Thread: Two Hands?

Originally Posted by markevens

I've never tried shaving like that, and I doubt I ever will. For one, I have enough control with one hand over the razor to not need to use the 2nd on the toe end. Secondly, and more importantly, I prefer to use the unused hand to get a nice taught skin stretch.

I can't see how sacrificing skin stretch in order to get some extra guidance on the toe end would ever be benefical, but I welcome any corrections by one who has actually used the method.

well.. i personally don't like to over stretch.. this guy also seems to be the same way.. he seems to be only lightly stetching by using facial contortions.

I didn't mean to imply that one had to over stretch, but rather that proper stretching will get one farther than no stretch + 2 hand on the blade.

wow....weird in my opinion. I think he'd get a better shave using proper stretching. His pressure control looks funny in the video....can see him pushing the skin around sometimes with the razor instead of feather light touch. I'd say pressure control is why he got some nicks.

To each his own, but I wouldn't shave that way!

He seems to do it toward the middle of his face, although he did use two hands on his right side under the chin. He may have sliced himself a few times in the past and felt that he could stabilize the angle of the blade with two hands toward the center of his face. I think I'll give it a whirl. By the way, if you guys don't hear from me for a while, I've really enjoyed the forum.

To his credit, he does a really nice job of going over the chin line. I'd like to see him try that with my Shavette. On second thought, I might try that tomorrow too.

I also have to use two hands, especially for certain areas of the face. Old age and slight shakes can present a real challenge when straight razor shaving. About a year ago I gave up, sold all of my equipment (with the help of some very kind people on this site) and just stayed with DE shaving. Then I got the bug again because I felt frustrated that I couldn't meet the challenge the first time. I got a Feather (non-folding) and with persistence, got pretty good at it. Was able to shave in any direction and get bbs results - however always with at least one weeper. All the while reading the posts on this site because whether you are using a Feather or a standard straight, there's always good info that is helpful and encouraging. Also, hanging out here gave me the bug to try a standard again. Recently took the plunge acquiring a TI, ironically from the gentleman in this video, and have been doing very well. Two hands makes it possible for me to be able to enjoy straight razor shaving and I feel like I've overcome the physical part of the hurdle of straight shaving. The input from this site and the vendor I purchased from is the reason I was able to get to this point and I'm very apreciative of this. Thank you.

Originally Posted by rc05

I also have to use two hands, especially for certain areas of the face. Old age and slight shakes can present a real challenge when straight razor shaving. About a year ago I gave up, sold all of my equipment (with the help of some very kind people on this site) and just stayed with DE shaving. Then I got the bug again because I felt frustrated that I couldn't meet the challenge the first time. I got a Feather (non-folding) and with persistence, got pretty good at it. Was able to shave in any direction and get bbs results - however always with at least one weeper. All the while reading the posts on this site because whether you are using a Feather or a standard straight, there's always good info that is helpful and encouraging. Also, hanging out here gave me the bug to try a standard again. Recently took the plunge acquiring a TI, ironically from the gentleman in this video, and have been doing very well. Two hands makes it possible for me to be able to enjoy straight razor shaving and I feel like I've overcome the physical part of the hurdle of straight shaving. The input from this site and the vendor I purchased from is the reason I was able to get to this point and I'm very apreciative of this. Thank you.

Awesome...I love to hear you've overcome....best shaving to you sir...I salute you.

Thanks volleykinginnc for your kind comment. It's great being able to come to this forum and glean from others experiences. I seriously doubt that I would have gotten this far had it not been for the input and encouragement of others on this site.