I have a question: What is there to shaving another, as barbers did/sometimes still do, that precludes the use of both sides of the standard straight?

I am 99.9 % sure that your barber will use both sides of the razor to give a shave.

When I use a w-k (japanese razor) I only need one hand. The right hand, being right handed as I am. This does create some problems figuring out a way to grip, which results in reversing the direction the handle points, rather than simply flipping the razor to its opposite face.

Perhaps you guys have some things which work well one day, but not so well the next. That seems to happen often when learning how to hone, strop and shave a straight razor. (it does to me at least) That's what I find when using both faces of the w-k.

Usually I have a few spots when I just don't feel like i have a secure hold of the razor when reversed and I'll just turn it so the ura is against my face to get those bits, because it's quicker and easier, and it goes just fine. I have, a few times, shaved it just as I would with a regular straight with very little discernable difference other than angle- i don't know why.