Thread: Switching Hands

I am new at straight razor shaving. At times I get into my shave that occationaly I forget to switch hands (from my right, strong hand to my left).
This got me wondering how many of you just shave with one hand?
Thanks,
Harry

I shave with my dominant hand only.

I use both but it is a case of whatever works for you. No really right or wrong way of doing it. Oth I use only my dominant hand shaving with a DE/SE razor.

Bob

When I first started I was adamant about teaching myself to use both hands. Right hand for the right side, left had for the left side. Don't know why, I just forced myself to do it. That being said, what's the big deal if you do it one way or the other? As long as you get the amazing straight razor experience and a close comfortable shave. Here's 2 videos, of masters doing it both ways.

One hand.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79aLI7BF8zI

Switching hands

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_I_B2sodbg

When I first started, I used both as that is how I thought it had to be. Now, because it seems to work better for me, I use my right hand on left side for ATG on my neck.

I'd suggest learning both hands first, then going with what works best. You might find using both hands best. The angles are a little different depending on what hand you use.

The only rule there needs to be, is for you to enjoy your shave.

Originally Posted by hasstar

I am new at straight razor shaving. At times I get into my shave that occationaly I forget to switch hands (from my right, strong hand to my left).
This got me wondering how many of you just shave with one hand?
Thanks,
Harry

I do, but I'll tell you that on one of my early shaves I was concentrating so hard on technique that I sliced my thumb down to the tendon switching hands. I needed four stitches at one of those walk in clinics. In fact the doctor laughed after I told him how it happened.

Having said that, and now as a 5-year veteran of the straight, it really didn't take long for me to learn to handle the razor with either hand and I'm glad I did. On my first pass, I use the same-side hand WTG. On my second pass, I use opposite hand XTG. On my third pass I use opposite hand ATG.

It helped me a lot to watch YouTube videos of people shaving. At first I couldn't reach all the areas other people could in those videos, but one day I'd start shaving and realized I could.

I think it's easier to be able to use both hands once you learn how, but it's really up to you.

I'm another that uses the dominant hand only. I tried both hands when I first started to shave with a straight, but I found I got the same quality shave using just the one hand.

Gentlemen,

I switched hands with my first straight razor shave — and am happy I did. I find switching hands improves my field of vision for either side of the face. It also adds versatility to my strokes.

Using a butter knife while learning to switch hands will help establish angle, pressure, technique and muscle memory......and you won't get cut.

My reply would have been very similar to HARRYWALLY's post. I find it easier to see what I'm doing and such when I use left for left, right for right. Personal preference.