Thread: How 'bout the grip?

One topic I haven't seen much discussion on here in the SRP is the grip...how you hold the razor and how it differs for different strokes.

I've made some recent advances in my shaving by finding more secure workable grips, mostly from studying and adapting the descriptions and pictures in an old barber's manual. My biggest gain came in a "back hand" grip that lets me do ATG. I couldn't even think about an ATG pass until I found a good grip for it. That combined with info gleaned from a posting or two on the blade angle for ATG and I've managed a little ATG success...and renewed hope I can oneday have a str8 shave to rival my DE!

I know this varies, like most stuff out here, but anyone else have any thoughts, tips, challenges when it comes to the grip?

- Dale

1) Take a look at Lynn's shaving video (free dl off SRP).. Very educational
Other than that...
2) Whatever works

I'd echo Ilija's second point, but in general there are four grips described in one of the barbers manuals. I can't remember tham now, but you might want to have a look through the manuals again.

X

I agree with Ilija (hmmm - I wonder if I can get an automatic reply set up that just says "I agree with Ilija" after every one of his posts...? )

I'd only add that for me "works" means grips that allow you complete control of the razor at all times and the flexibility to reach all parts of the shaveable areas of your face.

I know that's not really an answer to your questions, but I really do subscribe to the "whatever works" philosophy. Just make sure it's safe...

James.

As a related comment, I am finding that I prefer razors with jimping on the top and bottom of the tang over razors with smooth surfaces. This is especially true with regards to smaller sizes like the 4/8 that I use to trim within my goatie. When my hands area bit damn, the blade relatively small and the surfaces that I'm holding smooth, I am more apt to cut myself and have less control in critical areas. I am likely going to sell my beloved Torrey 4/8 for this reason alone and replace it with a unit with jimps.

PS I know I could cut it myself with a triangle razor, but that's another effort for another time.

- John

Originally Posted by Namdnas

PS I know I could cut it myself with a triangle razor, but that's another effort for another time.

- John

Just rough it up with a file.



(/me starts running)

Originally Posted by Namdnas

As a related comment, I am finding that I prefer razors with jimping on the top and bottom of the tang over razors with smooth surfaces. This is especially true with regards to smaller sizes like the 4/8 that I use to trim within my goatie. When my hands area bit damn, the blade relatively small and the surfaces that I'm holding smooth, I am more apt to cut myself and have less control in critical areas. I am likely going to sell my beloved Torrey 4/8 for this reason alone and replace it with a unit with jimps.

PS I know I could cut it myself with a triangle razor, but that's another effort for another time.

- John

why don't you look for custom knife makers in your area and see if you can get one to put jimping on your Torrey?

on second thoughts how about asking 'Papa Bull' here on the forum if he can do it for you?

If you check the "mparker's getting a new razor" post in the restoration forum from a few weeks back, you'll see the razor that Robert Williams did for me. It's got jimping top and bottom of the shank and on the inside curve of the tail. The jimping also rides up onto the spine of the blade because there are a few shaving grips where my thumb or forefinger are riding up over the spine a ways. Very functional.

I was talking to my Barber today and he showed me how he grips the razor to shave his left sideburn. It's like a pencil in his right hand and he reaches across. When he's done with the sideburn he adopts a standard grip and does the rest of his left side with the right hand. He was able to flip the razor smoothly between the two grips one handed which was impressive. I don't think he shaves with a straight anymore but he still knows his stuff.

--------Michael

Originally Posted by mjsorkin

I was talking to my Barber today and he showed me how he grips the razor to shave his left sideburn. It's like a pencil in his right hand and he reaches across. When he's done with the sideburn he adopts a standard grip and does the rest of his left side with the right hand. He was able to flip the razor smoothly between the two grips one handed which was impressive. I don't think he shaves with a straight anymore but he still knows his stuff.

--------Michael

Thanks for the tip! I tried this to get the ATG up the jaw/cheek just in front of my ear. A little awkward at first, but I think it will work with practice better than anything else for that particular place and pass.

- Dale