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Thread: Which hand?

  1. #1
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    Default Which hand?

    I consider myself to be very right hand dominant.
    I just finished my fourth shave with a straight razor... a 5/8 Genco Master Barber with a square point.
    Shave #1 was great as was #2. Took a nick on shave three, and three nicks today. All on the left side from forcing myself to use my left hand.
    I have trouble making my left hand go the way I want it to go while looking in the mirror. I know my right brain will learn, and muscle memory will help, but, here's my question.
    Should I be concentrating on applying the same strokes with my right hand to my left? I can do nice curved cuts and get into problem areas easily with my right... Should I try to do the same with my left until I learn, or do some folks just cheat..

    I've watched some video clips, but i wonder if anyone could point me to more...

    I figure I might as well learn properly the first time!

    But, I've been getting great shaves already. As close, or in some areas closer than my best with a DE.

    Thanks for the help.

    P.S. I do practice a bit with a dull razor in the mirror..

  2. #2
    I used Nakayamas for my house mainaman's Avatar
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    Do what is most comfortable for you, there is no set in stone way to shave with a straight.
    You do not have to use both hands because you saw it in a video, there is many guys who use only one hand and get great shaves.
    If you feel like you can do certain spots and passes with your left hand by any means do so, but only if you are not risking cuts to your face.
    Stefan

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    BF4 gamer commiecat's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by BlacknTan View Post
    I consider myself to be very right hand dominant.
    I just finished my fourth shave with a straight razor... a 5/8 Genco Master Barber with a square point.
    Shave #1 was great as was #2. Took a nick on shave three, and three nicks today. All on the left side from forcing myself to use my left hand.
    I have trouble making my left hand go the way I want it to go while looking in the mirror. I know my right brain will learn, and muscle memory will help, but, here's my question.
    Should I be concentrating on applying the same strokes with my right hand to my left? I can do nice curved cuts and get into problem areas easily with my right... Should I try to do the same with my left until I learn, or do some folks just cheat..

    I've watched some video clips, but i wonder if anyone could point me to more...

    I figure I might as well learn properly the first time!

    But, I've been getting great shaves already. As close, or in some areas closer than my best with a DE.

    Thanks for the help.

    P.S. I do practice a bit with a dull razor in the mirror..
    I'm not ambidextrous but learned to use my left hand a bit through various sports, which helped me a bit when I started straight shaving. If you're starting out fresh from not really using your left for anything, then I'd say just focus on the easy parts of your cheek before trying to navigate the trickier spots like around the lips and below the jawline.

    It'll eventually become more natural with practice. You can also try using a butter knife or something dull just to become familiar with the motions.

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    They call me Mr Bear. Stubear's Avatar
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    I shave using just my right hand holding the razor and I get a good result! As Maniaman says, just do what feels natural to you above all. If you force it then you might cut yourself.

    Try practicing with a butter knife or something, and using it to wipe the lather off your face in a practice shave using your other hand.

    Good luck and keep us posted!

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    Big and called Ian. BigIan's Avatar
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    I learnt to use my left hand for shaving. the way i did it was i would "play"

    to begin with if i struggled but the more i played with it the easier it became.

    At the end of the day though remember its your face, do what feels comfortable for you to get the results you want.

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  10. #6
    The Assyrian Obie's Avatar
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    Default Which Hand?

    Hello, BlacknTan:

    No formalized rules dictate using one or two hands. Do what feels most comfortable to you.

    I am right-handed, but I alternated hands from the first day. My shave guru was Lynn Abrams, who uses both hands. I also liked his style and technique. My own technique evolved from his.

    The left hand was awkward at first, yes, but eventually my skills improved as I used it as much as possible in daily activities: brushing teeth, opening doors, and so on.

    I always recommend using two hands, though, again, use whatever feels more comfortable to you.

    For the feel of the straight razor and its optics when coming across your face, I suggest taping together a pair of dull butter knives in the shape of an open razor and practicing. When lathering your face with the brush, alternate hands. Devise your own methods of using the non-dominant hand.

    Most of all, have patience with your non-dominant hand.

    Regards,
    Obie

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    Carbon-steel-aholic DwarvenChef's Avatar
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    I'm with ya there, being very right handed and dyslexic to boot I don't trust my left hand with anything sharp... It knows it's job and that job has nothing to do with an edge in it lol

    It takes a bit of practice to get anything done and if you want to use both hands, practice is the key, same if you only use one hand.

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    Well Shaved Gentleman... jhenry's Avatar
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    I'm right-handed too. It took some practice to learn how to use my left hand to shave the left side of my face. Now, its second nature for me.

    As previous posts have suggested...You needn't push yourself. Do what's comfortable for you. Go slow--as your own signature says--and be patient. Over time, and with daily practice, you'll get the hang of it.

    As for the nicks...Make use of the styptic and apply some antibiotic cream or ointment to them. Then complete your shave.

    Take care--and smooth shaving.
    Last edited by jhenry; 04-24-2010 at 12:01 AM.
    "Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." Mark Twain

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    Thanks for all the good advice!

    I'm actually doing far better than I expected I would at this stage in the learning process. The nicks don't slow me down... they're tiny ones, and stop bleeding within minutes..
    I used to keep styptic around many years ago, but i have no idea where it is now... Once things enter the "no man's land" under the vanity, I think they slip off into the nether world... never to appear again.

    Thanks everyone... My resolve is unshaken!

  17. #10
    Senior Member Pops!'s Avatar
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    having worked as a chef for many years i am very adept at using both of my hands for nearly everything.. however.. it just seems silly to switch hands when shaving.. the use of my right hand to shave the left side of my face does not impair my vision in the least.. it seems logical to me that i keep my right hand dry and safely in control of my stupidly sharp feather ac while my left hand stretches my face and wipes away lather when appropriate..

    but i'm also a weakling.. if you have a giant popeye arm that is going to block your view in the mirror.. i'd suggest learning to switch hands.

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