Thread: trouble on the left side

So I have started to have success with the straight. I'm going very slowly with very little pressure. The results I'm getting are much better, fewer nicks and close shave. Tonight I even managed to shave my upper lip and chin area which previously were problematic. So I'm only doing a single pass which isn't giving me the BBS but hey I'll get there I got time. The problem I'm having is shaving the left side of my face. For whatever reason on the right side it seems holding the razor, stretching and the angle are much easier to achieve. On the left side well not so much. I can get through it but seems like it could be a bit easier. Does anyone have any suggestions for ways to make the left side easier, maybe a different angle to the mirror a different grip etc.

Thanks again for help. I can tell already that the time to myself is helping my stress levels.

The "classic" method is to put the razor in your left hand, and put your right hand over the top of your head and pull upward on the skin on the left side of your face.

Personally, I do the best that I can do with the left hand using a "free hand" stroke (check the barber's manual for a description) and then I hold the razor in the right hand, compress my neck with the left hand and use a "reverse free hand" grip and do an ATG pass.

I hope that made sense to you.

going to have to do some reading, but I think I have an idea.
Thank you!

Are you using two hands or one?

I also think, just as your upper lip and chin are getting easier, so will your off side. Just focus on the fundamentals of good stretching, angle and light pressure and your technique will naturally develop.

Originally Posted by vinnyt

So I have started to have success with the straight. I'm going very slowly with very little pressure. The results I'm getting are much better, fewer nicks and close shave. Tonight I even managed to shave my upper lip and chin area which previously were problematic. So I'm only doing a single pass which isn't giving me the BBS but hey I'll get there I got time. The problem I'm having is shaving the left side of my face. For whatever reason on the right side it seems holding the razor, stretching and the angle are much easier to achieve. On the left side well not so much. I can get through it but seems like it could be a bit easier. Does anyone have any suggestions for ways to make the left side easier, maybe a different angle to the mirror a different grip etc.

Thanks again for help. I can tell already that the time to myself is helping my stress levels.

Are you using your left hand to shave the left side? Or having trouble seeing the left side while shaving it with your right hand? If it is the first it is going to take some time, if your left isnt your dominant hand. I have seen people recommend to do other things throughout the day using your left hand more to get used to using it. It took me a while to get used to using my left hand but it will come with some practice(time). Others have taped up the edge or used a dull razor and practiced with their left hand while sitting in front of the TV just to get used to it. The bright side is that I cut myself with my dominant hand far more than with my weak hand, I figure it was because I felt so confident with the dominant one.

On the other hand if it is just not being able to see when reaching across with the right hand, that also will just take some time and maybe one of those adjustable mirrors will help make it take less time. One of those would allow you to get different angles than you can get standing in front of a stationary mirror, but even with out one you will learn a little more every shave, eventually you will be an old pro. There are alot of shaving videos on youtube as well as the video section here on SRP so you can see the techniques other shavers use. Good luck and enjoy the process of learning a new skill.