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