Don't fear your other hand!

I had been a "right hand only" shaver since I started with str8ts, and all was quite well with that.

But the last two shaves I just all of a sudden decide to give the left hand a try also. It just flashed into my head "give it a try". I was pleasantly surprised that it went very well, and actually helped speed up the shave.

When I shaved with one hand only (see, I'm already speaking of it in the past tense!), I had to constantly stop and re-adjust my grip on the razor to reach the other side of my face, stop re-adjust to get in over there...no, that;s not quite right...here, let me try this....OK, now for over here, let me use the backhand Stanislav grip.....etc...etc.. you one handers know what I'm talking about here.

If you use both hands you can simply use the "classic" razor grip, and only switch hands to access the appropriate regions of your face.

Also, shaving with your "off" hand helps with the zen concentration aspects of the shave. Give it a try! The first time I tried it it was on pass 2 or 3, which was good, as sometimes if you have to plow through the underbrush on pass #1, it may discourage you.

I really felt that this was a significant improvement to my Shave.

This.

(in the vernacular of the times :))

It makes me more mindful while shaving, and I find myself often getting better passes with my left (non-dominant) hand than with my right.

1up on this one. Personally I find it easier to do the strikes/swipes that go from middle of face towards ear with the hand that is attached to that same side. Not sure if that made any sense :thinking:, but I'm sure you know what I mean.

To begin with I was somewhat apprehensive about it but prefer it now.

Edit: Fixed some glaring grammar problems

I know what you mean, Chady, and I completely agree. I find it difficult to try to shave the left side with the right hand. Going across the nose and mouth makes it so.

And, it's a little difficult the stretch the skin on the neck with the same-side hand.

I made it a point to use both hands when I started str8 razor shaving.

Now it's become a habit.

To me it's encouranging to see that you all use your left. I tried to grip the razor with my leftie yesterday and it was too weird to even try to make one swipe that way. Maybe when I learn how to use a straight, I can learn how to use one with my non-dominant hand.

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Originally Posted by Ernie

To me it's encouranging to see that you all use your left. I tried to grip the razor with my leftie yesterday and it was too weird to even try to make one swipe that way. Maybe when I learn how to use a straight, I can learn how to use one with my non-dominant hand.

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Don't sweat it. I was quite happily shaving along using only my right for quite some time. The important thing is to find out what works best for you.

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Originally Posted by Seraphim

Don't sweat it. I was quite happily shaving along using only my right for quite some time. The important thing is to find out what works best for you.

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+1 I believe straight razor shaving is one of the most personalized forms of any regularly practiced art there is. If only because the only critic is yourself, and possibly a wife or two (who am I to judge?)

I fully believe that you should jump in willing to try things out until you find what works best for you. as you are the only person really judging the results. and... possibly the wives.

Thanks for the support. But after my 7th shave yesterday it does seem like it is worth to learn how to use the other hand. The left side of my face is not as well shaven as the right and I can only attribute this to the challenge it is to shave the left side with the right hand.

I can't even hold a PENCIL properly in my left hand! No shot I'm going to shave my face with a straight with my left haha. I might give it a shot for sure, good post.

I'm very right hand dominant, but I'm training myself to use both hands while I learn straight razor shaving. It's all awkward for me right now, so I might as well. . .

I'm trying to use my left hand for other things too - DE razor shaving, brushing teeth, and making lather. It's a good brain exercise.

I am also right hand dominant.

Cut my left cheek very nasty 2 times learning with left hand.

Then I stopped and picked up a dull razor and practiced with it. This really helped.

My left hand was really clumsy, but the dull razor couldn't cut me. Once the motion became more familiar, it wasn't hard at all to switch to a real razor and shave with it. No more cuts.


Hope this helps.

This is quite interesting. I'm right hand dominant and I end up shaving about 5/8th of my face with my right hand, but my left hand gets closer shave on my neck than my right. I can't explain it, it's not noticeable to the eye, but if you run your fingers up you can tell the difference. I've been trying to iron that little issue out.

And don't forget... until you get used to it, using your non-dominant hand feels like someone else is doing it for you :roflmao Me, I think I'm still in the honeymoon phase!

<I just thought this thread needed more cowbell!>

And you gave it more cowbell for sure!

I don't use my left hand. I have a touch of a shaking problem at times, especially when I'm nervous or apprehensive. Holding a straight razor to my face with my left hand makes me nervous or apprehensive, so I shake, which just makes it worse.

I'll stick with the uber-awkward right hand until I nail that down sufficiently.

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Originally Posted by kasperitis

And you gave it more cowbell for sure!

I don't use my left hand. I have a touch of a shaking problem at times, especially when I'm nervous or apprehensive. Holding a straight razor to my face with my left hand makes me nervous or apprehensive, so I shake, which just makes it worse.

I'll stick with the uber-awkward right hand until I nail that down sufficiently.

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The shaking is most likey a side effect of RAD. Go out and EBAy a few razors before your next shave, and the shakes should subside.....for a while.:D

I find it is harder to keep the right angle on my neck unless I change hands. It is a little unnerving when you start though as I am really uncoordinated with my right hand being a confirmed southpaw.

Brad

Well, I tried using my left hand briefly last night. Not confident enough to use it on my neck, but I did do a bit of my cheek and sideburn area. I get the shakes bad at times, and this was no different. I didn't cut myself, but I quickly changed to my right hand for the daunting task of the neck area. I'm still struggling with a good shave there....