Thread: First Attempt

Gave the straight razor a first try this afternoon. Went nice and slow as advised by Lynn. Did the right sideburn and cheek with the right hand and then did the left sideburn with the left hand. After that my angles got kind of funky so I finished up with my DE.
Have to say, it was a real blast using the straight. I think I'm hooked. Can't wait till I grow some more beard tomorrow and try again.

Good to hear your taking your time. Also glad to hear your starting with both hands that always comes up and since you are learning with one hand you might as well learn with the other at the same time. Best of luck with future shaves and keep everyone posted. Oh and good luck with the RAD it will start soon!!

Originally Posted by sbrouwers

... Also glad to hear your starting with both hands that always comes up and since you are learning with one hand you might as well learn with the other at the same time.....

how bad (dangerous) is using single hand for both sides ?

My understanding is people do it all the time. I just couldn't get the correct angle by using my right hand on the left side and I also had difficulty seeing. It was just easier to get the correct angle by using my left hand on the left side. Since straight shaving has a significant learning curve anyway, why not take my time and learn the way most experts suggest.

Welcome Gents
Just take your time . I started out useing one hand for both sides .
I dont think I could use both . I look at it as SHAVING 50 percent mental
and 50 percent experimentation + if you stick with this fourm theres alot of guys to help us along with anything we need to know.
Happy Shaving

Originally Posted by wapienica

how bad (dangerous) is using single hand for both sides ?

I guess it just depends on your physiology. When I first started, I was using my right hand for both sides. I didn't really encounter much difficulty doing this, and wouldn't really consider it "dangerous", atleast not for me.

As apprehensive as I was about it, I then started using my left hand for my left side. I found it much easier and my shaves are much better now. With a little training, your muscles eventually start to memorize certain movements and it becomes easier and easier the more you practice.

If you can safely shave your entire face BBS with only your dominant hand, more power to you. I think it's just a better idea overall to learn with both hands, though.

Originally Posted by wapienica

how bad (dangerous) is using single hand for both sides ?

There are lots of members here who use just one hand and get great shaves. I don't really know that it is better to use both but if you want to learn to use both then you might as well do it from the start. I have used both hands since my first shave but I am one of the few who are lucky enough to be ambidextrose so it came easy to me. I have shaved my whole face with just one hand to see if I could (I have done it right and left handed) and got good shaves. It took longer and some spots were tougher to get, but that comes back to if you learn with one hand then it will be easier to shave with one hand and if you learn with both the same story.

Well I have rambled enough and don't really know if I helped any but I hope so