Thread: What's the benefit to ambi-shaving??

I guess a progress report is in order first... about 10 shaves in. Can shave WTG confidently with both hands. Shave isn't exactly close enough that I feel confident going to work though. Can shave XTG with my right hand (on the left side of my face) fairly confidently. When it comes to using the sinister left hand, however, I'm still cutting myself. Not nicking, but actually cutting. This is very frustrating... After going XTG it's pretty close, but the cutting actually made one of my co-workers ask if I got attacked by a cat (no joke).

Is there an actual benefit to using both hands? Exactly what doorways does this open up later on?

Originally Posted by zuckermania

I guess a progress report is in order first... about 10 shaves in. Can shave WTG confidently with both hands. Shave isn't exactly close enough that I feel confident going to work though. Can shave XTG with my right hand (on the left side of my face) fairly confidently. When it comes to using the sinister left hand, however, I'm still cutting myself. Not nicking, but actually cutting. This is very frustrating... After going XTG it's pretty close, but the cutting actually made one of my co-workers ask if I got attacked by a cat (no joke).

Is there an actual benefit to using both hands? Exactly what doorways does this open up later on?

Well I don't go ATG but do my other passes with both hands. As I sit here going through the motions I'd imagine that, for me, it'd be pretty consistent to use my right hand only for ATG. And now my coworkers are also looking at me like I'm goofy.

I use my left hand for WTG and XTG because it's easier to use and see for me. I don't think a right-hand only ATG pass would pose any problems viewing the mirror or holding the razor properly.

Many would say it's easier to maneuver when you use both hands however those who use only one hand say they get along fine so it's your call.

As far as doorways it opens? If you only had one hand to use you could still shave if you used both hands and if you ever go to a traditional Japanese Straight using both hands makes it much easier to learn.

Good points have been made. If something happens to your dominant hand it is good to have a backup. I find it easier to use both hands but I wouldn't get focused on doing it a certain way. Find what works for you. Hit the easy button. If you are cutting yourself up back off for a while. Maybe come back to it later as your overall confidence grows. The very cool 1905 shaving manual (which you can find in the beginners forum - thanks again Lucky Cynic) shows it all being done with the right hand.


http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...made-easy.html

From a practical standpoint, there are none. However, if it gives you a sense of acomplishment, then that is a real benefit.

Hello, Zuckermania:

I am right-handed, but I have used both hands to shave from the first day. My teacher was Lynn, who uses both hands.

Two hands give me a better strategic capability to maneuver the razor. Yet, I don't believe shaving with both hands is a requirement for a straight razor. What matters is what works best for the shaver, one hand or two.

I always recommend two hands. If you feel you do better with your dominant hand, however, then that is what you should do. Select your personal preference and go with it. There is no right or wrong way; there is the individual shaver's way.

Regards,
Obie

Originally Posted by zuckermania

Is there an actual benefit to using both hands? Exactly what doorways does this open up later on?

Strangely, I can usually get a closer shave when I use my off-hand. The only thing I can think to associate this with is the martial art idea of 'no-mind'. Since my left hand is less connected to the brain in coordination, there isn't as much conflict over angle as there is with my right hand.

I just think it gives you more options for how you might approach shaving an area. If you can shave with both hands, you can do everything a one handed shaver can and more.

Jordan

At first I couldn't figure out shaving with the non dominant (left in my case) hand but forum member Danny Wonderful posted a tip on practicing shaving with the left hand while watching TV or sitting at the computer.

This was what got me over the hump. When I tried to do it during the actual shave looking in the mirror would confuse me. By practicing without looking I got the moves down. So I shaved with both hands a bit but went back to dominant hand shaving. It is just so familiar and I have no problems with it.

If I were ever to have an injury to my right hand or arm and couldn't use it to shave I could get used to using the non dominant hand. Of course that would depend on my being able to stretch with the injured member. No stretch, no straight razor shave.

I'm a natural left that the education system forced into being right handed... the only I can't do left handed is handwrite (and I don't even do that right handed unless I have to ;p).

I can't do the right side of my face with my left hand smoothly, even with a cartridge razor, never mind trying it with a straight yet. Have no issues shaving the left side with the left hand, can shave either side with my right hand without any concern. I figure a few more shaves and I'll have my left hand shaving down, though it might take another dozen after that to get my right side with the left hand.

As someone who has already been down a hand for a while (TFCC tear in late 04) and now working on a bad shoulder again (AC sprain xmas 08, and now rotator cuff pain), having both hands trained for any task is a good thing.