Thread: First Straight razor shave....oh dear

Yikes, on the plus side some girls dig scars....

I find it a little awkward doing the shave with my opposite hand as well, I guess it's a bit of a learned habit. I have read a few post though about people using dull table knives of something of similar style to practice with. That way you won't cut yourself and you can teach your hand the motions to go through.

will certainly practice the movement sans razor next time the right side was a lovely shave really cut clean and close, big thanks to robin for the razor, even if he didnt warn me it was sharp lololol

Leave it to Robin to let a beginner handle a "too sharp" edge.

That one's close to the jugular! I've been str8 razor shaving for going on 6 months and I want to say it was at least a month or two before I started shaving with my left hand. I feel like that was a good move on my part because I felt a lot more comfortable using my left hand for the first time. My very first time to use the str8, I only shaved my right cheek and finished up with the disposable. I kept doing this but would move to a different area of my face. After about 2 weeks, I finally did a complete shave, all with my right hand. When I did finally try shaving with my left, I think I wasn't so nervous trying to concentrate on everything else (blade angle, grip, etc.) that it allowed me to focus my attention to just using my left hand.

Another piece of advice is make sure to allow yourself plenty of time to shave. My first couple of weeks of doing a complete shave probably took me 15 to 20 minutes each time. If I was in a rush, I shaved with the disposable. I've grown to enjoy shaving with the str8 so much, that I've started waking up earlier so I have plenty of time.

I know this sounds kind of wierd, but shaving with a str8 has kind of been a life changing experience for me. By waking up earlier and leaving more time in the morning, I'm not starting out the day in such a rush and feel more relaxed throughout the day.

Wow, that doesn't look good.
I think i'll take someones advice and practice with a butter knife before I get mine.

You know, until a minute ago I took for granted my ability to use my left hand pretty quickly. I played the drums throughout middle and high school... Maybe that's why? I do a better job with my right, for sure, but my left isn't all that far behind.

When you first start playing the snare drum you have these rudiments that force you to use both hands, so maybe Chief's idea of brushing with your left can get your skill up to par.

Hi,

As mentioned before, you don't need to use both hands, but I find it helpful as it simplifies the number of strokes you need to learn, with the left side mirroring the right.

I can think of two things that might help

1) with your left hand, just shave the cheek. Give your hand/fingers some time to grow accustom to holding the razor during a simple stroke. Later add an additional stroke with your left hand. Maybe finish off the left side with your old cartridge razor or DE for awhile.

2) If you lather on your face, build the lather by swirling the brush with your left hand. This is actually really hard to do... took me two weeks to get the circular motion down... my hypothesis is this will improve coordination on your left hand.

-Chief

Thanks Chief great advice,

and Scoof stop winding Beberlin up.....im going to do that :-)

You could practice different grips and manoeuvres with an empty shavette.

Break out the Bacatracin..... or triple anti biotic ointment....Or UK equivalant....