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

Well Thanks to Robin i took my first Straight razor shave today, using taylors lavender cream and all was going swimmingly but i was fumbling with how to grip the razor whilst shaving my left side resulting in......




Anyone have any tips for a righty on shaving his lefty :-)

How on Earth did that happen?!?! Antibiotic ought to help for now, and give your skin a rest.

Step one is to fumble with the razor away from your face. Make sure you have a good grip before you bring it to your skin and slowly shave in short strokes.

If shaving with your left hand is that much trouble, just use your right hand while you start to learn and gradually incorporate your left as you gain experience. It's not mandatory that you shave with your left hand, and you'll wind up learning that the directions you get from the site and others are more of a guide than an instructional manual. You'll have to find ways to shave that are safe, comfortable and produce a good shave.

Good luck and, well, good luck again!

I did the exact same thing the first time. From that point on, I made very sure to use my left hand no matter how awkward it was. Just takes a while to get used to...

by fumble i meant couldnt get a comfortable hold whilst shaving the left side litteraly i shaved the right side absolutely fine then shaved the left and cut myself, and yes i do have shares in alum production :-)

I've seen in other posts that some people, when they would like to practice something -- stropping, a particular hand angle or blade sweeping motion, etc. -- without having to worry about a sharp edge, they try it a few times with a butter knife.

Maybe taking 10-15 minutes to practice some left-handed sweeps, motions, and grips for that region of your neck with a butter knife will help. If it doesn't work/help, you'll only have lost 10-15 minutes of time.

Also, any chance the razor you're using is a square point? If so, a rounded point may help keep the very tip from sneaking up and taking a bite now and then.

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

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

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

Thanks Chief great advice,

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