Thread: First shave with a straight wasn't bad at all

Hey all,

So after two and a half years of shaving with a DE razor I finally decided to try a straight out. I used a restored clauss that I purchased from undream on ebay. To my surprise my first shave with a straight was not bad at all (no nicks or cuts), hopefully I can keep it that way. I lathered up with Penhaligon's English Fern (also my first time) and the result of the lather was fine, I don't know why people seem to complain about it. Anyway, I just went with a one pass shave WTG. I had a little trouble shaving the left side of my face because I'm right handed and just not used to shaving with a straight. I do have a question. Do people usually switch hands while shaving or just stick with one hand? Thanks for reading

Michael

Sounds like a great start on your straight razor shaves.
Congrats on that.
I'm sure your experience from DE's are really doing you good.

I do believe a majority uses 2 hands for their straight razor shaves.
Still, plenty of folks around here using only 1.
I would definitely recommend trying to learn to use both from the get go, but as I said, it will work with one as well

Good luck

some use one hand other both. I use both. It does not take long for your left hand to become as good as your right.
In my first few shave I was getting better results from my left.

+1 I would definitely recommend trying to learn to use both from the get go

Being very right hand dominate, I found that for me the best method was to use both hands for the WTG pass and only my right for ATG.

You could also try practicing hand switching with a butter knife, that way you'll develop some muscle memory without risking your face.

I use only one hand, the right one .

If you look in the mirror with the correct angle you can easily shave the left part of your face with your right hand. In my opinion this goes easier then learning to use the left hand.

Originally Posted by MichaelFrancis

Hey all,

So after two and a half years of shaving with a DE razor I finally decided to try a straight out. I used a restored clauss that I purchased from undream on ebay. To my surprise my first shave with a straight was not bad at all (no nicks or cuts), hopefully I can keep it that way. I lathered up with Penhaligon's English Fern (also my first time) and the result of the lather was fine, I don't know why people seem to complain about it. Anyway, I just went with a one pass shave WTG. I had a little trouble shaving the left side of my face because I'm right handed and just not used to shaving with a straight. I do have a question. Do people usually switch hands while shaving or just stick with one hand? Thanks for reading

Michael

I learned to use both hands because I had trouble reaching places if I relied solely on one hand but it's really up to you. Since you had a relatively easy time of it on the first try I'd try using both hands because I think you will appreciate the added flexibility.

When I first read the title of your thread I thought it was "First shave with a straight wasn't all bad", which would have had a different connotation altogether lol Congrats and keep up the good work.

I use both hands, but do whatever is comfortable for you. I don't think there is a "normal"....

Thanks for the advice guys. I think I'll keep on trying to learn with the left. I just can't get to certain spots with my right hand only. I did do a couple of spots with my left but was very careful, I didn't want to give nick myself. Well I'll just keep on and work my way up to shaving ATG.

Congratulations on the first straight shave. Love Engilish Fern in it's various forms.

Originally Posted by lz6

Congratulations on the first straight shave. Love Engilish Fern in it's various forms.

Thanks! I liked English Fern, I got a good lather from it, too. I always see guys complaining about it on Badger & Blade and I can't seem to figure what their problem is.