Ambidextrous shavers

[TMike]

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

[sensei_kyle]

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.

[CRR]

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.

[rtaylor61]

With a DE I use both hands, but with a straight, I am right-handed all the way!

RT

[xman]

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

[str8rzrshvr]

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.

[ForestryProf]

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

[AFDavis11]

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.

[RichZ]

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.

[TMike]

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