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Newbie question...been at this for just about a month, things improving. I have noticed that shaving the right side of my face is really smooth and not much of feeling at all.
However, when I shave the left side of my face, there is alot more pulling and not so smooth. I am prepping and pulling the skin taught...just not sure what this could be. Razor is stropped evenly for the same number of times on both sides of the blade.
Any thoughts?
Are you switching hands? Left hand holding the razor to shave the left side right hand to shave the right.
Yes, switching hands, right hand shaves right side of face with left hand pulling taut...and vice versa for the left side.
Most people are dominant on one hand or the other. On the non dominant hand it can be hard to create the exact angle and movement. this applies to honing and stropping as well as shaving. Just try to sign your name with the "wrong" hand and you will see what I mean. It is simply a learned skill. Keep practicing it will get better.
It could just be a technique problem or you razor may be honed better on one side than the other.
I've got that problem too. I've always just chalked it up to uneven beard growth (more on the left than on the right).
There's a reason why I shave :) (its embarrassing otherwise).
Check out my "Shaving Demonstration Video" thread in this same sub-forum for a clip of shaving both the right and left side of the face with the dominant hand. I call it "unconventional" in the video, since I will often shave the left side of the face with the left hand, but for my purposes, this style was necessary to keep from blocking the camera's view of the shaving.
I would wager it is technique. I switch hands and have to concentrate far more when shaving with the left hand to not only watch the angle, but I also tend to use more pressure with the left hand.
If you suspect the razor is dulling, try starting out on the left side vice the right. I'd bet you will notice the same thing you are describing is still present; pulling on the left then smooth on the right. If that is the case, it is almost a lock that it is technique not the blade (save the uneven beard theory).
Using the left hand really takes some time to develop a feel for it for most folks!
v/r
Allen
My right hand is ultra dominant.
So I started to hone and strop with my left hand. Also started my shave on the left side first.
It's starting to even out. I believe it has a lot to do w/ honing-stropping w/ my left hand.
Al
Personally I know that my left cheek hair is noticeably thicker and tougher than my right. Everybody is different!
I re-read my post.....Quote:
Originally Posted by Silb3r
Sorry if I came across as if I were dismissing the "theory" of one side having a thicker beard. That was NOT my intention!
I actually have some unorthodox methods while shaving; I don't stretch the skin near the jaw line and even look down resulting in the opposite effect! Whatever works!
Again, I did not intend to poo-poo the uneven beard idea if ANYONE interpreted my comment as such....:fim:
v/r
Allen
I use the dominant hand for both sides. Try it both ways and use what works best for you.
I'm in the same boat. But strangely, I did a poorer job on the right (dominant) side of my face. The difference was that when I shaved my left side, using my left hand, I was a bit more gentle for fear of messing myself up. the result was a more comfortable shave. I thought that my razor was honed funny perhaps, or (more likely) that I stropped unevenly, but it turned out to be shaving technique.
Do be aware of stropping technique, too. I had a tendency to put more pressure on the blade as I pushed the blade away from me than when I drew it toward me.
take care,
Bill