Using both hands is mandatory when shaving with a straight razor ?

I am a newbie. I've been shaving with a DE razor regularly but I am very eager to learn to use a SR I just bought from my brother. I would like to know if everybody change hands. My left hand is kinda useless...


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I moved your thread from the section on General Shaving Discussion to the section on Straight Razors.  There is a good recent thread on "How long does it take to master a non-dominant hand" which addresses your question.  I change hands.  Your left hand will learn.

http://shavenook.com/showthread.php?tid=47274

I have a good friend who shaves completely with his dominant hand. For me it felt natural to use both. It may make more sense as you begin to learn and then develop the style that suits you.

Best of luck

I used my dominant hand for the straight for years. Finally a guy posted that if you take a razor and tape the edge, or use a shavette with no blade, and go through the motions with your non dominant hand while at the computer, or watching TV, the muscle memory will kick in, and you'll be easily shaving with either hand. Not necessary, but it makes life easier if you get the hang of it. IMHO.

My left hand is useless as well, I'm that right hand dominant. I shave with only my right hand and use the left to stretch the skin. I get by just fine; in my mind it is a preference thing and there is no must way to shave with a straight. I have about 400 straight shaves and get BBS shaves without fail.

I've done it both ways, prefer right hand only at this point.  Who knows, that may change some day, but for now it works.

I am new myself. I only have about 20-25 straight razor shaves. I still get easier, closer, more comfortable shaves with my DEs.  At about 15 shaves my results got a lot better. I only use my dominant hand. I do this with no problem. I am right handed and the only issue I have is when I shave my left cheek I lose sight of the blade and I am shaving by feel. It is only for a very small part of my cheek, not the entire cheek. The cheeks are the easiest part to shave and as long as I mind the pressure, I have never nicked myself or had any other problem shaving my left cheek.

(04-11-2017, 02:51 PM)Gabe Wrote: ...and the only issue I have is when I shave my left cheek I lose sight of the blade and I am shaving by feel. 

During my brief (30-40 shaves) period with straights, this is exactly why I learned to use my non-dominant hand.  Though being left-handed, it came fairly easy since many of us southpaws are pretty ambidextrous, often out of need.

Do what feels right at the time. Your style will evolve with experience. People were shaving long before we had shaving forums.

Start doing regular minor tasks with non dominant hand like eating utensils, brushing your teeth, using a mouse, etc.

Oh yeah, and remember patience!