Learning with your non-dominate hand

[pocketwatch]

Is this necessary? I've just started but it doesn't feel anymore awkward using the same hand throughout the entire shave.

But I realize it's better to learn something right the first time than try and relearn it with bad habits. So, is this something I'll appreciate later or will the same hand suffice for eternity?

 

[Luc]

No, not necessary. You can use your dominate hand if it's easier. I usually use my non-domainte hand for 30-40% of the shave. It's easier sometimes to get certain spots/angles. If you prefer doing it using the same hand, than that's all right.

 

[mdunn]

I started using only my right hand, but as I got better I realised that using my left hand for some bits would be much easier. Like Luc, I now use it for about 30% of the shave

 

[dannywonderful]

For the first three weeks I used my dominant hand only because as soon as I brought the razor to my face with my left hand it would shake like Gene Wilder's did in Blazing Saddles. However, I began to realise that some areas would benefit from using my left hand to hold the razor, so I began to practice holding the razor in my left hand when I wasn't shaving. If I was watching TV, or using the PC I would hold the razor in my left hand and just practice making strokes with it nowhere near my face. After a few days I started to practice using my left hand during my shave, just on my cheeks and sideburns initially, but as I got used to it I moved down to my neck too. I find I can do my chin and beneath my nose entirely with my right hand, but being able to switch hands has really improved my shaves on the other areas of my face.

 

[withoutink]

Im using my right hand for about 95% of the shave with a straight. I guess I am still nervous with my left hand. Once I am comfortable Im sure that will change...

 

[pocketwatch]

Cool, I'll just keep at it then and maybe pick up the leftie skills later.

 

[professorchaos]

Do it, do it now! It is much easier than it should be.

 

[Chicken Enchilada]

I've been at this for almost two weeks, and I have been using my left hand since day one (I'm a righty). It wasn't that great at first, but now I can use my left no prob. Like others have said, I currently use my off-hand for maybe 30% of my shave. As I get better with a straight, I imagine that I would use it more, possibly until I am using both hands 50-50.

 

[airplanedoc]

I shave equally well with both hands

 

[Rick Sparks]

I've been shying away from my left hand too, but I'll start working with it after reading these posts.

 

[Bertilak]

At least for me, using the non-dominant hand started out as very tricky.

Now I don't think much about it. Still prefer the dominant hand where either hand reaches just as well (e.g. front of chin), but as time goes on it matters less and less.

 

[pmast]

I have tried and tried and my left hand always leaves a lot of stuff undone, then my right hand has to come along and clean up the mess. Now there is resentment and sulking on both sides. I've tried to give my left hand a pep talk and build up his confidence, but alas, I believe he feels he has failed and is in a real funk. The right hand is resentful that he has to give up his razor time to the inept left hand only to turn around and clean up his mess.

I have now assigned left hand to do the stretching and right hand to do the cutting. I still think left hand still feels bad, so tonight I will buy him a drink and tell him that right hand is just calloused and insensitive from use and abuse and that he (left hand) is the one I turn to to find veins when I start IVs. Hopefully he'll get over it and realize that I need both of them to do their jobs even if the right hand is a bit of a glory hound.

 

[Bertilak]

I have tried and tried and my left hand always leaves a lot of stuff undone, then my right hand has to come along and clean up the mess. Now there is resentment and sulking on both sides. I've tried to give my left hand a pep talk and build up his confidence, but alas, I believe he feels he has failed and is in a real funk. The right hand is resentful that he has to give up his razor time to the inept left hand only to turn around and clean up his mess.

I have now assigned left hand to do the stretching and right hand to do the cutting. I still think left hand still feels bad, so tonight I will buy him a drink and tell him that right hand is just calloused and insensitive from use and abuse and that he (left hand) is the one I turn to to find veins when I start IVs. Hopefully he'll get over it and realize that I need both of them to do their jobs even if the right hand is a bit of a glory hound.

Finally -- a sensible post!

 

[English]

Never seen the need.

The whole process is repetitive anyway and the only real variable is the pressure you apply. I find it easier to gauge the pressure with my dominant hand and for me, that's the way it is.

 

[Leche]

I forced myself right off the bat and I am glad I did. Only use it for about 40% of the time but I get better shaves being able to use both.