Thread: Right hand, left hand or both

I am new to straight razor shaving. I am right-handed and doing fine with the right side of my face but hacking my left side.

Do experienced shavers use left hand for left side or use right hand for both.

I use both of my hands. I find that it's easier to manage, but definitely not necessary to get a good shave. There are plenty of veterans who use the same hand for the whole face.

I was comfortable with it at the start, but if you have any reservations then try using a dull knife or something just to practice the technique and get used to holding it. I've also read suggestions to try doing simple tasks left-handed first, such as brushing your teeth.

Originally Posted by MJCP

I am new to straight razor shaving. I am right-handed and doing fine with the right side of my face but hacking my left side.

Do experienced shavers use left hand for left side or use right hand for both.

My short answer is that a shaver does what works for him.

Here's my long answer: I think it evolves over time. After three months of doing what I thought was right: left hand, left side; right hand, right side, I achieved BBS results on my cheeks but when I didn't make progress getting the razor stubble under the chin and jaw line I began to focus on attacking it any way I could. I think we become familiar with our hair growth patterns with experience and get to the point where we learn where our facial hair growth differs from the ones in the diagrams and make adjustments. The definition of insanity is doing what you know doesn't work over and over again.

Anyone with more experience correct me if they think I am wrong, but I don't think you can train facial hair to grow in a different direction by continuing to shave in "textbook" fashion.

I use both hands to shave with after watching Lynn's dvd "World of Straight Razor Shaving." It felt very awkward at first, since I'm right-handed, but now it is second nature to me.

Originally Posted by jhenry

I use both hands to shave with after watching Lynn's dvd "World of Straight Razor Shaving." It felt very awkward at first, since I'm right-handed, but now it is second nature to me.

You notice, though, that he uses the opposite hand under the jaw line. After three months and not getting the desired results in that area, I followed suit. I'm still trying to figure out what works.

I only use my right hand. Tried my left but i am not confident with it. I shave pretty well. There are probably a few spots that could be done better but overall a good shave

I can only use my right hand with something like a str8 razor due to some nerve damage to my left.
It is awkward to get full face coverage but my dexterity of my right hand makes it possible.
Do what you can with what you got.
Brian

Hi, I use both. I felt it would be easier in the long run. Yes, it was a little awkward at first, but if you decide to try, it will come quicker than you think. With that said, if it seems TOO uncomfortable, lots of folks use one hand.

Gerald

I also use both hands, as follows:

• WTG: Right side, right hand; left side, left hand
• ATG: Right side, left hand; left side, right hand
• XTG(1): Right side, right hand; left side, left hand
• XTG(2): Right side, left hand; left side, right hand

I don't always make the second XTG pass (but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis)

I use both.

When I first started it was very awkward and I would stop and go back to the right hand. I persisted though, and slowly got the hang of it. Now, I also use the opposite hand on the jaw line. It allows me to stretch the skin better.