While I ponder the decision of what blade to purchase as my first straight, I was reviewing some videos on youtube and I saw this guy using two hands in some places.
What are your thoughts?
YouTube - Straight razor shave
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While I ponder the decision of what blade to purchase as my first straight, I was reviewing some videos on youtube and I saw this guy using two hands in some places.
What are your thoughts?
YouTube - Straight razor shave
I use both hands for my shave. I think it helps, but is by no means a necessity. I was somewhat adept at doing small tasks with my off-hand before so I just went for it with my razors and did pretty well. Some people start out with butter knives or popsicle sticks to become familiar with the motions without risk.
EDIT: And welcome to another Floridian!
EDIT2: Sorry, didn't watch the video at work. I thought you meant using your dominant and non-dominant hand -- just realized you meant actually having two hands on the blade, which I've never done.
I've never had the need to use two hands. I can't see where you would get any benefit from it but to each their own really. Whatever you are comfortable with.
My other hand is usually tied up stretching skin anyway. :p
EDIT: You are referring to when he puts two hands on the blade at the same time right? My above post is about that. If you mean using either hand then yeah I prefer swapping hands as needed to get to where I need to shave. Tough at first but once you get the hang of it it is great, IMHO.
I have no idea why I would shave like that:shrug:
I use 2 hands on the blade when I go South to North on my lip.. I can't stretch there anyway so I do this to make sure I don't slice my nose off.
Gentlemen:
I switch hands during the shave. The only time I use two hands together is when going against the grain south to north on the upper lip. I find no reason to shave with two hands together elsewhere.
Then again, the two-handed method seems to work for the gentleman in the video. So be it. By the way, that's a good video in its portrayal of variety in shaving techniques.
Regards,
Obie
that's the proprietor from the superior shave.. he's super cool..
anyway.. i do not use two hands as i use one to stretch.. i have very shaky hands and would probably benefit from using my second hand to steady the blade..
Yeah, I mean both hands at the same time....
I've never seen this way.
perhaps a physical disability? If it works for him .... ok anyway
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by markevens
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.
Awesome...I love to hear you've overcome....best shaving to you sir...I salute you.Quote:
Originally Posted by rc05
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.