Thread: Shaving with both hands - is it required?

That's an interesting question. I am left handed and I asked Lynn if straight razors are made for either hand. You know how golf clubs, guitars, firearms are set up for right handed folks. Lynn said a straight razor can be used by either hand. Also he told me that some SE users switch hands. As a matter of fact, I switched my SE to my right hand this morning, no nicks or weepers, but I did have some misses/skips. I'm still quite new to the SE shaving, I just switched from Mach 3's and canned gels to SE, brush, and shaving soap last week; so I am trying very carefully to figure out which technique works for me. Good luck in finding your best technique!

Originally Posted by pmburk

That's an interesting question. I am left handed and I asked Lynn if straight razors are made for either hand. You know how golf clubs, guitars, firearms are set up for right handed folks. Lynn said a straight razor can be used by either hand. Also he told me that some SE users switch hands. As a matter of fact, I switched my SE to my right hand this morning, no nicks or weepers, but I did have some misses/skips. I'm still quite new to the SE shaving, I just switched from Mach 3's and canned gels to SE, brush, and shaving soap last week; so I am trying very carefully to figure out which technique works for me. Good luck in finding your best technique!

I am left handed too and am comfortable using my left hand. The only advantage I see with using both hands is the blocking of one's view of the missor. When I use my left hand for both sides I have to shift the way I hold the razor when I shave my right side so that I can see in the mirror.

Being new to shaving with a straight razor, I am still learning and in discovery mode. I am left-handed and I have done a little bit of shaving on my right side using the right hand. It's going to take me some time to figure out what really works. The key thing for me is to carefully experiment with techniques to see what works for me.

Learning to shave with the 'off' hand is made easier if instead of using the hand to shave you just hold the razor with the 'off' hand and initiate the shaving movements with the arm, pulling down with the elbow. Start slowly on the cheek and expand your efforts only as your skills and comfort with it increase.

Ace,
That sounds like a good tip there. I'll give it a go during tomorrow morning's shave and get back with you and everyone on the results.
Thanks!

If you don't shave with both hands you cant have any pudding! How can you have any pudding if you dont shave with both hands?

Here is the thought I had when deciding whether to use one or two hand method. What would I do if my dominant hand was injured and I couldn't use it for awhile? I decided to get my left (non-dominant) hand "educated". It definitely felt awkward at first, but I just took it slow and easy and kept at it. It really doesn't take too long and the extra dexterity I have gained with my left hand has served me well. Just my thought, take it for what it cost you!