Thread: Trying to prefect my shave

I have two of those dumb questions, Before I decided that I was going to start shaving with a straight razor I read everything I could about it. I had read somewhere that one should train himself to be able to use the razor in either the left or right hand to shave with. This is the way I started out several months ago. I am still using both hands with my shave. Does anyone have any input on this method? When it comes to my chin area I hold the razor much like a knife between my thumb and index finger. Is there a better way or is this correct?

Next question is I again read somewhere that it is best to strop your razor after a said amount of time to allow the blade to correct itself. I find that I like to strop at night before I go to bed so I can get straight out of the shower in the morning shave and hit the road (About 17 hours between shave & Strop). Is there anything wrong with this method or have I read someones personal thoughts and this is misinformation?

Kevin

I've always stropped at night, not right before nor right after the shave, and it has worked just fine for me.

Using both hands is ... um... handy, and if that is how you have been training yourself then by all means continue - the worst that can happen is that you will improve!

Grip of a razor is personal, and if that grip feels natural and comfortable and stable to you, then it is right for you. However there are some standard grips out there and I would suggest watching some shave videos and searching the "library" for pictures and ideas of grips you may want to test out. In the end though, if a grip works for you then use it.

Stropping is again a personal thing. Blades most likely don't correct themselves, at least not in the way a proper stropping will do it. Some like to strop after a shave to remove bits of moisture from the crevices in the edge. Some like to strop immediately prior to their shave. Some like to do both. Others, like yourself and ace, just pick arbitrary times not related to the shave at all. So long as the edge is stropped regularly, it's all good.

James.

There are some people who are "fanatics" about you should you use your right hand for the right side and left hand for the left side.

I personally find that advice a little over-bearing to say the least.

With that being said, I do agree that you should be able to shave equally well with each hand.

I think the grip you described is fine. I use a similar grip when I'm going against the grain up my neck and over the jaw bone.

I started a thread a few weeks ago about shaving with just one hand. I only shave with my right and have had consistent great shaves for almost a year now, so it is possible. There were many members here that chimed in that they only shave with one hand.

The advice is here is incredibly valuable. But in the end it is only advice. Do what works for you and that you are comfortable with. Enjoy learning and you'll be fine.

If Lynn says to use both hands to shave....how can you argue with that. So I trained myself when I started, and it's been working just great.

Oddly enough I use both hands with a straight and only one when using a DE. Learning to use both hands was a little strange at first but now it seems very natural and comfortable. As for what kind of grip to use, I would just say that takes some experimentation to find which grip you are comfortable with and is safe.

For the chin area I just use a standard grip and I go slow doing narrow strips like peeling a potato over lapping a bit with the previous section. I stretch the skin by placing my tongue between my teeth and lower lip. You have to keep adjusting the angle as you go around the chin knob.

I used to strop just before actually shaving but now do it the night before to help speed things up in the morning. I detect no difference in doing it either way. I do not strop after shaving, just clean the blade and let dry in an open position before storing it away.

Bob

It takes 100 shaves to get to know where you can go with the straight IMO. You know what cuts your skin and what cuts your stubble. I tried the left hand but it felt too unnatural. I still use the left to hit one spot on my neck though. Anybody with 2 steady hands can learn this. And I believe anybody can learn to hone if they are willing. That goes for money and the time. Im no honemeister, not even close, but Ive managed to get where I can hone a blade that gives me a BBS everyday with no irritation. Not to say I havent put a blade down after one pass and grab another because it wasnt where it was supposed to be.

For various reasons, the other day I had to use a bic disposable to shave with. It's been many years since I used one, and I was genuinely surprised that I naturally and without thought did the majority of my shave with my left hand (I am right handed). I'd completely forgotten that I used to do that.

Not that it is important, but that stems from when I was a piano player (many many years ago) and actively trained myself to use my left hand for many day to day things. Brushing my teeth is another thing I do with my left hand, for example.

Anyway, I guess the point of that is that you can train yourself if you want to. As in, it's possible. I'm not trying to say you should, just that if that is what you want then with time it will happen.

With a straight I mostly use my right hand when I shave my face (I do swap to the left hand for some against the grain areas), but utilise both hands equally when I shave my head - left hand for left side, right for right. I find that the easiest way up there.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

James.

Originally Posted by hidestoart

Next question is I again read somewhere that it is best to strop your razor after a said amount of time to allow the blade to correct itself.

You didn't read that here.
The only maker I've seen to recommend the 'resting' theory is Dovo.

Boker, Kropp & Torrey razors all used to come with instructions to strop after the shave to at least dry the edge. Razors don't self correct.