Thread: View in the mirror

Hi there,

I'm new to straight razor shaving as well (maybe 6 or 7 shaves in). I had and still some times have a similar problem, particular with my non dominent hand. I'm using a shavette with disposable blades, so what I did was remove the blades to practice.

First I just sat with the un bladed razor and went through the motions (literally) while watching tv, or using the computer. The mirror was confusing me too much at first, so this just allowed me to build some muscle memory and get the motions down.

Once I felt comfortable with this, I took it to the mirror for practice. Any time i couldn't see what I was doing I would adjust the razor, my face or my body to correct the problem. Then I installed the blade and went at it.

It sounds like a long process, but it really isn't. At first I made the mistake of practicing, on my face, with a blade, and I have plenty of nicks and razor burn to prove it.

As one of the other members advised me, if you've made it this far and things are getting better, then maybe you want to keep pushing forward. But if I may paraphrase our fearless leader Lynn; he says in the beginners wiki, if something feels wrong, Stop. it is easy to go back and correct the problem then to push forward and deal with nicks and irritated skin.

Good luck. I hope it works out well.

I think I'll be buying an extension mirror. I've been straight razor shaving now for about 5 months and also have a hard time keeping my eye on the razor when I use my offhand. I can tell it's mostly a coordination problem but perhaps an extra mirror will speed up the learning curve.

Originally Posted by freyguy

Hi there,

I'm new to straight razor shaving as well (maybe 6 or 7 shaves in). I had and still some times have a similar problem, particular with my non dominent hand. I'm using a shavette with disposable blades, so what I did was remove the blades to practice.

First I just sat with the un bladed razor and went through the motions (literally) while watching tv, or using the computer. The mirror was confusing me too much at first, so this just allowed me to build some muscle memory and get the motions down.

Once I felt comfortable with this, I took it to the mirror for practice. Any time i couldn't see what I was doing I would adjust the razor, my face or my body to correct the problem. Then I installed the blade and went at it.

It sounds like a long process, but it really isn't. At first I made the mistake of practicing, on my face, with a blade, and I have plenty of nicks and razor burn to prove it.

As one of the other members advised me, if you've made it this far and things are getting better, then maybe you want to keep pushing forward. But if I may paraphrase our fearless leader Lynn; he says in the beginners wiki, if something feels wrong, Stop. it is easy to go back and correct the problem then to push forward and deal with nicks and irritated skin.

Good luck. I hope it works out well.

I am actually using a Feather razor with disposable blades. That is a great idea to try your technique out without a blade in the razor!! Thanks for a great tip!

No problem, Just wanted to pass along the advice I got here. It looks a little silly, so you might want to do it in private, however, the results are noticeable

Good luck, let me know how you do.

I'm just getting back into shaving, but from prior experience I can't recommend the extension mirror enough! Through numerous moves in the Navy mine didn't survive. Now I'm trying to shave with just the medicine chest mirror. It's a bit different, and much harder.

Wheeww.. I thought maybe I was the only one that couldnt quite see (through my hand) I'm only 3 shaves in, and using both hands. (Only my sideburns/cheeks). I can't get my vision around my hands though, I'll be adding one of those mirrors to the setup now too. Thanks for the post!

Originally Posted by alex357

Wheeww.. I thought maybe I was the only one that couldnt quite see (through my hand) I'm only 3 shaves in, and using both hands. (Only my sideburns/cheeks). I can't get my vision around my hands though, I'll be adding one of those mirrors to the setup now too. Thanks for the post!

I'm no expert on the matter, but from all the videos I've seen, and all the reading I've done, I think if your having trouble seeing, it might be a problem with your technique.

Then again, everyone is different and has their own way of holding/using the razor. Just something to think about. I watched a video of lynn shaving, and the way he holds and uses the razor makes it seem like it's a part of his hand. Totally control, one mirror, and no awkward head turning, or neck twisting.

I'd give it a look, it helped me a lot when I was having the same problem your running into right now.

Good call on that mirror with the extra angles from the side. I cna see how that would help. I know how it feels not being able to see the blade. Being new at this myself I have been having similar problems. To top that off as well, I have pretty bad eyes, and without my glasses on it makes it that much harder to see. The best thing I have found in addition to getting used to using the off hand, is to just make sure I take my time, don't rush anything. It seems that as long as I am going slow enough, if I can't see the blade I can still concentrate on the technique by touch. Good luck, we will all get it in time one way or another ! (that of course does not apply to those pros out there !)

Originally Posted by Vidiot

Good call on that mirror with the extra angles from the side. I cna see how that would help...

While you can use an extra mirror to get a side view, it's not really necessary. I use the pull out mirror just to get a closer view which seems to help a lot. I don't have to lean over the sink which throws everything off, expecially with a sharp instrument in your hand.

I wonder if anyone has one of those triple mirrors that give you three views? That would be cool.

I still haven't mastered getting my hand out of the way (I'm not even a week into this new art of straight razor shaving though ). I've been "practicing" with just a comb.. (saw someone that had suggested that - act like the back of the comb is the spine of the razor). I am doing good with going SLOW though. No nicks! The triple medicine cabinet mirror would be very cool!