Thread: Top of the morning from Minneapolis

Hello everybody. I've been wet shaving for maybe 6 years lately. I had done it for a while maybe two years back in the late 80s having found lots of safety razors at garage sales but then I left it alone for years. Anyway, I had one straight razor just laying around for quite some time just because it had that decorative peacocks scale on it that I found at a thrift store. Eventually I thought I get a better razor and a strop or two and try my hand at straight shaving. I've been at it now for a couple of months. Unfortunately a few years ago in my left hand I cut my ulna nerve which really created a huge problem in my ability to maneuver my left hand. Opening and closing my hand or moving my fingers up and down takes a lot of concentration. For example trying to play the piano left-handed is nearly out of the question. Long story short every time I get that razor in my left hand trying to shave with it is actually pretty scary. Trying to control it as it's been a real problem. It ends up being a really time-consuming venture literally more time than I think I want to invest. I can get a damn fine shave with my ATT slant in 15 minutes easily if not less actually probably less time than that. So I may or may not be selling my straight razor stuff not that I have a lot. There's so much information here it's fantastic site. I've already been assisted by some other wet shavers like the Alpster, who made three razors shave ready for me. I picked up some Barbers hones (for fun), I'll probably never use those. I'm sure I'll sell off the items I don't need.
I'll keep one razor and once strop.
I'll wait and hear you guys comments about trying to shave right-handed only, I guess I'm sure there are men out there who do it. I was really looking forward to a longer and rewarding Venture into straight razor shaving.
You guys have a great day now......

I am a rightie. I have tried to shave with my left hand, but with little success. I usually have to hold the razor in left hand and guide it with my other hand - two-handed shaving.

I am pretty good at shaving my face using only my dominant hand and only have problems on my neck where my beard’s grain goes in every direction. When I really want a BBS on my neck, I do one pass with my straight to get the jaw line right (I have a beard) and then switch to a DE for the final passes.

There are no hard and fast rules for wet shaving and nobody will ever judge your technique. I wet shave because I enjoy the ritual and the shave I get is closer, more comfortable and with fewer negative after effects than using any other kind of shaving technology. It’s a hobby.

Bottom line: Shave if you want, how you want and don’t worry about whether it is being judged by some as the right way.

Hello and welcome to SRP.
There are plenty of people here that only shave with one hand.

You have a couple of mentors in your area that are the best of the best, and great guys to boot.
Randydance and Utopian.
I would highly suggest that you contact them via p.m. and schedule time to meet.
You will be very surprised how much you will learn and accomplish from meeting in person.

Good luck and enjoy your time here on the forum.

Pete <:-}

Welcome to SRP!

A lot of people start off with a straight only using their dominant hand. Most switch to using both hands, but plenty of people only shave using one hand. There is nothing wrong with it.

As said above, enjoy your shave however you want to.

I would guess most folks use only one hand while shaving. Maybe we should do a survey. Being left-handed made the transition to two handed shaving easier for me and using two hands makes shaving easier.

However do you have to? No not at all.

Welcome.

Welcome to SRP!

Hi and welcome aboard. I started right only and was probably about a year in before starting to use the left. Still right dominant but left is fairly capable now.

If the right is best for you then go for it. I honestly don't get a better shave using the left as well just makes some bits a little easier.

Welcome, sure don't see any reason to give up on SR shaving just because you have a hard time using your left hand. I am right handed and the only time i use my left is for the left side burn stroke.(i'm sure i could do it all right handed) I know of a straight shaver and honemeister who was born with only one hand. Watched him pin a razor holding the hammer in his arm pit. Don't be discouraged!

I know who you talk about Tintin, he is incredible to watch.

As to the OP, give it time... I shave one handed, except for one little pass. And that's only done out of necessity.

Me shaving with my left hand, is like wiping my arse with my right. Just makes a mess.