Thread: Need advice

I've been shaving with a DE for years and have wanted to move to a straight but am having trouble. Shaving with my right hand is no problem. But, my left hand just doesn't do well at all. Guess I'm too right handed. Using my right hand on the left side just doesn't work.
I need some advice on how best to shave the left side.
Thanks in advance

Practice makes perfect. I had the same issue and practiced until i was comfortable in my left hand. A lot of people get away with just using one hand and angling their grip certain ways. I'm not sure there's a right or wrong way to do it, but either route will require practice so that you don't cut up your face!

To help avoid getting cut while trying to adjust to using your left hand try practicing with a butter knife, it will help to establish correct pressure, angle, muscle memory and prevent getting cut.

Its all about repetitions, and practice. It does take some time for the brain, and muscle memory to get to where it needs to be, but you will get there with perseverance.

I felt the same in the beginning. However practise makes perfect. Someone mentioned to use a butterknife. I always made sure that I had more then enough time to complete a shave. I could stay in the bathroom for over an hour. Just soo I could focus.

If the result aint perfect after a shave using the left hand. Go over it with the DE. Then repeat a day or two after ��

Just take baby steps. Do what you find easiest with your left hand, then slowly expand it's use. Within a short period, you will become comfortable using both hands. Just remember, as a baby, you couldn't use a spoon, or even find your mouth!

That pretty much covers it. Practice! Or give up and learn to do some funky angles and use only one hand. Being a lefty I think it was easier for me as I have been forsed my whole life to do things right handed (Thanks Uncle Sam) And it just made it easier to learn.

Practicing with the butter knife is key at the beginning.

The first issue you have to sort out is if you will ever be able to use your left hand comfortably.
It takes a lot of practice. Some guys are naturals, some eventually get it, and some never do.
Plenty of folks do their entire shave with one hand only.
Keep practicing till you figure what's right for you.

Pete <:-}

Thanks for the advice. How do I explain to my wife when she asks what's up with the butter knife

Originally Posted by sdpike

Thanks for the advice. How do I explain to my wife when she asks what's up with the butter knife

You're on your own with that part, I'm afraid!

I'm one of those who definitely fall into the "do as I say and not as I do" camp. The reason is that I always advise new straight shavers to get used to using both hands, but I don't do that myself at all. I just didn't get into the habit at first, probably because I didn't know what the hell I was doing and so the thought of using my non-dominant hand never even crossed my mind. So FWIW, I'd repeat the advice to take it slow but stick with getting used to using both hands. But if that ultimately doesn't work out, then don't sweat it. Just figure out the contortions you need to make it work for you.

BTW the "take it slow" advice applies to whichever hand(s) you end up using.

Good luck!