First straight razor shave

[HanzZ]

I finally made the switch to real shaving
Purchaced a Mappin and Webb from lax1mxr here, and a filly strop from kenrup. My setup was:
Mappin and Webb Straight
C&E Pure badger
Cade Soap
Rose Hydrosol for AS

I'd say the shave was pretty nice, no nicks or cuts, a little irritation on the left side of my face and the upper lip area though. My sideburns on the right side were quite smooth, but the rest of my face still felt a bit stubbly.

I feel that the only place I really trust myself with the razor is on my right, where I can really see clearly what I'm doing. Does anyone have advice on shaving with the non dominant hand? And what about the upper lip/jawline? I was only able to really shave the center portion my upper lip; almost nicked myself pretty bad trying to get the sides. The hair growth on my jawline is toward the right side, so it felt a bit awkward trying to go WTG. Any suggestions?

 

[Luc]

That's a good start! You need to keep up with it. Each shave will become easier.

You could use your right hand for the whole shave or try using your right hand for the right side of your face and your left hand for the left side. The jawline and chin are the most problematics.

Stretch the skin as much as you can to create a flat surface! That would be the best advice I can give.

 

[Leche]

As Luc said you could use one hand to do the whole face. I forced my self to use both hands and now I'm pretty good with both and it seems to get better with each shave. I'm glad I did.

 

[mdunn]

I started with one hand, but now use two, in a 70/30 split, favouring my right hand.

Its tricky at first, but soon get used to it you will!

 

[PolsBirthday]

My jawline is really sharp and awkward, so I've taken to stretching my skin up quite far, then down when I do my neck by a similar amount, I use the lather lines as indicators, but ideally, I end up shaving everything on flat surfaces instead of on a tricky jawbone edge.

 

[HanzZ]

Thanks for the advice everyone. Just finished my third shave, best one yet. I've been shaving with my right hand primarily now, but I'm going try with my left tomorrow. Streching the skin farther helped a great deal also.

 

[The Mick]

I started off using both hands as much as possible and it has paid off for me.