+1 Due to injuries and the resulting physical limitations, I've been forced to try different holds. What is often depicted as the "classic" hold with two fingers on the tang near the scales with the thumb opposing and one finger on the monkey tail and one hanging free just doesn't work for me. I got this from an old 1920's era book on shaving. This hold felt a bit odd until I practiced with it a few times. Now it feels much more stable and controllable. I use the same hold and switch hands whenever I need to.
Very interesting. I'll have to try that. When my hand tremor gets the best of me, I sometimes stabilize the razor with two hands.
I had to find a hold that made me feel like I had better control. The hold I show above puts the majority of the blade directly in my hand with only a small amount projecting out. If you look at YouTube links showing Geo's (and Lynn's) hold, most of the cutting edge is extended a good bit away from the index finger and thumb. I never felt completely in control of the blade this way. The plain truth is that the further away something is from your hand, the harder it to manipulate precisely. (try writing with a pencil whilst gripping it nearer the eraser end as opposed to near the point...) For me, the hold really comes into its own with blades bigger than 5/8. I now trim confidently around my moustache with 6/8 and 7/8 blades. This was impossible for me before I changed. The same was true when beginning my shave near the sideburn. Now it's much better. I'll admit it was a bit odd at first, but I'm glad I had the shavette to practice with. I inserted the plastic piece into the handle, (less the blade of course) lathered up as usual, and shaved away. A bit strange I guess, but after 8-10 "mock" shaves, I had built some muscle memory and things worked much better.
So, with all this talk of SR holding….does anyone attempt or regularly use the 'Fool's Pass'? I never have, nor have any plans to. Only across and downward strokes on the upper lip for me.
Yes, I use the Fool's Pass for the mustache area and just under the bottom lip. Hold the razor steady and move your face against the edge. Somehow it works.
I regularly do on my neck and it works lovely for the stragglers that didn't disappear on the downstroke. As long as your angle is very small (5 degrees or less) its easy and painless.
Mike, I also use a hold similar to that, I like sliding the fingers up onto the spine at certain times during the shave, it really adds control IMHO There is also a theory that directly disputes that, saying that the razors should be held lightly so that it pivots easily, and doesn't cut if it hits a tough patch.. Myself I have found that if the razor pivots easily that is exactly when I do get a cut Guess everyone needs to work through their own face contours and see what works best ...
I had a bike accident on Sunday. Broke 5 ribs in the upper left back and probably more on the right and my left clavicle. Good time to grow a beard. I had a hard time remembering how to shave with just one hand when I shaved yesterday.
Ouch! Prayer sent for a speedy recovery! Broken ribs are no fun, having experienced a few in my college days. Don't give up the blade yet! I've gone to single handed shaving for the past two weeks (my weaker hand), and although it was rough at first, I'm improving. Obviously, if it creates discomfort with your injuries by doing this, a beard may be the way to go!
Thanks. Now I need to get a recliner to sleep in. It hurts to get out of bed, even with lots of pillows. If I slip down, it is ver painful getting out of bed.
Thanks. Shaving with one hand doesn't hurt. Luckily the clavicle break is on my non-dominant side and most of the rib breaks, as well, It just feels awkward. Holding a coffee cup with my right hand hurts the rib breaks on my left, for some reason. I'm hoping new x-rays on Monday will show a stable healing break, so I can avoid surgery. I love my shaving, It makes me feel better.
Thank you. A friend will be by briefly to help me search for a recliner. I didn't want to hijack the thread, but am wondering how Rick, the OP, is doing with a straight. He hasn't spoken up since he started the thread.
