Thread: Is ambidextrous straight shaving worth it?

Only one way to find out buddy. What's worth it to me, might not be worth it to you, and vice versa.

Learn if you want, don't if you don't. It's not going to change anything about the quality of the shave. It might make it easier. It might make it more efficient. But, it might not. I am an ambidextrous shaver because I can't see through the back of my right hand.

I want to start training my other hand, mostly because I seem to get different angles with only one hand depending on which side I shave.

I've been straight shaving for a year and a half now.

Enjoy!

Originally Posted by regularjoe

I am an ambidextrous shaver because I can't see through the back of my right hand.

Same here. I tried to use my right hand only, and I just couldn't see what I was doing when trying to shave the left side of my face. It took me a few shaves to not cut myself with my left hand, but it was worth it in the end.

As a fellow southpaw. I find it's just too hard to use a right-hand, although it might come in handy. I think I'll stick with my left hand. I don't think I want to find out what will happen using my right hand with a straight razor against my face and as I've gotten by this long with just my left hand. Why mess with success? IMHO.

I'm hardly an expert but I shave with only my right hand. I do the left side of my face holding it similar to when I'm stropping and do the right side with the classic handle pointing up and fingers on the tang position. Works for me.

I am a left that uses both hands. To me, it was worth the effort to learn.

Originally Posted by Crshbrn84

Is it worth it to teach myself to be ambidextrous with a straight? Is the shave that much better?

Yes and yes. I'm a lefty that is close to ambidextrous with most tools. It makes life easier.

Ditto all of the last bunch of posts from start to finish. It's up to you in the end, if it's worth it or not. I use both (Except for the ATG pass. For some reason I've never been able to get the hang of that with my left hand).


Mick

Its well worth the effort IMO. I've been at this about 2 years now and I can use either hand with equal precision. So much safer when you dont have to cross over yourself. Practice removing lather with a dull blade in your off hand to improve your skill.

I started shaving with only one hand, but swapped to 2-handed when I heard other did this. I am very happy that I did.

One small thing tho: if you are proficient with one hand, and not with your other - do yourself a favour and stop thinking the shave will be better. It won't, not for the first few months at least. And, you'll cut yourself. In all probability, at least. And, I'd still swap to 2-handed, had I known this back when I was shaving with only one

Best of luck.