using both hands and also carbon steel vs stainless

Hello all, I have enjoyed reading much on this site. all of it has been extremely helpful in my decisions as I begin to enter the world of straight razor shaving. I have a couple of questions I am hoping to get clarity on.

first-- is it a must to use both hands while shaving? I am pretty nervous at using my non dominant hand.

second-- the razor I am going to purchase is a carbon steel. all i read on the two is the honing process in other threads. my question is do you get a better shave with one over the other.

First question.no you don't
Some find it easier so you don't block your vision and actually after a while it does get easier..but no you don't have to. Some of the angles will be awkward but no.
Second question. And this is my opinion but carbon steel to me gets a sharper edge while stainless keeps the edge longer. Some of the pro hone guys will add their opinions but that is it for me.

Welcome skydive,
I only use my dominant hand.

On the razor, it won't matter for you, it doesn't matter for me, both shave well.

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Originally Posted by skydive

first-- is it a must to use both hands while shaving? I am pretty nervous at using my non dominant hand.

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you do not have to use both hnds if not comfortable, you can shave with dominant hand only.

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second-- the razor I am going to purchase is a carbon steel. all i read on the two is the honing process in other threads. my question is do you get a better shave with one over the other.

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no difference when honed correctly

You can shave using your Dominant Hand Only (I find it impossible) Practice with both hands (maybe use a butterknife) In a very short time your eye hand co-ordenation and muscle memory will have you using both hands,in as little as week.

No you don't have to use both hands, I never do with a DE. For some reason I use both with a straight and was nervous when learning how to use my non dominant hand. It is really up to you.

I have both carbon and stainless razors and both will do the job if honed up properly. Again the choice is yours.

Bob

The biggest advantage to using both hands to shave is that you have a better field of vision when using both hands vs. reaching around to the other side of the face. It certainly can be done and a lot of people are just not comfortable learning to use the opposite hand. In the long run, I have found it much easier to use the opposite hand for the left side of my face including getting those problem areas that need a little different approach. It is amazing that once you get used to using the opposite hand, there are all kinds of things you end up doing with both hands that you wouldn't have before.

In any case, enjoy the ride. Shaving with a straight razor is one of the real pleasures in life if you make the time for it. Have fun developing your personal preferences and hopefully, you will be able to help another new guy out some day.

thank you all very much for the quick response times!! ill give it a shot with my left hand, i really like the butter knife idea. I am also going to order the razor that has caught my eye! I am very impressed with the members here thank you again

Do you hone carbon steel and stainless differently?

I use both hands and it's not that difficult. For me it was worth the "extra" effort to learn. Both carbon steel and stainless shave in a similar way if honed properly. I hone both the same way; it is important to set a keen bevel and not move along the progression until a proper bevel is set.