Thread: Beggining with my first Straight Razor

I, too, am new here, having only been around about 6 weeks. I'm doing my entire shave with my dominant hand as I'd rather get my technique down before I train my other hand. Something I found useful was to let my beard grow for a few days, that way, I could get a really good idea of the growth patterns. You'll be surprised at the odd angles your beard grows. What you think is WTG may actually be XTG, and so on. In any event, welcome aboard!

Thanks everyone I am sure it will help. I think I will start working on my left hand to see if I can get it better!

I'm new to straights as well and having issues with grip and dominant hand use. I'm not sure whether to perfect my technique with the dominant hand BEFORE trying to train the non-dominant hand - or go slowly and steadily in a way that will give better results in the long run.

It's too funny that two of you posted in the same day asking questions about gripping the razor.

+1 to not worrying to BBS shaves to start with. Also, don't worry about using both hands or ATG at first. I'm right handed and it took me a couple of months before I tried with my left hand or ATG. Take it slow and give yourself some time to get use to the str8.

For future reference, below, are some pics of the grip I use for both WTG & ATG. Please note that both pics may show what appears to be a tight grip on the razor. This is only because I'm taking the pic myself. You should only hold the razor with just enough grip to give yourself control of it. Too much grip will cause you to snag on tough whiskers, pimples or bumps to where wind up with a nick or cut.

Welcome to SRP and we wish you good luck and hope you stick with it. Don't let yourself get discouraged and I assure you will find a renewed enjoyment in shaving.