Thread: Importance of proper grip?

Hey, all. I recently received my first razor from a forum member, and I am waiting for Tony Miller's Apprentice strops to come back in stock so I can begin my migration from DEs to a straight shave. Since I am impatient to begin, I have started doing "dry run" shaves, where I hold the razor and mimic the motions of shaving on my face and neck without actually touching blade to skin.

(Yes, I am aware that I have issues.)

However, during these exercises, I find that maintaining the grip described in the various "how to shave" resources I have read (most notably Chris Moss' and Joel's guides) is difficult and uncomfortable. It's much easier and more comfortable for me to grip the shank of the razor between my thumb and forefinger, almost as if I were holding a pen. This grip feels natural, and seems to allow a greater degree of control, especially on upward ATG strokes.

I don't want to get into bad habits right off the bat, though. Is this a case where I should "do what feels right"? Or is it worth retraining my hand to hold the razor the "proper" way, and if so, why?

Many thanks,
Dave

Originally Posted by DaveF

Is this a case where I should "do what feels right"? Or is it worth retraining my hand to hold the razor the "proper" way, and if so, why?

Honestly, I didn't know there was a "right" way to hold a razor. I say do what feels right, so long as it gives you a good grip that won't slip (and hence risk a nasty cut). Do what feels natural and adjust things as you go. My grip changes throughout the shave depending on what part of my face I'm shaving, which hand I'm using, etc.

Practice proper grip. Every barber learns the correct grip for a razor as it is almost exactly the same as for using scissors correctly. This grip has been developed because it allows for a very steady hand and plenty of strength to resist twisting.

The grip you are describing won't be useable when the razor is actually up next to your face. It doesn't provide the strength to keep th razor steady as you pull it against the whiskers.

It also isn't as safe, one slip and that grip allows the razor to twist resulting in a nice slice.

Hace you watched Lynns video yet. The proper grip is easy to see there. You might be reading it wrong.

You will have to modify your grip when going directly up. Since there really is very little need to go ATG every shave though and this is only a third or even fourth pass move it isn't used very often.

Thanks, Tim. I think my problem was, I was opening the razor up only 90 degrees, instead of 270 degrees. I rewatched some videos and when I discovered my mistake, the proper grip felt a lot more natural. I just completed my first shave, and the proper grip is the way to go for both hands. The only time I modified the grip was my ATG pass (because my other passes left a bit more stubble than I liked). Once I get my technique down, and a better edge on my razor, I am hopeful that I won't have to do an ATG pass at all, and I can keep the same grip throughout the entire shave.

Much appreciated,
Dave

A comfortable hold is just as important as a stable hold. The hold can be as stable as hell but if it causes your hand to cramp up it's just as dangerous as an unstable hold.

Use the videos as a starting point and find the right hold for you.

That's the problem with learning bad habits. Things seem to be fine and comfortable and then when you start shaving you realize you don't have the control you need. Holding a razor can be very awkward at first but once you get used to it its comfortable and second nature but if you learn the wrong way it can be a bear to unlearn.

Many things in straight shaving are YMMV type things but a proper grip ain't one of them.

I answer for the grip at your "first shave" thread before I have saw this thread.
But I feel that my answer belonges here.

For holding the razor for ATG try this:
Hold the razor normaly with your hand as for WTG shaving ( the edge facing down , the index and the middle finger on the shoulder of the tag, the thumb on the lower side of the tag and the fourth finger on the tail secured with the scales), now rotate the razor with your fingers until the edge faces up,( now you hold the tag with the thumb on one side and the index and middle on the other side and the fourth finger remain secured between tail and scales)

Hope this helps to understand, because my english are primitive.

Thanks again for everyone's thoughts. I had my second (superlative) shave this morning, and again I found gripping the razor properly was quite comfortable, despite my initial misgivings. I still opened the razor up and held it like, well, like a steak knife for my ATG passes, but I will try the suggestions here to get around that.

Er...when my razor gets back from honing, that is. Only two shaves in and already I am not looking forward to going back to my DE for the next two weeks...

When I first started shaving, I used an improper grip and it didn't seem that bad. When I learned and utilized the correct technique, it was a world of difference.

Can someone take a picture of proper grip? I wasn't aware there was one, so I'm certain I'm doing it completely wrong.