Thread: Need help

Okay, I need the expert help from the forum! I have been using the straight for about 5 to 6 weeks now. My right dom hand is doing a pretty bang up job. My left hand does a pretty good job on my cheeks and neck on the WTG pass. I have good results on both cheeks XTG and ATG. But my neck is not as good. I do a descent XTG on my dom hand and a average ATG. But with my non dom left hand, I just can't find the right grip on the blade to do a XTG or ATG pass under the jaw line and on my neck. I am using a pre shave oil, hot water nice lather with relather for the other passes. I sometimes use a DE to clean up what I can't get and that blade slips through well. My razor is scary sharp and like I say I do great on my cheeks and even the chin. What can I do guys? Thanks in advanced for all your suggestions!
Mike

Practice.
If you choose to use both hands, then the grip done by the left should be identical to the right. It will just take time to establish the muscle memory to re-wire the appropriate neurons to accomplish this. Every time you practice this, you will get closer to the left hand working just like the right.

Like Ron said it is simply a matter of practice, as you train the hand to do the task it will become easier as you go along. Good luck and welcome to SRP.

My left hand is about as useful as a paw, it can perform mundane tasks like helping to hold down a bone on my plate, it is not to be trusted with holding the sharpest edge known to man against my Hollywood face...

Welcome to SRP

I use both hands in shaving because, frankly, face-wise I don't have much to lose. A nice big scar would probably just give me more character.

Hello Mike,
As said above it is all about practice. For the neck/under the jaw these jockeys videos helped me immensely. The open scales and the X pattern especially (2nd video)
Shaving videos - Straight Razor Place Wiki
Good luck.

Hello, dadvest:

Your non-dominant hand needs more training, that's all. I started switching hands from the start. The right is my dominant hand. To train the left, I began to use it for every possible chore I could: opening doors, cabinets, stirring food in the pot, brushing my teeth, and so on. I still use the left hand for many of these chores to keep it oiled, so to speak. It takes time and practice, but you will get there. Also, if you can, tape together a pair of dull butter knives into forming the open razor shape and practice.

Regards,

Obie

Check the barbers manual. The grip I think you are searching for is the reverse freehand. Getting the neck shaved well, on a single pass, is a lot more about sharpness than many people realize. Work on perfecting your stropping as well as thinking outside the box a liitle on grips.

Okay guys I must say thanks! After a few trys plus some extra beard prep my hands are working better and I have just got one of the best shaves I ever had with a straight with no razor burn and no nicks. I knew I had something going right when the blade felt like it had suction when I was moving it over my face. I streched the skin and slipped the razor over my richly lathered skin and wow how nice and close! The reverse free hand was my friend for sure! Thanks guys, looks like I'm getting the idea!

I trained my left hand by using it, like Obie says above, for chores and daily mundane tasks. For example, we had a family cookout the other day, and I did all the grilling and serving with my left hand. Sure, a lot of the hot dogs and hamburgers ended up on the ground, but I'm a vegetarian so it wasn't a problem for me.