Thread: How to hold your razor and what hand to use?

I decided to try it out yesterday and it turned out it didn't work at all.
First it just felt wrong holding it in the way I describe and when I tried using my dominant hand on my non dominant side it just felt awkward and I couldn't see what I was doing.
I think I will just stick with the "standard" procedure and get more proficient with my left hand.

Typically middle finger on the tang with the scale between it and my index finger resting on my thumb. I'm guessing that's pretty standard. I also use both hands but on the 50/50 areas I use my right. Occasionally I'll straighten the scale like a Japanese razor and hold it in my palm.

Gentlemen:

The first time I shaved with the straight razor I switched hands with relative ease. My mother was ambidextrous and I think I get some of that from her. At the same time, I began using my non-dominant hand more for the daily activities, such as brushing teeth, opening doors, and so on. That practice still continues to keep the non-dominant hand well oiled.

I still switch hands. My style of switching hands and holding the razor with the forefinger only on the shank developed from observing and emulating my shave guru, the noble Lynn Abrams.

Switching hands gives me flexibility, whereas using my dominant hand only limits me somewhat. That's my recommendation for newbies: switch hands, if you can, and if you can't, there is nothing wrong with using the dominant hand. With the double edge, I still switch hands, although I am not as strict about it as I am with the straight.

Either way, find your comfort zone using the straight razor and stay with it. Mine is to switch hands with the forefinger only on the shank. Of course, depending on what part of the face I am shaving, that hold varies to accommodate the shave.

Regards,

Obie

At the end of the day, you're looking for a great shave, so do what you need to achieve this!

Personally, I was told the "right" way is to develop the techniques with both hands from the start, which worked well for me. It becomes very systematic in the way you shave; first do one side, and then mirror image the other side. I think the stubble, if you cant get a complete BBS shave just yet, will be more symmetrical if you do it with both hands alternating on each side.

But again, what works works. So have fun and good luck!

PS: Also, you said you cant see your face properly in the mirror. Try angling your face down or up or create an angle where it is more visible. Down works good for me, especially near the side burn area if you like to thin them out. And I hold the razor in 3 configurations, that alleviates the "awkwardness" sometimes from some hard to get angles. Hope it helps

If you are thinking of trying to develop your weak-side shaving I suggest doing it gradually. Start with your cheek and don't move on until you feel comfortable holding the razor in the "wrong" hand.

I found using both hands to be pretty easy, but if you don't I wouldn't worry about it. If it just doesn't feel right to you don't push it, you can always try again at a later date.

Originally Posted by Obie

Gentlemen:



I still switch hands. My style of switching hands and holding the razor with the forefinger only on the shank developed from observing and emulating my shave guru, the noble Lynn Abrams.

Obie, I was intrigued by your comment about only using one finger on the shank, and tried it during last night's shave. I found it to help me have a little bit lighter grip on the blade, helped me to relax, and I was able to tackle some of the more difficult angles with ease. Thanks for that tip!

Peace,
Conor

Originally Posted by con16721

Obie, I was intrigued by your comment about only using one finger on the shank, and tried it during last night's shave. I found it to help me have a little bit lighter grip on the blade, helped me to relax, and I was able to tackle some of the more difficult angles with ease. Thanks for that tip!

Peace,
Conor

Hello, Conor:

Yes, yes, I discovered that using one finger on the shank helps lighten the pressure even more. I had started by placing two fingers on the shank, but then, after some experimenting, I realized that the one-finger technique not only helped lighted the pressure, but it also helped to make the razor more maneuverable. I'm glad it works for you, too.

Regards,

Obie

I went through this when I started using a straight last summer and, like you, tried holding the razor in my left hand with the scales in line with the blade. (I'm right-handed.) It worked--sort of. However, I forced myself to use both hands in the same manner, so that any change in technique learned on one side would apply to the other. Initially it made tending to the left side of my face more difficult, but at some point I stopped thinking about it and became a truly "bilatereral" shaver.

This really isn't a big deal. I'd recommend using both hands and holding the razor in a conventional manner, but whatever works is OK. Just keep in mind that you're still in your formative stage and whatever technique you develop now will likely remain with you for the rest of your life.

I was having issues, somewhat, with my hand blocking my view on my left side, using my right (dominant) hand. Then I tried something with my dulled Zeepk pakistani practice razor. I changed the hold on the razor in my hand so that the forefinger, and other 2 next are onthe front tang, and I squash the handle against my pinkie finger. It gave me control and unobstructed view using that hold. Forefinger and other Then I shave from the front of my face backwards a bit, rather than try to go straight down the sideburn area.

i have only been shaving with a straight razor for a few months now. i was always skeptical in using my left hand since a sharp razor with an uncoordinated grip on my face could lead to a devastation ending. however, this morning i decided to go for it and use my left hand. i did three passes, WTG XTG and ATG. WTG i used right hand, right side. XTG i used left hand, right side. ATG i used left hand, right side. this shave was the best and closest i've had with a straight razor. i was surprised how well i used my left hand, and it will just get better with practice.
to anyone who's nervous about using your left hand, try it once and see if you like it; you'll only improve after the first shave.