How to properly hold a straight

[wurls]

I have so far seen 2 ways to hold a straight and want to know the most preferred way.
The first way is to hold it with your 1st 3 fingers on the back of the shank, and let your pinky rest on the tang.
The other way I saw is to let your first 2 fingers rest on the shank, and let the last 2 fingers just hang out freely.

What is the preferred way to hold it?

Thank you,

[jkh]

There are dozens of other holds/grips for a straight razor - I can't use either of the grips you described for the majority of my strokes.

However, to indulge the question asked for the grips described: I use neither :tongue_sm I go with index/middle/thumb on the tang and ring rests on the tail.

[dpmtherrien]

The proper way to hold a straight is the one that works for you. There's no right or wrong way to hold one.

Check out the ShaveWiki on straight razors to see the section on holding a straight. Just remember that these are just different ways of holding one. You'll find your own best way as you get into straight shaving, and if it works for you then its correct.

[Jporco]

I have so far seen 2 ways to hold a straight and want to know the most preferred way.
The first way is to hold it with your 1st 3 fingers on the back of the shank, and let your pinky rest on the tang.
The other way I saw is to let your first 2 fingers rest on the shank, and let the last 2 fingers just hang out freely.

What is the preferred way to hold it?

Thank you,

Yes, that IS the preferred way, OR any other way you like that will give you a BBS or DFS....
when I use my straights I am always changing the grip based on the angle, stroke and location of remaining whiskers to be hacked.

[Kentos]

While there are many ways to hold it, there are some "established" ways of holding. If you have a really unconventional grip, it may inhibit you in some passes.

Experiment and see what works best for you.

[rajagra]

It's important to try out the "standard" grip, as it's remarkably good and gives you a benchmark for other ways of holding.
Personally, I keep my index and middle fingers on the shank, my ring finger on the tang, and the pinkie unused. Thumb is opposite the middle finger. This works well for my large fingers.
Whatever gives you control and ease of access is good. Going upwards on the neck you might want to straighten out the scales and hold the sides of the shank between thumb and forefinger, for example.

[Luc]

The proper way to hold a straight is the one that works for you. There's no right or wrong way to hold one.

Check out the ShaveWiki on straight razors to see the section on holding a straight. Just remember that these are just different ways of holding one. You'll find your own best way as you get into straight shaving, and if it works for you then its correct.

This! and the links:

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Holding_the_Straight_Razor_and_Blade_Angle
http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/How_to_hold_a_Straight_Razor

[SinnerinRehab]

I use 2 fingers on the tang above the scales but really, it's up to you. What feels better. Question is how do you hold scissors? Really, there isn't a bad way. 2 or 3. Just go with it.

[SinnerinRehab]

This! and the links:

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Holding_the_Straight_Razor_and_Blade_Angle
http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/How_to_hold_a_Straight_Razor

+1

[rickboone1]

hold it the way taht shaves you best.

[wurls]

Thank you for the info guys!
Now, I need to find a nice straight in decent shape to start with. Any ideas on brands, grind, size, etc for a beginner?

[danielghofrani]

actually I find that different grips work better for me for different parts of the face. I use 2 grips:
1- open the scales up all the way to a v, hold index and middle finger on the shank with the thumb under, and the ring finger and pinky on the monkey tail.
2- open up the razor straight like a kamisori

[Luc]

Thank you for the info guys!
Now, I need to find a nice straight in decent shape to start with. Any ideas on brands, grind, size, etc for a beginner?

This should help: http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Straight_Razor_FAQs

I would suggest reading this: http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Interactive_Guide_to_Straight_Razor_Shaving