ambidextrous?

**BubbleBoy** · 01-19-2012, 05:38 PM

I'm right handed and it seems I'm a bit more adept at shaving the left side of my face than the right. I mean not night and day or anything, but I tend to fumble around a bit with the razor and have a harder time getting the perfect angle when I'm shaving the right side of my face. So my question is:

Do you switch hands when shaving opposite sides of your face?

Silly question, I know.

**Omega1975** · 01-19-2012, 05:42 PM

I was the same way at first but make the effort to shave right side with right hand , left side with left hand . you will get used to it quickly and you will find that your overall technique will improve.
The only time I use oposite hands is when im shaving XTG.

**rearviewmirror** · 01-19-2012, 05:50 PM

it helps to be ambidextrous at first. after a few weeks the muscle memory sets in and it becomes second nature.

I write with my right hand, but i'm left handed in sports. My dad forced me to learn to throw with my left hand as a kid, because there is a shortage of left handed pitchers in Major League Baseball.

**strop** · 01-19-2012, 06:01 PM

If there is even just the tiniest hint somewhere in the back of your mind that might someday want to try a straight

, force yourself to use both hands. It's not as hard as it sounds, and especially when you are training your muscles to recognize the right angle and pressure, it really isn't any harder to develop the same muscle memory on both sides.

You can shave just fine with one hand. Some straight shavers use just one hand, but most advocate using both since it is easier to see what you are doing and to stretch the skin.

It's a lot less intimidating to touch that straight razor to your cheek with your non-dominant hand if your already comfortable using that hand to shave.

**StillShaving** · 01-19-2012, 07:58 PM

I don't switch hands when shaving with a DE, but I agree with your observation that it is a little easier or at least feels more natural to shave the side of your face with the opposite hand. That this backhand razor stroke requires less forearm twisting. I didn't realize it so much until I tried straight razor shaving, where going XTG feels free flowing when using the opposite hand.

**ackvil** · 01-20-2012, 04:51 AM

I tried using my left hand - but could never get the angle right. So, I stick to my right hand.

**G3rry** · 01-20-2012, 08:23 AM

hmmmmmm........something new to start practicing

**rearviewmirror** · 01-20-2012, 08:40 AM

Originally Posted by G3rry

hmmmmmm........something new to start practicing

If you're using a DE, I recommend using one with no blade in it at first, just work on removing the lather from your face.

**Pebcak** · 01-20-2012, 08:45 AM

With DEs no, but since I've moved to straights yes I switch hands depending on the side of my face.

**Songwind** · 01-20-2012, 08:55 AM

I have the opposite experience - my shave is smoother on the same side as my hand. I haven't tried switching yet, but it may be a good idea.

**Obiwan** · 01-20-2012, 09:18 AM

I forced myself to learn both hands when I moved to straights. I doesn't take too long and is very helpful (IMO) once you can do it.

**dpmtherrien** · 01-20-2012, 12:44 PM

I'm another one who uses both hands when using a straight, it is easier with the straight.

When using my DE though I'm able to get an excellent shave using only my right hand. No problem shaving on either side of my face doing this.

**napalm** · 01-20-2012, 12:49 PM

Using only my right hand is by far the easiest way to get a good shave with my DE. But lately I've been trying to use my left hand as well. You never know when a straight razor might pop out of your mailbox, and it's a good idea to be able to shave with both hands before that happens.

**djh** · 01-20-2012, 01:01 PM

I taught myself to shave with both hands when using a DE in preparation for straight shaving. Now, having gone back to the DE, I find that it is much easier to shave the left side of my face whilst using my left hand and vice versa.

**cb91710** · 01-20-2012, 01:05 PM

With the DE, I'd stick to right hand only.
With the Straight, both hands depending on the side of the face and direction. Right and left are literally mirror images. WTG, right hand does right side. ATG, right hand does left side.

**DissonantEscapist** · 01-21-2012, 01:38 AM

I'm naturally a lefty, but since most of the world is right-handed, and makes a lot of sharp objects lefty-unfriendly, I have learned to make do with either hand for most things. It has helped quite a bit. Just started out with a straight blade last week; I had to finish out 2nd and 3rd passes with a DE, but only gave myself three shallow nicks so far with the cutthroat.