Both hands shaving necessary?

I'm a newbie at straight razor shaving and a newbie to this site. I actually still shave with a shavette, with a straight razor purchase in the near future. Prior to joining this site, I have been shaving my entire face using only my left hand. It's not that hard to shave my face, as I do't grow a beard, not that much facial hair, lol. After joining SRP, I read Lynn's article on the first shave where he expounded on using both hands to shave. Saw some members' shaving videos where they used both hands. I'm quite hesitant to try using both hands on the shavette but will probably practice when I get my straight razor. My questions are, are there some members who only shave using one hand? Is it really better to use both?

It's entirely up to the individual. I have tried using my off hand a few times, but found it pretty uncomfortable and so have never pursued it. I imagine my problem is that I shaved with my right hand only for several years before even hearing of anyone using both hands, so I was already a bit set in my ways when I tried it.

But in general, I imagine it would be a useful skill to have. And I think you're considering trying it at the perfect time: nice and early in your straight shaving experience. But with everything, take it slow, watch your angles, and keep your pressure nice and light. Maybe I'll try it again one of these days...

Good luck!
:tu

It's motor skill and dexterity. What ever works for you. I use both hands to hammer but not to write. I use both hands to shave and found it easier when learning to use a straight. I think it is a mental thing. I mean if you want to learn to use both hands going for it in the beginning might make it easier to pick up. The bottom line is some do, some don't and what do you want :<0)

I shave with my dominant hand. Goes without saying that I stretch skin with the opposite hand. That aside, to use either hand to manipulate the razor takes practice. You've got an ideal tool for the job in that Shavette. Remove the blade and while you are at the computer, watching TV, practice the moves with your non dominant hand. This was an idea presented by an SRP member, Dannywonderful IIRC, who is no longer active.

Before using this method to gain muscle memory I had tried briefly to shave left handed and given it up as too much of a hassle. Practicing as noted above I was soon shaving with either hand. I eventually went back to the dominant hand only because I do fine with that, and didn't find that much of a benefit in using either hand. YMMV. :gl:

I found it easier to use both hands, as Jimmy said practice using a non bladed shavette and see which is best suited to you.

I'm one who uses just my dominant right hand - I never really considered using both, despite reading that two handed users considered it better. I don't find it awkward and get the same results on both sides - it's certainly no worse than trying to use just one side of a kamisori.

Interestingly, I've never seen any videos where a barber changes hands.

I use both hands with a SR but only the favored right hand with a DE.

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Originally Posted by rolodave

I use both hands with a SR but only the favored right hand with a DE.

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The same here. When I started to shave with a SR I just could not see myself reaching around to the left side of my face with my right hand so I trained myself to use both hands. I just found it less awkward to use both hands. Nothing says you have to use both hands and quite a few people use only one so it really is what works for you and what you are comfortable with.

Bob

Gentlemen,

I switched hands from the first straight razor shave and am glad I did. Switching hands gives me the needed versatility to tackle my unruly beard growth pattern. I switch hands even with the safety razor.

When I started I used one hand. Found that if I learned the other hand I could follow along with some of the videos, learned it and found out later it was kinda useful. Sprained my right wrist at work one day, so. Was down to my non dominant hand for a couple of weeks, y then I could shave with either hand so, in the end it was worth learning, I now even DE shave both hands. Tc

I shaved with my left hand only for about the first 3 months when I started wet shaving. There were spots that I could not get the correct angle on my neck. I tried various grips on the straight before eventually giving in to using my right hand as well. After a couple weeks I was confident in my non-dominant hand and do not think I could shave with a straight without using both now.

I still only use my left for lathering and DE shaves.

I had to train myself to use both hands. With a DE, using one hand worked fine. It was just OK with a straight.

After all of these years, I don't think that I could shave both sides with my 'off' hand. It's trained but still not the most coordinated.

I've also noticed that my 'off' hand is on the same side as my 'off' eye. I believe that contributes to some of the challenges that I experience getting a shave as close on that side as I do on the dominant side.

Totally depends on what you prefer. Lots of examples of shavers who do either. I prefer both hands, and I use both hands no matter which type of razor I use, to keep in practice and familiar with doing so. Which is better? The one that works and feels right for you. MHO.
Welcome to the world of the straight razor. I hope you find it as fabulous as i have.

I recommend learning two handed shaving at first. Since you're new, it's going to feel awkward no matter which approach you use, so you might as well learn both hands while you're early in the learning curve. I learned both hands, then one hand starting with my non-dominate hand. This way, if I injure a arm, I still can shave.

Hey, that's a great idea!
I think I'll practice with my shavette! Thanks a lot for the tip, Jimmy

I admit at first I was using my left hand bugged me. It felt awkward and super un natural an in the mirror it confused me, but now after taking my time it doesn't bother me a bit. I will admit I suffered some learning marks but using only one hand didn't seem to work for me. Its your shave enjoy it how you can and do what is comfortable : ) shave on and enjoy

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Originally Posted by UKRob

Interestingly, I've never seen any videos where a barber changes hands.

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I don't think it would be necessary for a barber to switch hands.

I use both hands shaving it makes it easier. It takes some getting use to. Just go slow and watch your angles. I am much more confident with my dominant hand and use it as much as I can. Using your off hand is a worthwhile skill to develop.

I started using the second hand after shaving for a while and found it gave better access to some areas and allows different angles. It does take getting used to but after a while it seems unusual to use the dominant hand on the whole face now.

A barber only needs one hand because he can move around you head to get any angle they wish. That is why two hands makes it easier to get angles the dominant hand just can't do

Appreciate all the kind advices, guys

I switch hands, shaving the right side of my face with my right hand and vise versa. It helps me to better get to some of the tougher areas like my jawline and chin region. Shaving with my non dominate hand was never considered until I went down this path, but I think it was well worth the effort:)

Both hands.

I shave with my left hand only and have been for the last year. Kamisori razor, so no scales, if that makes any difference. That's not to say I will never try to incorporate my mostly useless right hand into the shave, but for now, I'm doing just fine with the left.

I've never really bothered using both, it was a bit awkward and since I was getting excellent results with just my dominant hand I gave up trying to use my lefty, however I do find that it requires a little bit more dexterity with just one hand. It would have been a useful skill for me to learn with both hands but not necessary, comfort was more of a factor.

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Originally Posted by eddy79

I started using the second hand after shaving for a while and found it gave better access to some areas and allows different angles. It does take getting used to but after a while it seems unusual to use the dominant hand on the whole face now.

A barber only needs one hand because he can move around you head to get any angle they wish. That is why two hands makes it easier to get angles the dominant hand just can't do

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Barbers using just one hand still have to use a 'backhand' stroke at times - imagine a right handed barber shaving a customer's right hand cheek, the razor toe is pointing at the ear making an easy WTG stroke. When he moves to the customer's left cheek, the barber will either use the 'backhand' stroke for an ATG or switch to a XTG stroke moving away from the ear. In point of fact, it would make more sense to use his left hand so that the toe is again pointing to the ear.

I use both I have pretty dexterous hands although I'm right handed I play golf and cricket left handed.

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Originally Posted by celticcrusader

I use both I have pretty dexterous hands although I'm right handed I play golf and cricket left handed.

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I've known some guys who batted right but threw left.

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Originally Posted by rolodave

I use both hands with a SR but only the favored right hand with a DE.

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This is what I do too. ;)

Teach yourself to use both hands...much easier....and hey ...us straight shavers are always up for a challenge...or we'd be using using plastic disposables.

Both hands but then again I'm ambidextrous. Before I knew this fact though, I initially started shaving with straights using my dominant (right) hand only. Relegating yourself to just your dominant hand certainly increases the shaving difficulty but not terribly so. Most as you can plainly see eventually overcome this effect.

However, once you get your straight razor, do try using your non-dominant hand on just say the cheek flat. See how it goes. Make an informed decision and go with it!

Either way you are still shaving in the coolest manner possible. YMMV and all that...

I've always been the worlds least ambidextrous person. Except for shaving where I go back and forth as feels natural.

Shaving with a straight razor is an art form...

As such you are free to do it however you want to.
The only rule is: Don't kill yourself!

I use both hands about 80% of the time.

Thanks to all the recommendations in here and watching some of Lynn's videos, I have found using both hands very advantageous and not difficult at all.

I have only been SR shaving for a couple weeks, but using both hands have become easy and second nature.

Thanks again!

I am a lefty...and therefore somewhat ambidextrous. This is from living in a right-handed world. Having said that, with a DE I can only use my left. With a SR I started with a blank shavette and learned quickly to switch left and right. I don't find that too difficult. However, lately I find I am nicking myself on my right side of my chin...three times in the past couple of weeks. Its driving me crazy! Left side no problem...and I try to use the exact same approach on my right with my right hand, I go very slow and I seem to hit the wrong angle and in an instant I realize I am nicked. Frustrating.

I started out just doing a simple WTG with my left, simply because it was easier. I am fairly ambidextrous, but have more of a mental block. I didn't think about using a specific hand the other day and realized I was using my left for a typical right hand operation. Thinking too hard about angle, pressure, stroke direction, which hand and grip can lead to disaster. Sometimes you just have to go with what is comfortable.

I'm one of those generally ambidextrous lefties. I switch hands for the WTG pass, but only use my left hand for the ATG pass because I don't feel enough control with my right.