Gentlemen,

I am right handed but have shaved left/right from the first day, thanks to my shave guru Lynn, whose style and technique I wisely emulated.

With my left hand weaker than the right, I tried to improve its dexterity by using it more and more in my daily activity: for instance, stirring that pot of chili, turning the door knob, or just reaching for things in general.

Since both my thumbs are banged up somewhat, especially the left, for a time I was forced to switch back to my double edge, using the right hand only. Sadly, I also realized that my left hand could no longer handle the straight — and I felt uncomfortable shaving straight strictly with my right hand.

Knowing the end of my straight razor shaving had come, I was compelled to sell my four straight razors with much pain. Even my chewed up strop went. Why not have someone else enjoy my straight razors, I felt, since I myself no longer could.

Never one to give up on anything worthwhile, however, I knew I had to get back to shaving with a straight razor. Something had to be done. But what? The answer lay in the way I used my left hand that put less demand on my thumb. It is amazing how much we rely on the thumb. Still, I had to compensate for its weakness by using the other fingers more wisely. I did this with both hands, though more so with the left. I kept working at it with the tenacity of a shark.

It has been a while and I am up to 12 razors, all of which are rotated, and cared for. It is a modest collection, but it is mine. I still use both hands to shave straight. What's more, the left hand continuously gets a lot more use than before the straight razor.

Gentlemen, some things in life are non-negotiable: like humanity and integrity. Like never forgetting who you are and where you come from. Like friendship. Like a glass of wine. Like an open mind. Like a good conversation.

Like a good shave with a straight razor, using technique that fits the performer best. In my case, using both hands and keeping each individual hand well honed.

Regards,
Obie