Thread: Dominate vs. Recessive Hand

Originally Posted by U2Bono269

Do most people use both hands to shave? I don't. My left hand is so awkward that I just reach around with my right hand and shave that way. Is that abnormal? I've been doing it this way the whole time, and I've never noticed that one side is worse or better than the other.

I tried, several times. It feels REALLY awkward and shaky and it's just easier to use the one hand. I keep having this image running through my mind of the Peter Sellers character in Dr. Strangelove with the out of control right hand. I just do what works so far.

What I always recommend is to do what feels most comfortable. If you have no desire to shave with both hands then don't; if you gave it a good shot with your non-dominant hand and it still isn't working out, stick with one hand.

There are no steadfast rules, just as there is no point in doing something that is uncomfortable for you.

I use my right hand for both sides. The right side is always better. If I used my left hand, I would be one of two things, hacked and bleeding or dead.

Thanks guys I feel a lot better about my shaving “issue”. I set aside some extra time this A.M. to sit back and shave. Took my time and really concentrated on blade angle, light touch, and everything that was entailed in my shave. I think it’s a little better / equal shave. Never once would think I would ever be saying this but, Damn I enjoy and look forward to shaving. Thanks again all.
Ryan.

Also, when I started, I wasn't comfortable at all using both hands, so I used only one (the dominant right for me).
Then after few shaves (less than 10 I think), I felt it would be easier to use the other hand (recessive left) and switch to 2-hands-shaving.
Obviously using one or both hands is fine and can be changed as you try new stuff.

Originally Posted by Theseus

I had a theory about this once before. I figure that when you are learning, some people may be overconfident with their dominant hand and use more pressure or not pay as much attention to blade angle. When they switch to their recessive hand, they tend to focus a bit more to blade angle and stroke and they naturally don't hold the razor as tight as they do with their dominant hand, thus a lighter touch with the blade. Like I said, just a theory but it sounds good to me.

This pretty much sums up my experience using my recessive hand. I call it "the stranger."

I'm right handed and find I get a better shave on my right side, although my left is getting better. I don't feel so much like a potential sweeney todd with my left now.

I am left handed and shave with both hands. I have never nicked myself with my right hand but get a good shave on both sides. I think the reason I don't get nicked with the right is that it is my weak hand, so I concentrate more when using it. Also, I am better with my right hand than most right handed folks are with their left. This happens because I live in a right handed world and am forced to use my right hand more often.

Don't forger, lefties are the only ones in their "right" mind.

I am right handed but shave with both hands, its practice,practice and practice. In the beginning i began with the left hand to write, eat with the left.
Awkward at first, but after a while you just as handy with left and with right hand.

No one's mentioned this so I figured I might. YMMV certainly.

I find my off hand (left) is about a week or so behind my right in technique and control. At this point, as my technique improves, this is a subtle yet noticeable difference.

Even so, my off hand is improving, too. In the beginning it was scary, as my left hand is a stranger to me, too. Personally, I'm glad I put in the effort. If you had asked me before I started straight shaving if I'd ever put a sharp blade in my left hand and scrape it along my face and neck, I'd say you're crazy.

Now, I shave the back of my neck blind with my straights after my wife cuts my hair, either hand, and have no issues.

-Mark