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Hey, two posts right out of the gate.
How many of you use only one hand to shave both sides of your face?
I see that Lynn uses two hands. The prospect of using my left makes me fear for the safety of that ear.
I guess if there's a compelling reason, I'll give it a whirl. I haven't really sensed a consensus, is there one?
Thanks,
Todd
Some folks use both hands, some don't. I started straight shaving using my dominant hand for the entire shave. I have worked up to using both hands with the grain, but still rely on the dominant hand for the majority of the against the grain pass. Being able to use both hands makes some aspects of the shave easier. Whatever is comfortable and works for you is the way to go.
I wasn't sure about using my left hand, but I have learned to use it and I'm gald I did. I've seen guys use just the right hand and if that works for you, great. I prefer using both hands, it's just more comfortable. To me, it's a little more natural and I can't imagine using a straight with just one hand, I think I would cut myself much more often. Using a DE or another similar razor with one hand is no big deal. I was a little tentative with my left hand at first, but now I'm very comfortable with using both hands.
I use both hands when I use a DE razor as well, but when I'm in a real hurry and need to shave very quickly, which isn't too often, I use my right hand and go pretty quick.
With a DE I use both hands, but with a straight, I am right-handed all the way!
RT
Like Kyle, I use my 'off' hand only for the with the grain pass on that side. It took a little getting used to. For the second and third month of my straight razor shaves, I only had little red zebra stripes on the left side of my jawline. Didn't take long before it improved. Just remember to be careful, go slow, and try to picture all aspects of each stroke in your mind before you begin it. "What's my shaving angle, what's my cutting angle, how will I maneuvre the blade through the stroke, is my skin wet enough, is it stretched enough ... ok, now cut."
X
I use both hands. Right hand for the right side of my face and neck; left hand for the left side of my face and neck with the grain. Opposite side/hand cross grain. I also go cross-handed is when I'm traveling South to North on my neck...left hand does right side/right hand does left side.
Both hands. When I started, putting a straight into my left hand and placing it to my face scared me to death, but I figured Lynn knew what he was doing, so I forced myself to learn. Now, I can't imagine any other way. I have a better view of the shave and at least double the angle's of attack for any problem area.
Ed
Both hands for sure. Its better to learn how to do it and not need it, then need it, and not know how. I think your "off" ear is at a greater risk, due to line of sight issues, if you use only one hand. With two hands I get a better shave. Not only is it more with the grain and less pull but I can get at the whiskers better under the chin on the off side. I have also learned how to use the dominant hand to go over a second pass, allowing for a differing direction to ensure a clean shave.
I am going to have to learn I guess. I have been shaving with one hand and no major problems but it seems two are recommended.:shrug:
Well I think its clear I need to give the two-handed approach a go.
With all the skin stretching I wasn't going to be able to hold my coffee anyway.
Thanks fellas,
Todd
Two hands for me, easier to get to more spots I guess. I watched the video and it just looked "right"...
Practice makes perfect!
The trick is that you start using your off hand right from the start. That way you learn the same moves with both hands, and you are scared anyway, so why not learn to use them both. I started using my left hand from day one, and never had problems with getting any part of my face, except now, when I started using bigger razors (7/8) and I have to shave my moustashe area sideways. It is tricky, since I shave my left moustache side with my right arm, and vice versa...
Nenad
I'm only a month into this and I am using two hands, but also still working out the how-to of str8 shaving.
I decided to go with using both hands 'cause I had trouble shaving the off side and being able to see what I was doing. It's probably a little easier for me, being a lefty in a right hand world, there are many things that I've had to do righty before this.
I think both hands makes sense, at least for me.
Don in Ohio
Sounds like you're in the best imaginable position for this type of thing, actully. Keep track of the offending hand that razes or perhaps (god forbid) nicks you. I'd be interested to hear about what you notice.Quote:
Originally Posted by DonOhio39
X
I shave mainly with my right hand, but I do make limited use of my left, especially in the with the grain pass. The main problem I've found with my left hand is the sense of perspective is off, and I worry about moving the blade the wrong way.
I'm getting better with practice.
You realize Rich that if you start using your left hand now you're going to cut yourself ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by RichZ
Two hands. Before you know it it will be second nature...
Jeff
Both hands. Strangely enough, it feels easier to go cross hand for the cross-grain pass. Otherwise it's same side. Then again, I don't stretch and I'm only shaving cheeks and neck.
Wayne
Like was said previously being left handed is a real advantage in shaving because we southpaws have to adapt to a right handed world. We're more ambidexterous than most right handers. I actually do the left side of my face with my left hand and the right side with my right hand. Its about 50-50. And I'm just as comfortable with either hand. Sometimes just for fun I'll switch the routine.The only time I use right on the left side and left on the right side is when I'm doing my neck against the grain. No fooling around with that maneuver.
Probably true. I'm ambidexterous myself. I can write both left and right handed, play left handed guitar, but golf right handed, eat left handed, play tennis right handed, pick my nose with my left hand, etc...Quote:
Originally Posted by thebigspendur
Quote:
Originally Posted by CRR
Well maybe I don't really need to use two hands.:nono: :D
You da man!Quote:
Originally Posted by RichZ
Both hands here. It funny because when I used cartridges I used only my dominant hand. With the straight, I find that I control the angle better by switching hands. Plus, my arm does not get in the way between me and the mirror... which feels like a safe thing :)
Yeah, line of sight is another reason for me as well.Quote:
Originally Posted by Denis
Now there's a poll. How many people shave with their eyes closed? :D
Quote:
Originally Posted by CRR
I heard a guy claim he shaves with his eyes closed and that everyone should try it. :nono:Quote:
Originally Posted by jleecbd
With the exception of shaving my upper lip, I basically do everything Lynn does in his video (I've fine tuned a few things over time, however)... has been working very well for over 1.5 years. So yes, I use both hands for both with the grain, and against. I can't understand how people only use one hand when using a straight (though I know many do).
I would recommend for anyone starting out to try using both hands... you get used to it pretty quickly and I have to think it makes life easier.
Drew
Two hands for me.
Terry