Thread: Cross Shaving vs. Off Hand?

So, I’ve been shaving for months now with my str8 and I’ve been getting great results. The one shortcut I took on my learning was to NOT using my off hand for the non-dominant side.

So my question is, now that I’ve gotten the swing of things using a cross shaving technique – should I spend the effort on the off hand? What are folks thoughts on this? What folks out there use both hands, vs. a single hand?

Thanks!

Michael

I followed the same route as you, sticking to the dominant (right) hand for the first couple of years. It's only been within the last year that I've invested the time in learning to shave with my left and it has been worth the effort. My shaves are smoother, with fewer passes...especially the problem areas, such as the hollow on the right side of my neck. I've found that the way to get the best angle on that is with the left hand.

Start slow. Sticking with just one easy area at first will give you practice without slowing down your shave routine too much. As you gain confidence, you can work into the trickier areas. If you're anything like me, you might use too much pressure with the off hand in an unconscious attempt to steady it. I never cut myself that way but I did have a few cases of razor burn as a result. Remind yourself to go easy.

I'm starting off the bat with the off hand. It has been surprisingly quick to progress. I'm not great yet with my left hand, but am now comfortable and continuing to improve. I find it well worth the effort. There are a few trouble spots that are much easier to get to with the off hand in my case as well.

Go ahead and give the off hand a try. I've been shaving for a whole few weeks. I tried with only the dominant hand the first few times and found reaching around awkward for some passes. After a week or so you become pretty proficient with your off hand.

I'm about equally bad with both so far!

Ed.

Just thought I might lend a hand here(pun)...I wouldn't overthink this.Use what comes natural.There is no hard rule here. Straight shaving is very individual and not all straight users shave alike.It's very easy to get stuck in the herd mentality as it were.Use one or both whichever is working for you best. I use both and sometimes just one or the other and I get good results unless I am being careless.It's all about learning your own face....Good shaving to ya m8te ! Welcome to SRP

You know Michael, it's all about what works the best for you. Offhand onhand, amberdexterosity, eh. Getting a good, comfortable shave is the test. Are you getting the good, comfortable shave with as many hands as you choose to use?

Well there you are.

You also get a much better view in the mirror by using your off-hand. I've also found that, while awkward at first, there really seems to be a steep learning curve. It is never quite as natural-feeling as using the dominant hand, but is pretty close, and the advantages with angles and view outweigh the slightly less comfortable use of the non-dominant hand.

I broke my right arm at 14 and realized that I would have to master doing everything with my left. God fore bid I ever lose my right arm,
Now I can do everything except write well.
I think everyone should learn to use there off hand, You never know when you may be forced to use it on a constant basis.

Silver2

Personally, I think using your off hand gives you more options when you shave and can make things easier however it's an option and not necessary.

I started out using both hands. It was tough at first, because I consider myself to be strongly dominant in my right hand.
Honestly, I thought it would take much longer to become comfortable with my left hand than it did, and after about two months, it felt quite natural with both hands.
I also think it helps to do other tasks with the off hand also, such as brushing one's teeth... Might as well get as many new neuron connections into the act as possible!