Switch hands when shaving...?

**AustinC9** · 03-30-2008, 01:57 PM

I don't personally, but I'm rather new with a straight and wondering if i should switch. I'd like some peoples opinions on weither they swich hands when the shave the other side of their face. Is there an advantage to using both hands?

**loueedacat** · 03-30-2008, 02:04 PM

Originally Posted by AustinC9

I don't personally, but I'm rather new with a straight and wondering if i should switch. I'd like some peoples opinions on weither they swich hands when the shave the other side of their face. Is there an advantage to using both hands?

Learn to switch. It doesn't take long. Otherwise you are cutting in half the angles you can hit. It's much easier than learning to dribble a basketball left handed or switch hit.

**vegard_dino** · 03-30-2008, 02:09 PM

Yes, I think the same. You will learn it fat, I did and I am not that smart.....and you get a better look at what you do.

**netsurfr** · 03-30-2008, 02:20 PM

You will get the hang of shaving with both hands quickly. But shaving is a personal thing. You can start with your cheeks and expand your skills. If you are comfortable with what you are currently doing and don't want to shave with your left hand, then don't. Just enjoy the experience...

**red2** · 03-30-2008, 02:48 PM

I was pretty apprehensive about using my off hand (left); however, with a little practice I found prefer it. I can get better angles by switching hands.

**Hawkeye5** · 03-30-2008, 08:15 PM

Not as difficult as you may think. Actually, I personally would think it more difficult not to change hands.

**riooso** · 03-30-2008, 09:14 PM

I am horrible with my left hand but I did learn to use it and it is working out. It takes a while to learn at first. It took me 45 minutes for my first shave. I do not see how one could do anything but N-S without using both hands but anything is possible.

Take Care,
Richard

**Citizen D** · 03-30-2008, 11:59 PM

Originally Posted by riooso

I am horrible with my left hand but I did learn to use it and it is working out. It takes a while to learn at first. It took me 45 minutes for my first shave. I do not see how one could do anything but N-S without using both hands but anything is possible.

+1. Two months in and I'm still working on the 'fidelity' of my left hand, but wouldn't even attempt with the right.

**Soopercat** · 03-31-2008, 08:06 AM

It's best to learn using both hands from the beginning or you may end up holding the razor at awkward angles to your face. Too steep is going to leave a mark

.

Kind regards,

**R-James** · 03-31-2008, 08:09 AM

I'm a switcher with a DE, so when my 1st straight arrives it should be natural for me to use both hands

**joke1176** · 03-31-2008, 03:23 PM

For the first 3-4 months of straight shaving, I used one hand. I got bored with that and tried switching, it's not that hard really.

The hardest part of shaving with a straight is learning how to hold the blade for a good shave e.g. angle, where to make WTG and ATG passes etc. Once you have that down, it's just a matter of doing it with the other hand.

Be Zen about it, don't overthink....just do.

**mparker762** · 03-31-2008, 03:46 PM

Most of "handedness" is really fine motor control with the fingers. Shaving is done with the wrist, so shaving with the other hand isn't nearly as big of a deal as you'd think it is. Yeah it's backwards from your other hand, but then everything in the mirror is backwards anyway. Many guys find that they do better (fewer nicks) with their off hand than their primary hand.

**jlander** · 03-31-2008, 03:47 PM

Learn to switch hands. After you become accustomed, your shaves will improve.

**netsurfr** · 03-31-2008, 03:55 PM

Originally Posted by mparker762

Most of "handedness" is really fine motor control with the fingers. Shaving is done with the wrist, so shaving with the other hand isn't nearly as big of a deal as you'd think it is. Yeah it's backwards from your other hand, but then everything in the mirror is backwards anyway. Many guys find that they do better (fewer nicks) with their off hand than their primary hand.

+1 on the fine motor skills perspective. It is really not as hard as you might think. I suck at most things using my left hand but am pretty ambidexterous using my left while shaving.

**CRuzin** · 03-31-2008, 04:33 PM

I had my first straight shave today and switched hands with no problem. It's not as tricky as you think it might be. It felt way more awkward (not to mention more dangerous) trying to use my main hand on the opposite side of my face than just switching hands.

**TstebinsB** · 03-31-2008, 04:46 PM

Originally Posted by Hawkeye5

Not as difficult as you may think. Actually, I personally would think it more difficult not to change hands.

+1

I picked it up without much of a problem. I used my left hand with my safety razors too so perhaps I had a head start.

**Limey** · 03-31-2008, 06:20 PM

I couldn't do it without switching hands. I worked at it by brushing my teeth with my opposite hand for sometime before trying a straight razor. Good luck!

**AustinC9** · 03-31-2008, 06:24 PM

Thats a great idea! Thanks

**scoopster** · 03-31-2008, 06:55 PM

I have entered the forray into "straight razor" shaving with the Feather AC. Ironically, the only major cut I've gotten to date has been with my dominant hand, and boy it was a good one. Perhaps I am using a lot more care when I switch over to my weaker hand. The take away - be careful with either hand & don't assume using your weaker hand will be a disaster.

**Seraphim** · 04-01-2008, 07:10 AM

^ What he said.

The cuts I have recieved have all been with my dominant hand.

OK, so I started the 1st month of straight shaving using my dominant hand only, and that is a fine way to ease into it, as there are plenty fo other things that need paying attention to when you are starting.

Then, one fine day, I just tried my other hand, and it was great! I had been spending alot of time previously re-adjusting my grip on the razor when using only one hand. If you use both hands, the shave goes quicker, and simpler, and actually safer I think.

Now, my only piece of advice for first trying your "off" hand, is to do your 1st pass using your dominant hand, as per usual, and THEN try your offf hand. I found this helped alot, as when there is too much stubble the razor can hang up a bit at first when using your off hand.