Thread: Help before I start.

Hello folks I'm about to start straight shaving when my razor comes in and have a question. I think I'll do fine with my right and dominent hand but my left hand worries me. I litteraly have no cordination in that hand. I mean can't do a button or really much of anything with it. Would it be reasonable to just do both sides with my right hand and therefore eliminate the need to switch and thus save me quite a bit of blood. What are your thoughts? Thanks for your time.

I also use only my dominant hand for shaving, I tried switching hands but am more comfortable just using one. This hobby is all about what works for you, if it works go with it.

Originally Posted by livingontheedge

I also use only my dominant hand for shaving, I tried switching hands but am more comfortable just using one. This hobby is all about what works for you, if it works go with it.

I completely agree. Give your left hand a try for a few shaves, and if you decide it absolutely isn't working just learn to shave with your dominant only (many members do). There is no rule that says all straight razor shavers MUST shave with both hands, so you have to do whatever is comfortable.

My thoughts: I feel that using your dominant hand would be a very prudent approach until you get the hang of things (angles etc.). Once you gain confidence and ability, I am fairly certain you will find it is somewhat a natural progression to give the non-dominant hand try. Most of all, keep it simple to start and be safe! Dexterity will come with practice.
I am by no means an authority and I'm sure you will receive some better advice or tips from others here. Just my thoughts to your question.

Willie.

Nothing wrong with using only your dominant hand if thats what works for you. I personally use both...it takes a bit to get used to and to train those muscles but you can do it. Maybe try using something like a butter knife and pretend shaving with your non dominant hand to help you prepare and see if it'll work

Originally Posted by Catrentshaving

Nothing wrong with using only your dominant hand if thats what works for you. I personally use both...it takes a bit to get used to and to train those muscles but you can do it. Maybe try using something like a butter knife and pretend shaving with your non dominant hand to help you prepare and see if it'll work

This is good advice and exactly what I did prior to recieving my razor. I didn't worry so much about getting the angles for WTG, ATG & XTC with my non-dominant hand until I was comfortable holding the butterknife then I one day just WENT for it, and it worked out fine.

Take your time and most importantly enjoy yourself. Lathering up for the first time is something you will never forget. It's one of THOSE type of moments.

Something that worked for me when I started shaving is to use my left hand to brush my teeth. I know that the motion, angle, etc. is nothing alike, but it helped me develop some more coordination with my left hand. It felt awkward at first but as I became more proficient at it I began to realize that I had better muscle control over my left hand. I am currently also trying to learn to shoot pool left handed for certain shots. The more things you do with your opposite hand the more control you will have over it. However, as stated above, you have to do what works for you. If you want to shave your whole face without switching hands and that works just fine then do it and don't let anyone tell you different.

Originally Posted by Devilpup

Hello folks I'm about to start straight shaving when my razor comes in and have a question. I think I'll do fine with my right and dominent hand but my left hand worries me. I litteraly have no cordination in that hand. I mean can't do a button or really much of anything with it. Would it be reasonable to just do both sides with my right hand and therefore eliminate the need to switch and thus save me quite a bit of blood. What are your thoughts? Thanks for your time.

Short answer; Yup! Long answer; Yup, but you should at least try with the left as much as possible. Stray just a little out of the comfort zone and slowly build up.


Mick

Give it a go with your left and see how it goes. I was surprised by how well attempts with my left (non dominant) hand went, and still swap hands now.

Ian

If you are anything like many people, then you have become accustomed to assigning one hand the majority of any tasks requiring fine motor control while your 'off' hand is consigned to a lesser assistance roll (grasping, holding, supporting).

The difficulty in using the 'off' hand for any task is really a matter of actually using it and training it. It is not just the movement of the hand, itself, but also a matter of training the 'off' arm to respond properly as well. When learning to shave, just work at it slowly and only to the point that you still feel comfortable... and safe.

I have gone through the same routine and while sometimes a slow process it is not impossible. I favor my right hand, and involving my left hand and arm in the process has been slow going. The smooth, hand-eye coordination developed over years of constant use of the major hand needs to be trained into the 'off' hand and that can really feel like work (literally). Especially in the beginning, the task of controlling the 'off' hand for me felt very tiresome and I found myself returning to using my right hand after only a few shaky strokes with the left. Well, I kept at it and although it is not yet the equal of my right hand, my left hand is now definitely of some use when I shave.

Best advice: practice, practice, practice.