Thread: First two shaves

Yours is a familiar tale my friend. I've got only a handful of shaves under my belt and I'm not even close to being proficient. That being said though I do notice my technique improving every time. Relearning to shave with a straight razor is funny because I've always hated shaving in the past. Suddenly I can't wait to shave only now I'm really BAD at it. It takes twice as long and I usually end up with a nick or some razor burn or both. Oddly, I find the whole event really enjoyable though - its pretty confusing but I don't question it. I'll keep enjoying it - I just hope the future holds less bleeding for the both of us.

Originally Posted by Billr

So is it better/easier to change hands back and forth with a straight or is it OK to just use one hand?

In straight shaving everything is OK if it works. As far as "better/easier", I think it is both. I started alternating hands on my second straight shave, four weeks ago, and it was much easier than I thought it would be. At first it seems awkward, but the awkwardness slows you down and it slowly comes together. It is easier for the non-dominant hand to reach some areas well than to come across with the dominant hand.

Oddly, there are some areas, like the opposite cheek ATG where using the "wrong" hand works better.

Originally Posted by Billr

So is it better/easier to change hands back and forth with a straight or is it OK to just use one hand?

It is harder at first, but in the end you get more options with both sides of your face. There are plenty of guys who shave just fine with their dominant hand only though.

One thing you can do to help your off hand coordination is to simply use it more in other things; lathering, opening doors or drawers, using keys, little things like that.

Thanks for all the replies - I have found something very helpful in each one of them. Forums like this are a nice place to be and I love being able those that have gone before me, and then I can look forward to passing what I learn on to others.

Hai


May I ask you where you've acquired your razor? Actually, I don't really care, I'm more wondering if it is a truly shave ready razor.

shave ready razor and a factory-new razor aren't the same. Keep that in mind. Shaving is much easier with a truly shave ready blade.

Hi Shiznix,

Yes - good question actually and I understand why. I got the razor from Larry over at whippeddog.com - not a new razor, just one that is honed to a shave ready state. I think it is a good way for me to start. If I had a brand new razor I would be to afraid I would mess it up and not be able to use it at all.

Well things are going pretty good. I am up to my 5th shave with the straight. I am able to do my whole face and neck. I am just doing one pass and then finishing with my DE. So far no nicks or cuts and no problems with irritation. I am able to switch between hands and do pretty well at it. The one thing I am having a difficulty with is my hand gets in the way of my sight lines. I am having to learn different techniques of holding the razor. Life is good with a straight.