Hi, I was wondering if anyone SR shaves across the body; ie: right hand, left side; left hand, right side? It seems to be easier (to me) and it also allows you a "better" view in the mirror. Just wondering . . . . .I know some people shave both sides with their dominant hand, but what about opposite sides with opposite hands?:thinking:
Last poll I saw put us at around 40-50% ambidextrous. I shave with both, left for left right for right except for xtg pass which is primarily left handed due to beard growth direction.
That's the way Lynn Abrams does it in his DVD. I am just starting SR shaving so I will try to learn the "proper way"! It just seems (to me) that right for left and left for right would be easier. Any other comments from you experienced SR shavers would be appreciated!Quote:
Originally Posted by jfk742
Yes it's suggested to shave with both hands. Some do t, but I learned that way with my DE over 40 years ago so that's how I do with a straight, seems easier to me that way for some of the goofy angles you need on the XTGand ATG. TC
We each will develop our own individual technique depending on growth pattern, dexterity etc. For example I use my dominant hand for wtg and xtg but for lack of a better term,as you say,shave across my body for the atg pass. And finally , both hands for the fools pass.
It's all personal preference. I use my right hand for my right side and my left hand for my left side. Right hand for the stache and chin.
So far I've only used my right hand which is my dominate hand. I'm a beginner and everything seems easier to me to use my good hand starting out. Want to be able to use my left but not until I get more comfortable with it. Which is coming along quick.
Thank you all for your comments! Wirm, I'm still a newbie, and I have no idea what you mean by "wtg; xtg; atg; and fools pass". I'm guessing but I "think" wtg means with the grain; xtg means across the grain; atg means against the grain and fools pass means your last pass . . . 3rd? Please enlighten me on the lingo! Also, I have no question that both hands need to be involved to "properly" straight razor shave. I was only saying that IMO, the left hand on the right side and the right hand on the left side seems to be easier than visa versa. However, I DO want to learn the correct procedure, so I will go right on right and left on left (and probably right on the middle as I am right handed). Thanks again for all your comments! Ed
A "fool's pass is your upper lip, moustache area, doing an upward stroke towards your nose. I used to do it until 1978 when I quit shaving my moustache. Yep you read that right, I've wore a moustache for 38 years.
Benz, I still wear a moustache!:)
I'm afraid if I shaved mine off I would look like a little boy and the women would throw rocks at me.Quote:
Originally Posted by ironmaned1987
I shaved mine off once, in the last 30 years. When I looked in the mirror...... My own reflection threw rocks at me.[emoji23]Quote:
Originally Posted by Benz
I can't imagine how you're holding your razor or what strokes you're using that it would be more comfortable or allow a better view to shave that way. I know any time I try to shave my right cheek with my left hand or vice versa it feels so incredibly disjointed and awkward that I HAVE to switch hands and do left for left/ right for right. Could just be muscle memory since that's how I've always done it.
I hold the razor the same way as you would doing right on right and left on left. Difference is that my elbow is pointed in the opposite direction when doing right to left and left to right. IE: shaving my left side with my right hand, elbow is pointed to my right side; shaving my right side with my left hand, elbow is pointed to my left side. When shaving right to right, elbow points to the front, slightly to the left; shaving left to left, elbow points to the front, slightly to the right. Hope I'm giving you a "clear" picture here! EdQuote:
Originally Posted by Marshal
Have never seen the problem with what gets called the fools pass. If I stretch my top lip down I can slide the razor up the bridge of my nose and I'm loving my barbers notch because I can let the tip go just slightly into my nostril. I do wtg with right hand on right side and left on left and atg with only my right hand.
I re-watched Lynn's DVD and I now can see what I am doing wrong! From now on I will be straight razor shaving right hand on right side and left hand on left side as Lynn demonstrated on his DVD. Also I will try to get the angle of the blade to approximately 25 degrees. Thank you all for helping me figure this out! Much appreciated!:cool:
Haha, good to see you figured it out. I still can't picture it after your description. Nothing I'm imagining is even remotely comfortable lol.
Aw come on Marshal, my description wasn't that bad!!:rofl2:Quote:
Originally Posted by Marshal
I only use my dominant hand to shave, as that's how I learned when I first used cartridges as a teen and when I switched to DEs, I kept my habit. Then when I took up a straight, it was awkward enough figuring out how to hold the razor to hit certain places, let alone trying to use my off hand. I find it slightly easier to shave my left side than my right, and I am right handed, but when I apply aftershave or balm, I cross sides. As you learn your face, you may find it easier to shave each side with a particular hand. Experiment and see what works best for you.
Hi again guys! I started a new Thread, "Practice Straight Razor - Blunt" which, I am hoping, using the razor advertised, will allow me to "practice" proper techniques for straight razor shaving without hurting myself. Please read the Thread and comment if you care to. Thanks! Ed
Shaving methods per individual faces evolves as we shave. I am not shaving the same way that I did when I started. As of the present time I am shaving both sides with both hands depending on direction of shave. My starting point now is ATG on the neck and I go from there. No chin or upper lip since I have a Van Dyke. I suspect that in a few months I will be shaving with a different pattern again as I seem to love to improvise and investigate ways to improve my shave.
Those who shave with dominant hand. How do you do the sideboard on the far side?
It's not your description, it's probably just how ingrained the way I use is lol. Every method of shaving the left side of my face with my right hand has my mind going, "Nope - no good!" :rofl2:Quote:
Originally Posted by ironmaned1987
Try the left hand to left side of face, and then right hand to right side of face, like anything new, it'll seem awkward, unnatural, but with practice you build your coordination to shave with opposite sides of your face, with both hands. BUT, there is no method set or chiseled in stone, just do what is best, most comfortable for your shave, if it works for you, then that is best for you.