Thread: Shave with just the one hand?

Hello, Gibbs:

My first straight shave was with a Feather Artist Club loaned by a friend, and I switched hands. I am right handed and using the left was difficult, but nothing was going to stop me from switching hands. My shave guru was the noble Lynn Abrams, who uses both hands, and I patterned my technique after his. It remains so today, with some variations.

Switching hands works better for me, although I don't do it because of set rules. There are no set rules on the subject. To train my left hand, I used it for almost all the daily chores: brushing teeth, opening doors, lathering the left side of the face, and so on. To keep my non-dominant hand sharp, I still try to perform numerous acts with it, including switching hands to make lather in the scuttle.

Sometimes I even shave the entire chin using the left hand just to keep it honed.

My suggestion, therefore, is to learn to switch hands from the start. Then again, what method you prefer is what matters. Either way, keep shaving with the straight. You will not regret it. That is until the day you scratch your head and wonder what on earth you plan to do with a 100 straight razors crowding your shave den.

Regards,

Obie

I use only my dominant hand and do "ok", which probably says a lot more about my place in the learning curve than it does about one hand shaving in general. That said, I usually try to train myself do most other tasks with either hand. So I plan on learning to shave with the offhand once I get more comfortable with he dominant hand. Good Luck!

You don't have to, but one advantage is you block your vision less. I worked hard to master the "off" hand and haven't regretted it. Ironically, I actually shave myself closer, and have many fewer cuts, on the parts of my face shaved with my "off" hand. I wonder if I was more attentive to correct technique?

if you try it, take it very very slowly and start with the easiest strokes.

Another advantage is that you use both sides of the razor's bevel more evenly. By using one hand, you shift your grip which ends up having the same side of the bevel on your face. I don't know if that matters, but it occurred to me.

I worked for many months to get my left hand up to snuff, but it never happened for me so I'm a one handed shaver. I openly admit that it would be better to be able to use two hands and recommend that all new shavers work at it no matter how uncomfortable it may seem at first.

I tried shaving with my non-dominant hand on my second shave. I just took it slow and easy, just like I was doing with my dominant hand. I'm planning on moving on to shaving with both hands at the same time, a razor in each hand, but have to get my medical plan straightened out first.

I started shaving with my off hand using my double edge razor. I still use it from time to time. It helped me to develop the ability to use both hands with a straight.

Sometimes I feel that we promote shaving to the status of an exact science. There are no "rules" - of course, there are ways of doing it right and wrong. But this is a practical skill. Therefore, what works best for each of us is "the rule"...
There are some points of view that deffend the use of both hands. This way will promote an even approach to either side of the face, provided that the shaver is proficient with either hand. It takes time to learn - but once you learn it, ideally, you will have an even shave on both sides.
Using only one hand will stimulate some creative thinking on the part of the shaver. But the technique will also develop with time and the results will be good as well.
When I started shaving with a straight razor 3 years ago I started doing so using both hands but soon enough I started using only my dominant hand. it felt more confortable to do so - it is a sharp knife we're talking about so that reduced my discomfort and I developed my own way of doing things. That being said, I have to add that I do not do - ever - a pass against the grain so I don't "miss" the possibility of using my off hand.
Do what suits you best and don't worry about right or wrong - there is no such thing. Focus on comfort of both shave and ease of using the tool. As you go along you'll get it.
And don't forget that the fact that SRP exists is a major "plus" on what concerns information on how to revive this lost art. So ask questions if you so wish. But in the end... it is only shaving. The best way of shaving, but shaving nontheless.

O.K. all you righites, I'm a lefty. It did take some time for me to learn "the right way." But I'm glad I did take the time. I went very slowly, and didn't try to rush. And after a couple of weeks I did get the hang of it. Watching Lynn's DVD was a great support for me. Time takes time!! Have fun.

http://sgnewwave.com/main/wp-content.../01/chucky.jpg

Just didn't work for me!

Originally Posted by Obie

Hello, Gibbs:

My first straight shave was with a Feather Artist Club loaned by a friend, and I switched hands. I am right handed and using the left was difficult, but nothing was going to stop me from switching hands. My shave guru was the noble Lynn Abrams, who uses both hands, and I patterned my technique after his. It remains so today, with some variations.

Switching hands works better for me, although I don't do it because of set rules. There are no set rules on the subject. To train my left hand, I used it for almost all the daily chores: brushing teeth, opening doors, lathering the left side of the face, and so on. To keep my non-dominant hand sharp, I still try to perform numerous acts with it, including switching hands to make lather in the scuttle.

Sometimes I even shave the entire chin using the left hand just to keep it honed.

My suggestion, therefore, is to learn to switch hands from the start. Then again, what method you prefer is what matters. Either way, keep shaving with the straight. You will not regret it. That is until the day you scratch your head and wonder what on earth you plan to do with a 100 straight razors crowding your shave den.

Regards,

Obie

+1
I enjoyed learning to shave with both hands. When I started out I was reluctant to try, but since then I have found it easy to train myself to do other things ambidexterously. If you don't want to or are not comfortable with using both hands then don't. Straight shaving is all about what works for you. If you do want to try I suggest doing any little tasks you can with your left hand, such as brushing your teeth or lathering lefty. This helps develop greater muscle control and coordination. Good luck.