Just keep practicing, even if its only a little at a time.

I use just my right hand. I have tried using both but just never felt comfortable that way.