Thread: What an amazing place!

Hello,

I just found your site recently as I have been considering moving to straight razor shaving. I recently retired from the Marine Corps, and as such am used to getting hair cuts every week and shaving every day (whether I want to or not). I started losing my hair long ago, and have been completely shaving my head for the past 15 years or so. While I like the results from using my Gillette Fusion for this, I have been wondering what it would be like using a straight razor, and if it is even possible for a person to do to themselves. I used to get it done by a certain barber, back in the mid 90s in Quantico, but have found no other barber that even uses straight razors anymore. I loved the way it felt then, and I figured once I got good enough with a straight razor, I'd give it a try myself. I said all that to say this... I can only use my right hand for shaving. I have severe nerve damage to my left arm from the elbow down, to where I have virtually no feeling in it whatsoever, and as such, very little grip with the left hand. Is it even possible for me to use to straight razor for shaving my head without using the left hand? I have watched Lynn's videos and he says I should learn to use it, but with my condition, I'm not sure I could.

Could some of you veterans out there weigh in on this and possibly give me some advice, or at the least keep me from cutting my ears off?

Thanks in advance,

Nick the New Guy

Welcome to SRP, Nick! Everyone will do their best to make you feel welcome here. Enjoy the journey.

I would think if one can shave their face one-handed then they should be able to shave their head one-handed, too. But, I have no experience here and will let the head-shavers weigh in on this one.

Welcome to SRP. There is nothing anyone can't overcome. It is possible to do it one handed. Just find ways to stretch the skin to get close. Just take it in slow steps till you learn. Also maybe even try using a DE. imo are way better than the cartridge crap. And much cheaper. An Edwin Jager DE is about 40.00 and 100 blades for $10. Can give a BABBY bottom smooth - BBS shave.

Welcome Nick

You most certainly can shave your head, one-handed using a straight. I have done so myself on more than one occasion.
That being said I find it awkward around the ears and getting the blade angle correct around the back. Tend to end up with a few nicks or not a smooth enough shave (it's tricky changing angles to go against or across the grain)

I head shave every day or two using a DE (Gilette Slim adjustable) and having found blades that suit me am much happier and more comfortable than with my straights. Would be especially easy for you as you are used to using your Fusion for a few years now.
The DE gives a nice smooth shave without the need for the extra care with angles that a straight requires. Much closer and better shave than a disposable and doesn't clog if you've left it an extra day or two between shaves.

If you search head shaving on the forums there are a few discussions and some videos of guys using a straight for their head.
I made sure I was very comfortable doing my face, which I could see easily, before trying a head shave.

Enjoy the journey whatever you decide to try

Thanks for the replies gentlemen. I will look into a DE razor, but I fully intend on using the straight one day. I will get one for my face and as suggested, learn to utilize very well prior to carving up my skull. Around the ears may be extra difficult for me due to scar tissue, so I may just have to save that area for a different type razor. All I know is the barber did a wonderful job of it, and I sure loved the way it felt. Thanks again for the input.

Nick

Welcome to SRP

Yes, you can shave with one hand, both your face and your head.
I've been shaving my head daily for about 15 years or so, the last four with a straight.

I do use both hands, but you can do it with one hand, no worries at all.
A few awkward positions and moves might be required, but doable it is nonetheless

Check out Jimbo's video on this forum, it is a good starting point for a headdshave with a straight.

Good luck!

Hello, and welcome to SRP, and thank you for your service for our nation!!

Can anyone point the way to Jimbo's head-shaving video? I've navigated all around, and used the Search function, but while I find references to it, I don't find the video or a link to it. (I don't even find the "video section" of SRP!) I'm normally good at this, I swear.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by nickthenewguy

Hello,

I just found your site recently as I have been considering moving to straight razor shaving. I recently retired from the Marine Corps, and as such am used to getting hair cuts every week and shaving every day (whether I want to or not). I started losing my hair long ago, and have been completely shaving my head for the past 15 years or so. While I like the results from using my Gillette Fusion for this, I have been wondering what it would be like using a straight razor, and if it is even possible for a person to do to themselves. I used to get it done by a certain barber, back in the mid 90s in Quantico, but have found no other barber that even uses straight razors anymore. I loved the way it felt then, and I figured once I got good enough with a straight razor, I'd give it a try myself. I said all that to say this... I can only use my right hand for shaving. I have severe nerve damage to my left arm from the elbow down, to where I have virtually no feeling in it whatsoever, and as such, very little grip with the left hand. Is it even possible for me to use to straight razor for shaving my head without using the left hand? I have watched Lynn's videos and he says I should learn to use it, but with my condition, I'm not sure I could.

Could some of you veterans out there weigh in on this and possibly give me some advice, or at the least keep me from cutting my ears off?

Thanks in advance,

Nick the New Guy

I have been shaving my head with a straight since 2008. I take my time. I also use two mirrors so I can see. I do one pass with the grain and one against.

Welcome to SRP Nick.

I am new like you. I lurked as a visitor for about a week reading and watching day and night, and joined the other day because of the great fraternity I saw here. All the information here just fueled my already burning desire to straight shave.