Do you switch hands when shaving

[mfarber]

As somewhat of a veteran straight man (and by veteran, I mean 2 not very close shaves to date ;-)), I am still unable to shave the left side of my face using my left hand to hold the razor. Each time I try (as in twice) it feels so incredibly awkward that I revert back to using my right hand. The result today was a not too bad shave on my right cheek (for a two-shave veteran) and barely any hair removed from the left side.

Just wondering what most people do. Do you switch hands when shaving? If you have tried both ways, which do you prefer?

 

[Gamma]

I use both hands every time. Feels right, works best.

 

[AndroiDad75]

I forced myself to use the left hand on the left side of my face. Trust me, if I can do it you can too!!! The only thing I use my left hand/arm for is to balance myself when walking

It took a while before it started to feel ok, and I am still working on fully comfortable, but it is getting there.

The funny thing is, that almost all the bad cuts I have gotten (tragus not included) have been on the right side of my face with my dominant hand.

I don't know if it is because I am so nervous about doing it with the left, that I have such a light hold or what, but the dominant hand is the one that tends to let me know when I do something wrong.

 

[Sando]

I've never switched hands with either a straight or de. I suppose I could do the learning but I don't see the need.
I don't switch hands with my toothbrush either - bbs every time...

 

[deruitem]

I switch for straight shaves all the time. Once in a while I switch for a couple of strokes with the DE

 

[Marco]

Always two hands with straights. With DEs one hand is enough.

 

[robellison01]

Nope. My left hand doesn't play nice. I've adapted though, and can't tell the difference in shave quality from one side of my face to the other.

 

[jpcwon]

What's funny, is I switch hands going WTG and XTG, but I do all of ATG with my right hand...don't ask me why, it's just what works for me...

 

[Lmarkow]

WTG (N/S) I switch hands (rt hand rt side/lf hand lf side)
ATG (S/N) rt hand only
XTG (ear to nose) I switch hands (rt hand lf side/lf hand rt side)

 

[MJB1]

2 hands with straights, which is remarkable because my left hand isn't very coordinated but with straights it seems to find the angle better than my right hand which is dominant.

 

[wiskibubbles]

Nope just one. But I flip the razor around sometimes. My right hand does not work like the left does

 

[gash]

I use both hands, and I don't even notice anymore.

 

[Revan]

I've always used both hands when shaving as when I started I was told that using both hands is the best way to learn

 

[professorchaos]

Yes. Less so with a kamisori. It is well worth your time to learn how to use both hands.

 

[AABCDS]

No. I just use one hand.

 

[cb91710]

Mirror image.

Right hand = Right side of the face WTG, left side of the face ear-to-nose, left side of the face ATG.
Left hand = Left side of the face WTG, right side of the face ear-to-nose, right side of the face ATG.

I always pull, never "push" the blade, always have the tang pointed down, or toward the side opposite the side being cut.

I use a modified grip, more like that used on a Kamisori, for ATG on the neck and under the chin.

 

[dpmtherrien]

When I shave with my DE I only use my right hand, and no problems getting a great shave. However when I use my straight I use my left hand on the left side of my face. At first I tried using just my right with the straight, but there were problems doing so. It took some time, but I've learned to use my left hand, and my straight shaves are really nice now.

 

[johnmrson]

No, one hand only for me.

 

[OkieStubble]

Mirror image.

Right hand = Right side of the face WTG, left side of the face ear-to-nose, left side of the face ATG.
Left hand = Left side of the face WTG, right side of the face ear-to-nose, right side of the face ATG.

I always pull, never "push" the blade, always have the tang pointed down, or toward the side opposite the side being cut.

I use a modified grip, more like that used on a Kamisori, for ATG on the neck and under the chin.

Pretty much the same technique I use. Same hand on same side of face wtg, opposite hand xtg ear to nose pulling, never pushing. And opposite hand atg on neck.

 

[Legion]

Always two hands with straights. With DEs one hand is enough.

This for me.

Two shaves isn't nearly enough to feel comfortable using your off hand. Keep practising, it will come in time, and it is much easier once you have the knack.