Thread: How long does it take to master a non-dominant hand

IMO, I learned quicker with my shavette because if my angle was wrong it would bite quicker and harder than any straight I have used. So when I started with a shavette I really focused on using my left hand with efficiency as to not get that little pink line on my cheek. Id say mostly though it is like anything we do in life, some will pick it up right away and some take more time.

Well it take 21 days of doing something in order for it to become a habit so I would put that as a baseline. But could be up to a few months to become truly proficient

Thanks for all the feedback guys which has really help me a lot while I'm trying and learning to used an IBC shavette with my non-dominant hand left.

Cheers

I have been shaving with a straight since last Summer. I started with both hands form the beginning, I just thought it's a completely new skill I might as well.

I would say about 4 to 6 weeks in I really didn't even think about using my left it seemed quite natural. I will say though that even now if I ever see blood or razor marks (and it is quite rare at this point) it is almost always on my left side.

Stick with it, you will get there, just remember don't use any pressure and you will be fine.

Originally Posted by SpeedyPC

G'day all Straight Razors and Shavettes,

I'm asking to all wet shavers who used either a straight razor or shavette, how long does it take you to master your non-dominant hand while using either a straight razor or a shavette be honest with me while I'm learning to used a IBC shavette.

FYI. click here for Irving Barber Company (IBC) shavette topic.

Cheers.

Maybe it's beacause I'm a guitar player it only took me about a week to get used to it. Of course I started whit a DE before the straight.

I'm about 40 shaves in and while I cannot say I've mastered the non-dominant hand, I do feel comfortable with the left. I have to admit the area just under the left nostril is typically where I still tend to get a nick. I take a deep breath before I tackle that area.

My left hand(non dominant) doesn't get to touch my razor. I do it all with one hand. You just have to come up with a technique that's all.

I've shaved right handed some 47 years with my dominant Right hand. I've thought about left hand use, as I shoot pool left handed, but if I mess up playing pool, I scratch or miss the pocket. I like my face the way it is and work around it. With DE never think about it for hand switching. What I need to invent is a computer video camera/monitor set up so that I can still see my face when I'm doing the left side.

In my recent meet up with Larry in Butte, MT, I said give yourself three month to get proficient, then three more, then six more. In a year you'll be amazed how far you've come. Applies to honing, shaving, and all things related.