Dominant vs. non-dominant hand

[Weaselsrippedmyflesh]

In preparation for shaving with a straight at some point in the future, I've begun using both hands when shaving with a DE i.e., left hand holds the razor and right hand stretches when shaving the left side of my face/neck and vice-versa for the right side. I'm left handed and have noticed that I consistently get a better shave on the right side when using my non-dominant (right) hand to hold the razor. Better in the sense that I get fewer to no nicks or razor burn on my right side as compared to my left.

My theory is that since I feel more "in control" with the left I press harder or perhaps pay a little less attention to blade angle. I'm curious if others have noticed the same thing when holding a razor (DE or straight) in their dominant vs. non-dominant hands. I'd also welcome any tips (other than the obvious "don't press hard and pay attention to blade angle" for practicing dominant and non-dominant shaving.

 

[cb91710]

I swap hands several times shaving with a straight.

Right side of face, right hand WTG, left hand ATG and XTG
Left side of face, left hand WTG, right hand ATG and XTG.

 

[nortac]

I will sometimes swap hands on the same side of my face if the angle becomes too awkward with regards to how my elbow is bent (not blade angel).

 

[Weaselsrippedmyflesh]

Since I've not shaved with a straight yet I'm only speculating but it appears to me this is one of the principle differences between DE and straight razor shaving. I can easily shave my entire face and neck (both sides) with my left hand and in fact that's what I used to do. I've moved onto left/right hand shaving mostly as preparation for shaving with a straight razor.

I'm actually fairly dextrous with both hands in terms of being able to handle the blade. The biggest difference I'm noticing is that I'm getting fewer cuts/burns with my weaker hand (I think) for the reason I described.

 

[LarryDarrell]

Is it possible you have a tendency to slide sideways when you use your left hand for the right side? An issue with arm angle? Do you hold your elbow high when you are shaving the left side? that would make it difficult to get the same angle cross-handed on the right.

I only use my dominant hand with a DE and get similar results on both sides.
I use both hands with a straight, but sometimes my non-dominant hand (left in my case) just doesn't work, the razor just feels completely strange in my hand and I can't make a decent stoke with it. I really can't describe the sensation, I hope it's something that will pass with practice.

 

[SinnerinRehab]

I started with just my dominate hand and waited for the terrorizing fear and shaking to subside first. Then I started to get the feel of a three pass shave before switching hands. After a few nicks using the left (non dominate) hand I found my groove. There is now a three pass shave that finishes with my right hand reaching over to the left side of the face, and starting with near the ear, working back to the chin with my right arm. Repeat on the left arm for the right side of face. You get comfortable and the elbows just go where they need to go.

Start slow, do not under any circumstances, use a fast sawing motion.

 

[Weaselsrippedmyflesh]

Is it possible you have a tendency to slide sideways when you use your left hand for the right side? An issue with arm angle? Do you hold your elbow high when you are shaving the left side? that would make it difficult to get the same angle cross-handed on the right.

It's certainly possible. I've only shaved with my non-dominant (right) hand a couple of times and it really only sunk in on the second shave that I was getting a lot better shave with my right hand than my left. Next time I shave (tomorrow) I'll pay more attention to the left and monitor pressure and angle more closely.

 

[Redhead]

You can try mock shaving with a dull butter knife. This will give you a better feel than a de and give you more of a sense of how to use a straight with both hands.
Red

 

[Weaselsrippedmyflesh]

You can try mock shaving with a dull butter knife. This will give you a better feel than a de and give you more of a sense of how to use a straight with both hands.
Red

Great suggestion and one I'm going to try. Dumb question: By "mock shaving" I assume you mean you put on some lather and "shave" with the butter knife or do you just practice strokes, angles and grip on your dry face?

 

[Redhead]

yep