Thread: Does anyone use this grip?

I've been shaving with a straight razor for a week now and my last 4 shaves have been with a straight razor alone with no clean up passes using my old Mach III. I've made a concerted effort to listen to those who are the experts at straight razors and shaving with them, so I've tried to shave with both hands, hold the razor with the thumb and three fingers as in the basic grip described on the wiki portion of this site...etc. I know my technique is poor and that it will get better, but while maneuvering the razor around trying to hit certain areas of my face, I find that the basic grip described on this forum and other forums doesn't feel secure. It doesn't feel as secure as the grip in my photos below. But then again the blade catches a little sometimes, I'm guessing because of dry lather or too large an angle. Has anyone tried using or does anyone use the grip in my pictures with success?

Not me. I have my ring finger on top of the monkey tail, like you do, but my thumb pad is on the tang and actually, upon examination, touches the tip of the scale where it makes the 90 degree fold. My fore and middle finger tips are on top of the spine and my middle finger is touching the scale opposite my thumb underneath. That is my basic grip. I may vary it, along with the angle of the scales relative to the blade, depending on where I'm shaving. Not saying that your way is wrong. Just how I happen to do it. Whatever works.

For most of my face I use the standard grip,

but there are a few areas I have to get a touch creative.

It took me a while to get used to the grip; I am already ambidextrous so I was fortunate on that front.

When I was first starting with a shavett style I would find myself changing grip to one similar to what you are showing,

it would cause me (not saying you) to use too much pressure.

Find what works well, you are the one shaving your face.

That is similar to the grip that we barbers use when shaving another person, but it seems that it would be difficult to maintain the correct angle on yourself, holding the razor in that manner. But, whatever works for you, go for it.

I don't really use this grip either. From time to time I may use a modified version of that grip with my thumb pressed against the tang as opposed to the blade as your showing. Mainly I would do that if there is heavy growth and I want to cut ATG when getting in my beard since "choking up" give you the sense of having more control. In reality you will probibly grow out of that habit once proper technique is formed. But hey, if ya like it and it works... Why change?!

FWIW I use essentially the same grip as Jimmy, but as has been said, use whatever works for you. We won't take away your straight shaver union card over a custom grip.

The secret handshake, on the other hand...

Originally Posted by pfries

When I was first starting with a shavett style I would find myself changing grip to one similar to what you are showing,

it would cause me (not saying you) to use too much pressure.

Find what works well, you are the one shaving your face.

Maybe that's why I'm getting such razor burn, because I'm using this grip which allows me to more securely bear down on the blade and my skin?! That and my lather keep drying up on me.

Originally Posted by K37

Maybe that's why I'm getting such razor burn, because I'm using this grip which allows me to more securely bear down on the blade and my skin?! That and my lather keep drying up on me.

Yeah, you don't want to be bearing down on the razor at all. Let it do the work, and things will go much more smoothly. If you notice your lather is drying out, just set down your razor and re-lather the parts that need it. You can try adding more water to your lather as well, but usually when lather is drying out for folks starting out, it's mostly because they are (rightly) taking their time.

Originally Posted by K37

Maybe that's why I'm getting such razor burn, because I'm using this grip which allows me to more securely bear down on the blade and my skin?! That and my lather keep drying up on me.

We all had our lather dry up on one side before we were done with the other in the beginning. That will improve as your technique improves and the shaves go faster. Not saying to try to go faster. Let it happen as you progress.

Visualize a guy scraping ice off a windshield, or using a floor scraper to pick up old vinyl tile. There is a tendency to angle the blade toward the skin like the guy with the windshield or the floor scraper. Let the edge glide over the skin and cut the whiskers with no pressure on the skin and your irritation should come to an end.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

We all had our lather dry up on one side before we were done with the other in the beginning. That will improve as your technique improves and the shaves go faster. Not saying to try to go faster. Let it happen as you progress.

This is very true, just switching from a shavett to real steel recently one side of my neck sometimes dries out and I have to reapply lather.

Don't rush it embrace the challenge and enjoy it.