Thread: One, Two or Three Fingers?

Gentlemen,

I started shaving with one finger on top of the shank. Later, for some reason, I changed to two and it became my standard way of holding the razor, with both right and left hands, since I switch. Some shavers even use three fingers on top. Whatever works, of course. This morning, using my 13/16 Kikuokan, I had to revert to one finger on top of the shank to maintain the proper angle and fit for my hands.

The standard length for straight razor blades is about three inches or so. The blade on this razor is shorter. Also, unlike, say, Thiers-Issard razors with shanks a mile long, which can easily accommodate even three fingers on top, this one has a short shank. The tang is short, too. Not a stub tail, but short nevertheless. So I had no choice but to hold the razor with one finger on top. By Jove, after all these years, it did not feel uncomfortable at all.

Whatever feels right is the right way of holding a straight razor. And you, gentlemen, are you a one, two or three-finger shaver? And do you find yourself switching back and forth to obtain the proper hold on different razor?

Funny thing Obie. I couldn't answer your question until I got hold of a razor and double checked. Turns out I am a two finger shaver + one on the monkey tail of course.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Funny thing Obie. I couldn't answer your question until I got hold of a razor and double checked. Turns out I am a two finger shaver + one on the monkey tail of course.

Jimmy,

It's curious how we sometimes take things for granted. I usually hold the fourth finger on the tang, with the little finger edging in, and that works quite well for me.

When I had my custom razors, which had long tangs, both the fourth and the fifth fingers rested nicely on the tang for perfect balance, with two fingers on top of the shank.

Ah, what joy this straight razor shaving ritual. Love it.

My ATG pass always thumb and pointer only on the flat of the tang- good solid grip that won't torq

I have always used two fingers on top plus the ring finger on the tail I do this with both hands for downstrokes and side strokes. For my upward passes I will pinch the sides of the shank with the thumb and two fingers or even one finger like holding a guitar pick.

Well, being a creature of habit, I went, "Well, two, of course." Then Jimmy's reply made me wonder. And it is indeed three. Depending on the part of my face I am shaving, the index or middle finger will lead the blade. The ring finger is just there for convenience reasons, and because I do not know where to put it otherwise.

I seem to go one finger with jimps and 2 without. I think I am subconsciously nervous about blade slippage. However, with lighter blades, I tend to use one finger. I have a tendency to bear down too hard on my skin otherwise.

One finger top of tang and one finger on the monkey tail.

Bob

I have very large hands, and prefer large razors with a long tail so that I can put two fingers on the shank and two on the tang. Holding a 5/8 is very uncomfortable for me, as my hands are cramped. When I do try to use a 5/8, or use a folding Kamisori, I have one finger on the shank and one on the tang. Everything in between is with two on the shank and one on the tang. However, I never have to think about this when shaving, as I hold the razor however it's the most comfortable.

Three always. Even when I pinch the shank on upward strokes my ring finger is supporting the tail from underneath.