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Hello everyone. Newbee here.
Fow a while now I've been thinking about trying out a straight razor to shave. However, I have a unique situation. I am missing my left hand. So my question is; is it possible to safely shave your face entirely with one hand? That is, without stretching the skin with your free hand.
Thanks.
Some people do shave with only their dominant hand so it should be possible. Skin stretching helps but it is not necessarily required, and of course you can do all of the ridiculous facial contortions the rest of us do to aid in stretching the skin. I would guess the greatest shortcoming would be along the jawline, as that seems to be the most benefited by stretching. Basically I think you could get a serviceable shave but you could not achieve as good of a shave as one done with conventional stretching.
I would assume that you would be better off with a paddle strop rather than a hanging strop. I can't think of any other particular issue.
Yes I think you could do just fine too, it is going to be just like everything else you have probably had to overcome, a bit of a challenge at first, then a sense of true accomplishment when you achieve your goal...
I am thinking Bench Strop sorta like this one...
http://straightrazorpalace.com/strop...trop-hone.html
A wife or girlfriend could help with the stretching as you learn to make the needed facial contortions. from there you could slowly ween yourself from that help till you can manage on your own. I am betting the difficulties you have had to overcome due to your disability will contribute greatly in overcoming the learning curve with a straight that many of us with two hands had trouble overcoming...in other words my suspicion is that you will learn easier and quicker because you already have a mindset to overcome difficulties where many of us without your disadvantage never gained that mindset and as a result we have a bigger handicap to overcome which is to say our own idiotic selves.
You will have a bit more obstical at first, but i have faith if you truly want to learn how to straight shave it shouldent be a problem. Have fun!
Yes. Using a double edge shares many techniques, and is cheap. I think you'll find you will easily master the facial contortions with that. Not trying to through training wheels at the idea, but this way when you grab the straight, you won't need to juggle to many new ideas at once.
Also, if your loss has left enough of your lower arm, just the act of placing it near the area of shave will be of benefit. Not as important above the ears, but placing it on your collar bone would be helpful when shaving the neck and under chin. Still, not required, you'll just need to be attentive.
Lastly, the way I tick, when ever I think about something for a while, and don't do it, I kick myself for not doing it sooner!
You will do just fine. Welcome to the brotherhood!
I'm pretty sure you'll be able to get enough stretch with facial contortions. I was just doing a few to test the theory. As has been mentioned, if you're missing your left hand, but have your forearm, I don't think there is a reason that you couldn't do stretching with it. It may take some practice to place everything in the right spots that work for you....but lets be serious... Every single person on this forum (I think....) has had to figure out what exactly works best for them, through trial and error, and a few nicks.
I say give'r!
Please keep us posted. I think you'll do just fine.
Thanks for the replies.
Few things to note. I don't think my girlfriend would be willing to help me out, because she would be terrified of the blade. I'll have to be nonchalant about the whole thing as it is. If I make a big deal about it, she'll worry herself (and me) to death. LOL
As far as my arm, I'm missing it right below the elbow. So I have an elbow and about four inches of bone. Not much to work with. I've done some practacing and there's not much I can do with it as far as stretching skin, that I can't do with just facal movements. If anything it will impede my vision. Not to mention be uncomfortable. So, If I'm gonna do it, I'm gonna have to learn to do it with one hand. Then I can hold a towel with my left arm to wipe the blade etc. I'm not too concerned about the strop etc., because I'm pretty good at improvising. I can rig something where I can hold it tight with my left arm. That's the easy part, and what I've been doing all my life. Or worse case, I'll just get a bench strop.
Also, I'm not afraid to try to shave. You're talking to a guy who gives himself intermuscular injections. My only concern is if it will be practical. Meaning, will I continue to cut myself just as much (or more) even after I learn. Or will the shave be no better than it is now i.e. be closer, more comfortable shave etc. I don't wanna waste the time and money if there's no real advantage. I guess the only way I'm gonna know for sure is to try. Speaking of which, is it worth it to try a replacable blade straight razor, or will that not give me the same experence as a regular one? BTW, I'm not worried about learning to sharpen either. I sharpen my own kinves, and I got interested in straight razors through my interest in kinves and sharpening. Go figure.
Anyway, thanks again for the info so far. This looks like a great forum, with alot of interesting info. Hope I can learn to shave, or I'll look kinda silly hanging out here. LOL
Be sure to check the classifieds here at SRP, a lot of good razors at reasonable prices.
i think a shavette will do you well and if it doesnt work out then your not out too much cash
I have seen a few guys shave with a SR missing fingers and arms. It is possible and the only obstacle you could possibly have will be in your own mind. The guy that actually got me started was a soldier I met at Ramstien Air Force Base, in Germany, at the hospital. He had lost his right arm and was bound and determined to keep life flowing as normal as possible. We used to tease him a bit that he had a death wish shaving with a SR. He usually would offer to give us a shave....:)
One thing I noticed was he was extremly mindful of keeping the blade wicked sharp. Personally the only time I really start stretching and pulling on my face is when the blade starts to dull up a bit and I refuse to accept the fact my 30 second strop job was not sufficient to get the job done.
So I say go for it man. Especially after you master the art of shaving one handed with a SR, you would be like a Jedi master- or something of that level of prestige and honor. A man among men!!!:matrix:
Just because you are missing a hand doesn't mean you cannot stretch your skin. People overcome obstacles all the time and I'm confident you can do this as well. Facial stretches, contortions, etc.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nitro
Nitro, I think this needs talking about. You're going to read a lot here about baby-butt-smooth shaves with a straight. And I suspect that about the eleventy-twelfth time you nick yourself you might start to have doubts about whether it's all worth it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nitro
As someone who has been doing this for a few months now, I gotta tell you that the goal of BBS / nick-free shaves is, for me, still a fantasy. It has to be, I'm too busy learning how to handle a shave-- any quality of straight razor shave-- without peeing myself.
Yes, my double-edge razor still gives me a superior shave to anything I can accomplish with a straight. Hell, if I'm completely honest about it, I'd have to admit that I'm pretty sure the wife's Venus Cartridge Piece o' Crap<tm> would give me a closer shave than what I'm getting right now with a straight. :) But what I want you to understand is that the only effect my having two complete hands has on my ability right now is that I have twice as many ways to screw up as you do.
So, why do I do it-- as you asked: "What's the advantage?"
I would say to you this:
Learning to shave with a straight, by trying to put into practice what I read here, puts me in a fraternity of men, every one of whom has been exactly where I am right now. No one here was born with the ability they currently have. I can trust, based on the experience they share here, that the goal you and I have of shaving well will come, if only we, as newcomers, have the faith and the discipline to stick with it.
When that day comes we join those who, like the ancients before us, need nothing but a blade. I want that.
The people on this board are a phenomenal group. At no time have I been ill-advised by any one of them. They continually give to us newcomers without expecting anything in return.
Where I come from that's incredibly rare. And I tend to treasure things that are that rare. I suspect you will, too, if you keep coming here.
Who knows...?
I may get a damn fine shave from a straight one day. Hope springs eternal. But when that day comes, it will pale in comparison to what I've already found here. I hope that for you, too. Do stick around.
Not to hijack to badly here, but mbaglio- I think that may have been one of the most eloquent, well thought-out descriptions of how I (and I imagine many others) feel, not only about straight-razor shaving, but about this community as well.
OP, if that's not enough to motivate you, I don't know what will! As far as dealing with it one-handed, I'd have to concur with the rest that considering everything else you've had to learn and adapt around, this shouldn't be any more difficult. Of course, that just puts you at the same starting point as the rest of us newbies- which can be pretty frustrating for anyone.
As far as the disposable-blade route, that's where I started out and it's a mixed bag. It is a great way to try it out for next to no investment to be sure. BUT, it is a lot less forgiving, so it's easier for a beginner to just say, "This is impossible, to hell with it all". I had such a rougher time with that little bugger that starting out with a real straight was actually a huge relief. Anyway, if you do try that first, just understand that it's much less forgiving and don't let it get you too down on the whole thing.
Best of luck to you, you've definitely found a great resource and community here!
If I remember correctly we had another person here who had limited use of one hand and got along fine. One of the many sages here stated something about those who were missing hands in the 1800s had to shave as well.
We also have had members who have gotten hurt enough to temporarily lose use of one hand, maybe they will chime in with suggestions.
There are a lot of great paddle strops available (oh, shoot I forgot to cut Glen some corian, sorry), but don't discount hanging strops if I were in a similar situation I would tie a tether to the bottom of a strop, then weight the end. I would then drape the bottom of the strop over something. It could assist you in learning how little pressure to use while stropping as well. I may experiment with weights if I ever finish fixing my house.
BTW I would never suggest a knife honer to even attempt a razor without first forgetting everything he knows. I have sharpened many knives. I know many custom knife makers and chefs who hone razors and all agree that they are completely different. Even one of my very favorite razor honers admitted to me once that he cannot sharpen a knife. In contrast there are a large number of guys I have seen on this forum who can sharpen a knife to the keenest working edges possible who admit that they know squat about honing a razor.
Just some food for thought.
Glad to have you here, hope you enjoy our little community.
-G
Ok... I'll try it. What's the worst that can happen? Don't answer that! :eek:
Now comes the hard part... deciding which razor to get. :thinking: Any suggestions, on brand, size, shape for a noob. I'm not looking for fancy, just functional under $100. I figure if it doesn't work out I can always sell it, right? Speaking of which, how's the resell value of SR's?
I know I need a brush and strop also. I'm thinking the Tweezerman Badger brush and Filly strop. However, any suggestions on a good soap, cream and aftershave. Again nothing fancy. Just something to get my feet wet... errr face rather. Later I'll try different ones to see which one I like the best.
I can't think of anything else I need, except maybe a soap cup. I'm thinking a coffee cup, unless of course that's sacrilegious. :rofl2: What do ya'll use? Oh... and I see all these fancy brush/blade holders. Are those handy, or just gimmicks? How do ya'll store your toys?
Geez... now I'm really sounding like a noob with all the questions. Thanks a much though... I really apprecicate all the help. :)
Welcome to the board, and congrats on your decision, I'm sure you'll do just fine and that your shaves will be great.
I started shaving with only my dominant hand, and still do most of the time. I also do not stretch, not sure why that is but I think it was because it was awkward when I started. Anyhow, I don't really have the need for it, I get comfortable BBS from this method.
YMMV, I'm guessing that especially the stretching is dependant upon your face. If I had loose skin or pronounced wrinkles I do not suppose I'd be shaving in this way.
Two words:
Angle might be more important if you do not stretch. Make sure you get this worked out.
Also, find some post by JimmyHAD and take note of his signature, and make sure you remember it. Sound advice for most people indeed, but there is a spot on my neck that I can't get smooth by face contortions - I have many times thought his advice is what saved me nicks or cuts in that area.
Best of luck :)
Nitro, I have only been str8 shaving for about 2 months, so I can't really add anything to what others have already said except for the shave mug. I don't use a mug, I use a cereal bowl, from Target. It has a "pebbly" finish, not a glossy one, and is about 4" in diameter, and about 2 inches deep. I think it works awesome. I had a mug years ago (I was on Submarines and you couldn't have aerosols), and it was just too darn small for my tastes. Would a bowl work for you? I'm thinking you're going to need to leave the mug/bowl on the counter anyhow, so no need for a handle, but maybe the bowl would be too light. You could always set it down in the sink on a wet towel/rag.
Just something to think about...
I shave my whole face with one hand. I'm left handed and I reckon my right hand suffers from a dexterity problem. I do minimal face stretch on my weekday shaves but if I've got a sharp straight, I can still get BBS with 3 passes.
Another member here does not have an arm too, and has been shaving with a straight razor for many years. He has a system for stropping too. I will email him, giving him this link. If he is not out of town, or unavailable for some personal reason, I am sure he would like to give you some feedback.
But, because of him, I know that the answer is absolutely yes! You can do it. :)
"I'm your huckleberry", I was born with one arm and have been a straight razor user for about thirty years. Straight shaving, like being a professional trumpeter, tournament grade paddleball player, 209 average bowler and A ball baseball player is not very difficult to do if you have a plan. If I had to narrow it down to two things I would have to say quality lather and extremely sharp edges would be the items of paramount importance to my shaving. Since I don't stretch my skin while shaving (I can if I get creative but it's more trouble than it's worth) these two items, in addition to mapping out how you intend to shave and how to hold the straight razor to accomplish those strokes, are the items to consider as you proceed. Feel free to hit me via PM if you have any questions.
My strop. The money maker goes through the handle on the bottom.
C+Mon+&+Trey+Custom+Strop+002.JPG (image)
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GvfjfVsoB3...+Strop+002.JPG
(Everyone, we're good friends. That's why I am about to abuse Ol Baya montate. Don't worry!)Quote:
Originally Posted by Bayamontate
While I can't do much with a trumpet except shine it, I would love to take you down at some of the competitive items you mention. One arm or not! Its just man vs man. :matrix:
But, did you say you have a 209 bowling average? And, play A level baseball?
Maybe, I better cut my Texas swagger down to something a little closer to humility. :)
"It ain't braggin" if it's true," I'm down. I know you have lots of bowlings alley but handball/paddleball courts may be difficult to find in Texas.
If it makes you feel better, I suck at golf :D.
Hey Bay, thanks for the info.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bayamontate
Just curious, what type of razor do you use i.e. size, shape etc.? I'm still trying to decide what to get. Also, what do you use for soap/cream? Anything special? You have a special techique in forming the lather?
I'm not much of a bowler or A Ball Player, but I have been shooting pool for 30 years. I can hold my own against the best of them. Though I don't use one now, but when I was younger I had a Prosthesis (Hook). I was then untouchable, because it was the perfect bridge. Now that I play without it, I still win most of the time, but at least they're not afraid to play me, thinking it's more fair. How they figure that I'm not sure. :thinking:
That's pretty much what I was thinking of doing. i.e. Rigging some kind of loop at the bottom to hold it with. I guess great minds think alike. ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Bayamontate
Nitro,
I like heavy ground, big Sheffield's but have nothing against hollow ground straight razors. Since I have three fingers on my right hand, heavier grinds help me get through a bit easier.
While I'm partial to P160, I like Cade, C&E. PdP, Cella, Proraso Green Tea/Aloe, and European creams. I find shave oil to be a must and my lather to be more liquid than usually (a comfortable median with cushion and easier glide.) I use a scuttle so I can add water as needed. I can shoot some pool too Bro, put the ball anywhere near the edge of the table and you're toast, if not I tape a 1 inch section of a sipping straw and it's on.
I had a Prosthesis made every two years since 5 years of age until I was 13 that I used it only twice in my life, once to beat the shit of a guy in my neighborhood who needed a not so subtle hint to leave me alone and the second was when I put the faux rubber five finger hand in the punch bowl during my senior prom. The Prosthesis, while well intended, just got in the way.
I'm thinking about getting a 5/8" half hollow grind. From what I read that seems to be a popular choice for beginners. Not sure what brand though. BTW, what is Shave Oil? I've read about soap and cream, but not Shave Oil.
Yeah, I had a hook until I was 20 years old. The only three things it came in handy (no pun intended) for was typing, riding a bike and shooting pool. Most of the time it just got in the way. Not to mention it was very uncomfortable.
Pre-shave oil is applied before you apply lather to assist with glide, essential if you don't stretch your skin while shaving in my opinion.
Prosthetics have come a long from the nylon straps joined by the three inch iron O ring on the back.
Nitro,
I read your post yesterday, and was thinking about it this morning while I was shaving. I noticed that I rarely stretch my skin using my free hand during shaving - only when I'm doing my sideburns. Even then, it's not totally necessary for me. I mainly rely on facial contortions and neck extension to keep my skin taunt. Obviously, the ability to stretch one's skin in this manor depends on each guy's unique anatomy so YMMV. I say jump on in, the water's fine!
I have been straight shaving for many years(1969) , and the only time I get just a little nervous is when I am in a hurry and pick up the shavette. Those things are like a mad crock! I wouldn"t recommend a shavette for learning. Good luck andtake your time. I am sure you will do great. Best Regards, John Downing (wildhog)