Thread: I'm all thumbs

Just take your time, because we all felt awkward when we first started. Mock shaves will help. I use right on right, and left on left, but everyone is differant, so what works for you just stay with it!!

First off, yes.... take your time, no rushing allowed... and to be on the safe side, keep a recent picture of yourself, for the plastic surgeon. (only kidding, after all.... chicks dig scars).

I used to be a one handed shaver.... the Feather DX let me get away with a limp wrist stroke, not so with traditional straights, so I learned to use my off hand. I wear glasses, but I take them off for shaving and step back a 1/2 step to have a blurry view of my face. Right hand does right side of face, left hand does left side of face... always trying to keep my hand on the razor on the opposite side of it vs. the face. It takes a long time to get comfortable with your off hand, I'm still not as good as I am with my right hand so the neck and chin area all get done with my strong hand, even the left of center stuff.

One stroke that is a bit different for some is the back hand stroke.... if you view a typical barbers straight shave of a customer, you will see them use that stroke frequently as it's the only way to get it done. Trying to shave your left side with your right hand is awfully hard as you are contorting your arm, turning your head etc. and naturally it's the same on the right side with your left hand. BUT, the main thing is a confident stroke of the razor... no hesitation, no shaking.... just a nice, smooth, light stroke at the correct angle and all is well.

So, take your time and occasionally, try something new to see if it feels better to you.... If it feels wrong, don't do it.

Regards

Christian

I remember shaking when I first tried the straight. For some reason I was better at it with the left hand, although I'm a righty. You'll get better with time. Now I can shave everything with either hand.