New to straight razor shaving

[Squeg]

Hi All - I just started shaving with a straight razor and after perhaps six or seven shaves I think I am hooked!

I have been shaving with a DE for a couple of years and until a month ago I hadn't spent much time on the straight razor section of B&B. I have always liked the concept of shaving with a straight but the thought of shaving with a bare blade made me more than a little nervous. My sincerest thanks to all of you on B&B for your great information and to those who have posted instructional videos on youtube. For me, I am surprised how easy the transition has been to straight razor shaving and I feel like I am getting better at it each time I shave. BTW - I am starting with a 5/8 Dovo Special and a hanging strop.

I have wondered about technique as far as holding the razor. Based on a Youtube video, I started with a basic grip of index and ring finger on the blade side of the tang and third finger on the curved part of the tang on the other side of the scales. It works pretty well but I am having a hard time using that grip to shave across the grain. I also wonder about your perspectives about using the left hand to shave the left side of the face and the right for the right. I seem to be doing well shaving all of my face with my right hand and am wondering what the advantages of switching hands are.

Thanks again for all the great info on the art of straight razor shaving.

[netsurfr]

Congratulations on your progress and welcome to the journey that is straight shaving.
As far as shaving with both hands, that is a personal thing. If you are getting good results with just using the right hand, then keep with it. I use the left hand on the left side of my face because I find it easier to control the angle.
Shaving grip is also a personal thing. I tend to only rest the little finger on the tang area but that is just me.

[biminyrd]

I think learning to shave with both hands is beneficial. As I've refined my technique, I have changed the order I shave to get better shaves, and this has involved switching hands to shave different parts of my face.