Thread: How can I fix a lack of ambedixterity?

Hi, guys!

I've been a member for several years and have lurked a time or two, but only recently have I taken a serious interest in the site. I learned to shave with double edge blades and Gillette razors (does that make me a geezer?) and started using them again about six years ago after becoming totally disgusted with the so-called modern shave products. But I always wanted to try a straight, so a few years ago I bought a Dovo Shavette (no-sharpen) and have used it maybe four or five times.

Now your face may be different from mine, but I have both a left and a right side. So using both hands to control the razor would seem helpful. The problem, of course, is trying to get my left hand to be as coordinated as my right -- particularly as it approaches something delicate like that large vein (or artery?) carrying blood to my brain. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has faced this issue and wouldn't be surprised if it's been addressed in this forum before. But I was unable to find anything, so thought I'd ask you directly.

When I tried the razor again early this week, I noticed that I'm a just a little more comfortable using my left hand than before. In fact, I somehow succeeded in not nicking myself too many times, which is a first! I've discovered that having a very light touch seems to work very well. So my question -- does anyone have any tips on getting both hands to become comfortable working with a straight? I'm sure it's primarily just practice, but why reinvent the wheel when some of you might have some good tips?

Please let me hear back from you. I'd appreciate it! Looking forward to mastering the technique.

Bruce

Practicing and going slow will help you and if you do everyday tasks with your left hand such as brushing your teeth will also help you become ambedixterious.

Practice, practice, and patience are key. But who says you have to shave with both hands? Member Xman has a great video of a one handed shave which I would link but can't seem to figure out how or where it is at the moment. It might be in the Wiki, or you could use the search feature. I believe it may even be on Youtube, just seach for the name Xman. If any other member can link the video I am sure Skyguy would appreciate it.

Originally Posted by ReardenSteel

Practice, practice, and patience are key. But who says you have to shave with both hands? Member Xman has a great video of a one handed shave which I would link but can't seem to figure out how or where it is at the moment. It might be in the Wiki, or you could use the search feature. I believe it may even be on Youtube, just seach for the name Xman. If any other member can link the video I am sure Skyguy would appreciate it.

Xman's one-handed video link: http://straightrazorpalace.com/video...technique.html

AWESOME!

If you're looking to build muscle memory and work on fine motor skills, I would suggest doing little things with your left hand: brushing your teeth, highlighting in books, taking notes, practice piano scales, etc...

All this said, as far as I understand (and I readily admit my knowledge is not great), wouldn't you shave with your primary hand alone (your right) and use your left to hold the skin, etc...? I don't see why you'd want to switch hands at all.

I think you already found the answer on your own. As you mentioned, left hand is starting to feel more comfortable as you have done it just a few times.

It just takes time for it to feel natural. I shave my head, some spots back there would be unsafe or unreachable right handed. If you ever hurt a right finger, it would be nice to feel confident with the left hand too.

Practice other things left handed. Eat soup spoon left hand. Dial the phone, text, use the remote, whatever, left handed.

We only hold the razor left handed a few moments. Much of the action is left fingers. The rest of the day mostly right handed. It would be expected to feel unsure.

I can tell after a shave that the passes I made with my left hand are less comfortable than the passes I made with my right. (I must switch hands in order to get the proper angle on certain portions of my neck) Practice, patience, and light, short strokes seem to work best for me. If I forget and try a long stroke with my left hand it never comes off as well as if I do short strokes.

BTW, I have a right and left side of my face too, so I feel your pain!

Peace,

Originally Posted by speldeth

Practicing and going slow will help you and if you do everyday tasks with your left hand such as brushing your teeth will also help you become ambedixterious.

Never thought of using my left for other everyday activities. Seems like a great idea. I'm gonna try it! (Including left handed 12 oz. curls)

This is one of the few times being left handed is an advantage. Using our right hand is far easier then you using your left. The best way to gain facility in your left hand is just write with it in print.

Not for me, Ladies and Gentlemen. I got a haircut and shave twice at the very famous and much missed Ivan's in Jermyn Street London in the late 1970's, and the barber certainly never changed hands with the straight razor. However, having said that, there used to be, around the same period, over the other side of Piccadilly, a shop for the left-handed in Beak Street selling pairs of scissors, potato peelers, can openers etc. I went in there one day with nothing better to do than amuse myself, and asked if they could show me a left-handed grand piano with the high keys on the left......... come to think of it, not such a bad idea eh?