Originally Posted by
Obie
Hello, Pcdad:
The Austrian pianist Paul Wittgenstein (b. 1887) lost his right arm in WWI (1914-1918). After that he devoted himself to piano works composed for the left hand only. Maurice Ravel, of the "Bolero" fame (reference the sex music in the movie "10" with Bo Derrick), composed the Piano Concerto in D Major, (for the left hand) for Wittgenstein.
If you really want to shave with a straight razor, you can do it with a whole series of improvisations.
Trying to visualize your possible physical restrictions, if I were in your place, this is what I would do:
1. Concentrate on shaving with the right hand only.
2. No need to stretch overhead; rather keep your stretching hand in front of your face and stretch from there.
3. I don't try to stretch aggressively. Here I would especially keep my stretching less tense.
4. Use your knuckles for stretching.
5. Since your stretching hand is shorter, you might have to turn your face more toward it when shaving the opposite side of your face.
6. In some parts of the face, tightening and contorting facial muscles works quite nicely. That's what I do. Once or twice I have managed to scare my wife with my facial masks, but she forgives me and my insanity in shaving with a straight razor in the first place.
7. Take your time. Shave a small part of your face at a time: the easiest parts first until you learn the typography of your face and hone your skills more with the straight razor.
8. I would recommend starting with a 5/8" round point razor, because you can maneuver it better than you can the bigger blades. Later go to bigger blades, if you want to.
9. Don't be obsessed by trying for the perfect shave. That will come in time.
10. Concentrate on mastering a technique that works best for you under the circumstances.
11. Also concentrate on your shave preparation with a good brush, soap or cream.
12. Finally this: Piece 'o cake.
Welcome to SRP. We are delighted to have you. Look around for the mounds of information, especially in the Wiki. If you have any questions, post them and you'll have your answer in no time from our long list of experts. Good luck to you.
Regards,
Obie