Thread: Using both hands?

I've been using a straight for almost 8 weeks now, and when I first started I thought I'd never be able to use both hands, and would be limited to only using my dominate hand.

After the first month, getting used to wielding the blade against my face, I gave my non-dominate hand a try. I tried the area from sideburn to jaw (just like I did when I started out with my dominate hand), and it went well. Every time I shaved again, I added a bit more area to shave with this new hand, and now I can use it as well as my dominate hand.

Learning to shave with my non-dominate hand has improved my dominate hand technique as its showed me how to lighten up my grip on the razor and pressure against the skin.

I'm very glad I gave it time, didn't rush, and learned to use both hands.

Let me jump on this bandwagon, and cast yet one more vote for using both hands, especially if you're just starting out and are willing to try.

When I started out, I figured since it would be a new skill, I could teach each hand at the same time. It has worked out great, and the blade feels "right" in either hand now.

Ok I will try learning the off hand one more time. Every other time I just get frustrated with the slowness of it all and go back to using one hand. I will give it a whole week this time and see what happens.

Originally Posted by CraigJ

Ok I will try learning the off hand one more time. Every other time I just get frustrated with the slowness of it all and go back to using one hand. I will give it a whole week this time and see what happens.

Great idea, I think you'll pick it up if you just think you can. If you have a dull razor, you might practice with it without lather, knowing you can't cut yourself.

Note also that it's not always right hand on right side, left hand on left side. Sometimes it's left hand on right side and right hand on left side. (For example, an upward stroke on the neck with the blade edge pointing upwards.)