Thread: Left Hand

Originally Posted by willist

I watched Lynn's DVD and I know he says to switch to your left hand to shave the left side of your face. I find that extremely difficult, its like I can't even find my face as I look in the mirror. Do you think that will improve or can I shave my whole face with my right hand.

I have always used only my right hand.
It all comes down to finding the correct angle. I have to admit that I cannot use the exact same angles on my right and left hand side.
On the right hand side of my face I hold the razor horizontally, on the left I hold it vertically.
but that has no effect on the shaving result.

I have never even considered using the left. Not because I don't want to, but becaues I never thought of it.

When going against the grain (if I want to be really smooth) I also use both sides of the razor.

Here's why I like to use two hands:
1) If a certain shaving angle or skin-stretching technique works on the right side, it is easy for me to apply it to my left as well (my growth is pretty symmetrical).

2) Using one hand alone increases the number of times my hands have to cross one another, and I am likely to cut my hands or face. I am more afraid of cutting myself with a rapid, slicing, hand-crossing movement than I am of nicking my face with a careful, slower shaving motion.

It does take practice, but I think that the bilateral symmetry of the shaving motions helps shorten the learning curve: the left hand simply learns to "mirror" the right.

I use my right hand for the majority of the shave, but there are certain strokes where I'll switch to my left, most of which are on the right side of my face and neck.

It was a bit weird at first. But now that I've gotten used to it it makes for a much more relaxing shave. Plus I can stretch the skin easier. (I'm a lefty as well though so maybe for me it was slightly easier)

I ysed to use my right hand for all of my shaving, but I found that I was blocking my view something with my shaving hand (when shaving my left side with my right hand). So I now use left for left, and right for right. It does feel a little bit straight through when I go against the grain, but I'm sure that will go soon.

Steven

I started with both hands right away and didn't have too much trouble with my left hand. I think using both hands makes it easier to get to all the angles and after a few weeks I was able to use both hands without problems. That said, I've seen lots of guys use one hand, so it really is a matter of finding what works for you. I actually wouldn't be comfortable using just my right hand.

see who ever said that lefty's do not have there uses, my first shave went ok and i also decided to use both hands mainly because i thought it is easyer to train from the start without getting in to bad habbit's after all you can't teach an old dog new tricks. My worst nick on the first shave was on the left side of my face using my left hand which proves the point of another post in here you will be more careful because it is the weaker hand.

When you start using the opposite hand, the most important thing is not to try to shave the whole area the first time. Take little steps like just from the sideburn down until you start to feel comfortable. You can take on more area as it starts to feel right for you.

Have fun.

Lynn

Thanks Lynn, I also watch your DVD before each shave, very educational. My main problem is all my left hand seems to be good for is a place to put my watch.

i think that using both hands when shaving will eventually be easier but as far as i know the choice seems up to the individual but the less movement i need to with the straight the less chance i have of cutting my hand/fingers or anything else Ouch!