Advice for a Barber converting from injector to a 'real' straight razor ...

Hello!

I am a third generation barber ...

But, when I went to barber college in 1991, no-one was using a traditional straight razor, they were using injector straight razors.
I am wanting to start using a 'real' razor in my shop, and I am hoping that I can get some good information from the 'experts' on this forum!

Currently I shave between 3-8 men every week in my shop (sometimes I will do as many as 5 in a row ...).

Thank you in advance for any, and all input I can get from you on this forum!
Joe Beardsley

Welcome aboard, Joe.
1) If those men are regular customers, I'd invest in a blade for each one of them for hygenic reasons.
2) I'd only strop the blade before the shave.
3) I'd wipe it down with alcohol after every shave.
As for getting the most out of this forum, I'd start with reading all of the help files. They're amazing. After that, if you have any questions, this forum software has a great search function. If that doesn't work either, we're a helpful bunch :tu

I wish I could give you some good advice but have never shaved anyone but myself!
I am glad to see a barber here though! Where do you hail from?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

Welcome aboard, Joe.
1) If those men are regular customers, I'd invest in a blade for each one of them for hygenic reasons.
2) I'd only strop the blade before the shave.
3) I'd wipe it down with alcohol after every shave.
As for getting the most out of this forum, I'd start with reading all of the help files. They're amazing. After that, if you have any questions, this forum software has a great search function. If that doesn't work either, we're a helpful bunch :tu

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Thanks ...

I don't shave the same men every week ...

so having a razor for each customer wouldn't work out too well. But, I do like the suggestion about using alcohol for sanitation, currently I am using Barbicide, and an ultra-violet light sanitizer for the dry sterilizing.

I haven't had the time to search all the areas of this forum yet ...looks like it could take along time!
Basically, I am trying to figure out the best method for:

1. selecting good razors,
2. sharpening and stropping
3. best sanitation method for commercial use
4. also, some advice on prepping the face - before and after the shave

Thanks again!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JMS

I wish I could give you some good advice but have never shaved anyone but myself!
I am glad to see a barber here though! Where do you hail from?

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I was born in SE Mo., but I am currently in the Chicago suburbs (Elk Grove Village, IL), on the western border of O'hare airport.

I think the main reason the "disposable" straight razors are preferred for barbers is the issue of spreading some really nasty diseases. So, if you plan to use any single razor for more than one individual, I think you would be wise to find some really strong disinfectants as well as antiviral solutions and develop a multi stage razor cleaning process to follow after each straight shave. Plain alcohol will not kill much, some people advocate bleach but it's still not great, some commercial cleaners will do; but if I were you, I'd use them all (separately, of course) just to be safe. This is as much for you as it is for your customers.

Other than that, you'll want to spend a LOT of time learning to hone your own razors (there's a substantial learning curve, but it pays off) as well as proper stropping technique so as to minimize your need for honing. A perfectly honed and stropped straight razor simply cannot be beaten for a great shave.

Good luck!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Russel Baldridge

I think the main reason the "disposable" straight razors are preferred for barbers is the issue of spreading some really nasty diseases. So, if you plan to use any single razor for more than one individual, I think you would be wise to find some really strong disinfectants as well as antiviral solutions and develop a multi stage razor cleaning process to follow after each straight shave. Plain alcohol will not kill much, some people advocate bleach but it's still not great, some commercial cleaners will do; but if I were you, I'd use them all (separately, of course) just to be safe. This is as much for you as it is for your customers.

Other than that, you'll want to spend a LOT of time learning to hone your own razors (there's a substantial learning curve, but it pays off) as well as proper stropping technique so as to minimize your need for honing. A perfectly honed and stropped straight razor simply cannot be beaten for a great shave.

Good luck!

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In response to the highlighted sections,

A. In the past I have used the Barbicide (by keeping my razor submerged between shaves), but the metal on some of the razors deteriorates from the strong solution--would the carbon steel be compromised by doing this?

B. What would be the best way to learn? I currently have 6 or 7 vintage razors (some are in great shape and of high quality), but I don't want to ruin these in my early stages of learning ...

Thanks ....

One of the options that I am considering ...

Using the injector for 'around the ears and neck' , and using the 'real' deal on face shaves.
This would allow plenty of time to 'sanitize' the blade, and also save the 'edge' for the work it was designed for ....

I think that today there is just too much knowledge about the transfer of diseases to use traditional shaving gear on multiple customers. Even if you keep your traditional razors clean using something as extreme as an autoclave, you would still have to deal with the strop which touches each and every blade used and can transfer viruses/bacteria not to mention the hones/pasted strops used for touchups etc. The disposable blade was made for a reason and it makes all the more sense today.

If you wish to provide the ultimate in quality and comfort in a barber shop shave, why not use the Japanese Feather Artist Club razor? With a fresh Professional Super blade for each shave and a skilled hand, your customers would be well served and no doubt would want to return to experience the shave again and again. While the cost of the blade is significantly higher than half a DE blade, the Feather razor and blade combination is infinitely superior to the likes of the Dove Shavette.

Barbicide and the like are NOT permitted for use on implements that are likely to cut or break skin, but rather for things such as scissors and combs that are near skin but normally won't touch, penetrate or cut skin.

I really hate to be a spoil sport (my dad was a barber and did give traditional shaves with the old gear back in the 60s) but I'd rather you stay cautious and avoid any lawsuits that might come about from using the old gear.

Regards

Christian

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Originally Posted by kaptain_zero

I think that today there is just too much knowledge about the transfer of diseases to use traditional shaving gear on multiple customers. Even if you keep your traditional razors clean using something as extreme as an autoclave, you would still have to deal with the strop which touches each and every blade used and can transfer viruses/bacteria not to mention the hones/pasted strops used for touchups etc. The disposable blade was made for a reason and it makes all the more sense today.

If you wish to provide the ultimate in quality and comfort in a barber shop shave, why not use the Japanese Feather Artist Club razor? With a fresh Professional Super blade for each shave and a skilled hand, your customers would be well served and no doubt would want to return to experience the shave again and again. While the cost of the blade is significantly higher than half a DE blade, the Feather razor and blade combination is infinitely superior to the likes of the Dove Shavette.

Barbicide and the like are NOT permitted for use on implements that are likely to cut or break skin, but rather for things such as scissors and combs that are near skin but normally won't touch, penetrate or cut skin.

I really hate to be a spoil sport (my dad was a barber and did give traditional shaves with the old gear back in the 60s) but I'd rather you stay cautious and avoid any lawsuits that might come about from using the old gear.

Regards

Christian

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Thanks for the very thoughtful, and informative response.

I can certainly understand the reason for caution, and am wondering how different the 'Japanese Feather Artist Club razor' is from an injector blade razor?
I'm sure my ignorance is blatant at this point ...but, I was hoping that I could get away from stainless steel blades. Are the blades for the JFACR carbon, or stainless?
Maybe this isn't the problem? Anyhow, your input would be appreciated!

Thanks again for your help ....

Any reason for staying away from stainless? My dad and I used to both work in a health-food/pharmaceutical plant, and stainless is the only way to fly for something made out of metal that has to be rigorously cleaned/disinfected regularly.

Do you currently shave with a straight? I think maybe a good starting point for getting the hang of stropping and prepping the face may be to shave with a straight yourself. I mean then you'd have to strop your razors, keep them sharp and you'll know about how much pressure and all that you need from shaving your own face as well as preferred lather and brushes. I suppose santization of the brush could also become an issue between customers if you used one. Some of the stuff we have to deal with today seems ridiculous.

Well, here is my advice:

- first of all, learn to shave yourself with a straight, if only because that is the only way to know if a blade is sharp or not.
- UV sterilizing is great, but beware the material of the scales. certain plastics / celluloid scales might deteriorate under intense UV exposure.
- use quality strops from Tony www.thewellshavedgentleman.com he is also a member here and his strops are the best. contact him to help you with choosing one
- buy a second strop from tony which is pasted with chromium oxide to help you keep the razors sharp.
- unless you want to learn everything at once, have your razors honed by one of the experts here. at least in the beginning. Learning to do it yourself is useful, but you also want to know that your sutomers get good shaves. Once you are set you can still learn how to hone them yourself. And if you have a pasted strop and learn to use it, your razors won't need to be honed often.
- for sterilizing what you can also do is hang the razors in a jar of alcohol / barbicide / bleach. If you fold the scales all the way back, then you can hang the razor over the edge of the jar with the edge safely pointing away from the jar, and with the scales outside so they don't get hurt.
- invest in no-nonsense but good steel quality straights. you'll be using them a lot.

Welcome Joe!

I would suggest shaving yourself for a little bit as the variances in honing and stropping take some getting used to.

Personally, between barbicide and stropping a razor I think your well ahead of the curve, hygenically, with a straight. I wouldn't even give such concerns a second thought. I assume you don't use a brush.

Once you learn to hone and strop the only variance that comes to mind is that it'll be easier and that a traditional requires atleast a full extra minute of prep lather "set-in".

Due to your variety in customers I'd suggest a 6/8 blade as well.

You'll be much less likely to nick customers so don't let that get you complacent.

Don't forget that you'll need to always go against the grain under the bottom lip and you should always pull the skin off the adams apple. With a traditional straight its easier to forget that.

A scything motion is more important with a straight when your up against multiple customers.

I think the hardest transition is to know when the blade won't pull on the skin. After honing and stropping I take the blade and run it over my arm hair and ensure that the blade obliterates the hair on instant contact. Failing that, I know its not perfect. I would learn and embrace the thumb pad test. PM me if you need full details.

And of course go to the main page, look in the Permanent Archives under the library and read the 1961 Barbers manual.

There's nothing wrong with using a stainless steel blade. One of my better shavers (best looker, too) and another reguler performer in my rotation are made of stainless steels. With that being said, the rest of my rotation is made of carbon, but I haven't noticed a difference in performance. They are a bit more difficult to hone, but they hold their edge longer.
Feather AC will give your customers the closest possible shave, but it may be a bit harsh. However, the base version is autoclave-safe.

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Originally Posted by kaptain_zero

Japanese Feather Artist Club razor?

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+1 for the Feather, I use one of these as my travel razor. I like it quite a bit since I don't need a lot of extra equipment to use it.

You may want to check the with your State Licensing Board (and other states for that matter) about what they determine to be "Best Practice." I don't think any of them are going to like the traditional methods. :td

I, as a consumer, would never get a shave in a shop if they were using the traditional method. I love the old way of shaving and I love getting shaved but I would not love them together.

Before starting straight shaving customers I would if I were you check the health and safety regulations where you live. In many countries using a straight on different customers is against the law. I once read a report of a Sicilian village where almost all customers of one barber were infected with hep. C due transmission through straight razors.

I was thinking that I read on hear that wapis were made for medical use and can be autoclaved. Getting wapis and a small autoclave might be a good bet.

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Originally Posted by AFDavis11

And of course go to the main page, look in the Permanent Archives under the library and read the 1961 Barbers manual.

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WOW!! Just my ignorance, but I never realized such documents were available at SRP! These are fantastic reads, and have really shed light on some uncertainties I've had!

Anyway, Welcome Joe! As said before, it is nice to see a barber offering these services. :tu

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Originally Posted by Kees

Before starting straight shaving customers I would if I were you check the health and safety regulations where you live. In many countries using a straight on different customers is against the law. I once read a report of a Sicilian village where almost all customers of one barber were infected with hep. C due transmission through straight razors.

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+1 I wouldn't be surprised if there were laws/regs saying you need to use disposables - or use proper sterilization techniques and equipment. That equipment would probably need to be maintained and inspected regularly - like at a dentists office. I'd check this out before doing anything.

Jordan

Joe,

Welcome! As a true straight razor aficionado and traditionalist, I really like the idea of a barber using all the "real" stuff. BUT... I have to agree (reluctantly) with the others that are cautioning you. I don't know what the board of barbers and cosmetologists, or state board of health in your area will think, but it sounds like a potential can o' worms. If you are allowed to use a real straight, I want to come to your shop next time I'm in your area for a shave!

Consider this though - from the customers viewpoint, I wonder if they really care, or notice, that you are using a fixed straight razor or a changeable blade straight. I propose that it's the total experience that they find memorable. True, there won't be the c'flop c'flop of stropping the razor (although many wouldn't miss that since they've probably never experienced it anyways) but you can still provide all of the "old tyme" amenities of a barber shop shave, or maybe you already do. Hot towels, hot lather, face massage, and selection of aftershaves and balms, etc. Give them the works at a reasonable price and I think that's all you need.

Just my $0.02

Scott

I would be willing to bet that in IL or at least in your county, the regulations will NOT let you use a traditional Str8 razor.

I get a traditional shave here in Southeast Missouri about once a month from my old barber, but I always take my straight razor to the shop with me and he uses it instead of the shavette they use on everyone else.

Randy

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Joe Beardsley

Thanks ...

I don't shave the same men every week ...

so having a razor for each customer wouldn't work out too well. But, I do like the suggestion about using alcohol for sanitation, currently I am using Barbicide, and an ultra-violet light sanitizer for the dry sterilizing.

I haven't had the time to search all the areas of this forum yet ...looks like it could take along time!
Basically, I am trying to figure out the best method for:

1. selecting good razors,
2. sharpening and stropping
3. best sanitation method for commercial use
4. also, some advice on prepping the face - before and after the shave

Thanks again!

---

+1 on checking your local regulations
once you've done that, there are several razors out there that have metal handles and would be good under ultraviolet. (Wapi, Dovo, French army razors) I'm not sure how wood handles would hold up, but plastic would cook and rot under UV.
Also wood can/will harbor bacteria.
Your best bet is probably the Dovo. It's all stainless, has great edge retention, and can be run through pretty much any sterilization process you chose. Wapis are good, but for your use they would lose their edge too fast.
Sharpening and stropping, The stropping part is easiest, Get a couple of strops from Tony Miller. A hanging strop for when you shave, and a paddle strop with 0.5 CrO and 0.25 diamond paste.
For sharpening, You are better off having a professional service your blades until you can read up and learn to hone. A good honing setup can be costly... Also it takes time and a gentle touch to learn to hone properly. I will extend this offer to you If you check your regulations and can legally use a regular straight in your shop, I will do the initial honing on your razors for free. (Although If I ever make it to your shop, I expect a free shave :D ) I would love to see traditional straights in a barber shop.


Sanitation: the best method is autoclave, but I'm not sure how the temperature will effect the edge. Second best is extended exposure to UV. ultra Violet light breaks down DNA, so it will kill pretty much everything given enough time. but it will not kill where it can't reach. so you would need to use a squirt of clippercide in your pivot area.(the pivot is not likely to touch or cut anyone, so you're safe there.)

Finally the prep: the guys have already hit on this

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but you can still provide all of the "old tyme" amenities of a barber shop shave, or maybe you already do. Hot towels, hot lather, face massage, and selection of aftershaves and balms, etc.

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read the barber manuals and other information here. Do the whole spa type shaving experience, and you can't go wrong.

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Originally Posted by Mike_ratliff

Finally the prep: the guys have already hit on this

read the barber manuals and other information here. Do the whole spa type shaving experience, and you can't go wrong.

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Originally Posted by honedright

but you can still provide all of the "old tyme" amenities of a barber shop shave, or maybe you already do. Hot towels, hot lather, face massage, and selection of aftershaves and balms, etc. Give them the works at a reasonable price and I think that's all you need.

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I definitely agree with these comments. I will drive up to Chicago just for the experience if you do this.

I agree with the above posters that you need to check your local health regulations. All the discussion about honing and stropping and sterilizing I think are moot simply because you won't be able to get a license unless you use a disposable of some sort. Unfortunately, I think it is the same story for brushes, although I could be wrong about that. Luckily, you can get a hot lather machine to take the place of a brush.

With that said, you should be able to use either a Feather A/C or a shavette of some sort. I actually got a shave from a barber this past weekend, and he used a shavette. I didn't bother to ask what kind of blades he was using in it, but I got an incredible shave from it. So I would think that would be your best option.

As for creams and stuff, that is all about personal preference. If it were me, I would pick one line and stock all their different products (and scents). For example, you could have T&H or Trumper's stuff and just give each customer a choice of scents. And don't forget unscented for those with allergies.

Finally, don't forget about towels. That, in my opinion, is the trick. When I got my shave this weekend, the barber must have used 7 or 8 towels on me. A few hot towels before the shave, a hot towel between each pass, a hot towel after the final pass, and then a cold towel immediately after the hot towel. It was heavenly.

Hope this helps ever so slightly.

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Originally Posted by Mike_ratliff

Sanitation: the best method is autoclave, but I'm not sure how the temperature will effect the edge.

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An autoclave would be harsh however there is something called a chemiclave. They have been in use for a long time and seem to be less harsh on tools.

yeah, but they stink, you'd have to put a chemclave in a location away from where your customers could smell it... Plus the chemicals are expensive, and sometomes hard to find. My brother used to use a chemclave on his tattoo equipment before he could afford an autoclave.

like I said, the UV would work for all exposed areas of the blade, and as long as you don't filet anybody, you aren't going to get blood or body fluids in the pivot, so a blast of clippercide should work there... :shrug:


This topic has come up frequently enough, maybe we need some references to barber and health regulations so we can see a common thread, and maybe understand why It's not allowed in so many areas.

Thanks to everyone for the excellent information!

After reading through everything, I think that the best way for me to shave my clients ...

would be to purchase a 'Feather' and some of the 'heavier' blades. So,

I don't know much about these razors, and I thought perhaps some of you who are knowledgeable about these razors would give me some direction as to which model would be the best for barber shop use?

And also, does anyone know the best place to purchase the Feather & blades?

Thanks for everything, and I have certainly learned alot in a little while here!

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Originally Posted by Joe Beardsley

And also, does anyone know the best place to purchase the Feather & blades?

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Classic Shaving is a site sponsor and has good customer service. Here is a link to the Feathers.
http://www.classicshaving.com/page/page/1240646.htm

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Joe Beardsley

Thanks to everyone for the excellent information!

After reading through everything, I think that the best way for me to shave my clients ...

would be to purchase a 'Feather' and some of the 'heavier' blades. So,

I don't know much about these razors, and I thought perhaps some of you who are knowledgeable about these razors would give me some direction as to which model would be the best for barber shop use?

And also, does anyone know the best place to purchase the Feather & blades?

Thanks for everything, and I have certainly learned alot in a little while here!

---

Thanks for information on where to purchase the feather.

Would anyone have information on which would be most suited to a barber's application? I will be using a UV sterilizer and didn't want to get something that would deteriorate ...

Thanks again for the help!

Any of the plastic handled Feather AC models can be autoclaved which is what is done with most reusable surgical tools. (Think pressure cooker). I would think that the basic blue disinfectant solution or UV would be adequate for the razor itself as the blade should be replaced each time it's used. Don't bother with the Pleana or lesser models. You can also get wire guarded blades for the AC, however I found them to not shave as close as the other blades and I ended up using too much pressure which is never good with Feather blades.... instant razor burn.

The difference between the RG and DX is that the RG is a cast brass, nickle plated razor and the DX is cast Stainless steel. They both work equally well, but the plating may eventually wear off the lower cost model if used multiple times a day in a barber shop setting.

I strongly recommend you learn to shave yourself with the Feather before shaving others with it. It requires a delicate touch, much more so than traditional straights and I suspect that shaving yourself with it would be the fastest way to get "the feel" for how it shaves.

As always, I suggest you check your local regulations just to be sure there are no rules/laws against what you are planning to do in your shop.

Regards

Christian

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kaptain_zero

Any of the plastic handled Feather AC models can be autoclaved which is what is done with most reusable surgical tools. (Think pressure cooker). I would think that the basic blue disinfectant solution or UV would be adequate for the razor itself as the blade should be replaced each time it's used. Don't bother with the Pleana or lesser models. You can also get wire guarded blades for the AC, however I found them to not shave as close as the other blades and I ended up using too much pressure which is never good with Feather blades.... instant razor burn.

The difference between the RG and DX is that the RG is a cast brass, nickle plated razor and the DX is cast Stainless steel. They both work equally well, but the plating may eventually wear off the lower cost model if used multiple times a day in a barber shop setting.

I strongly recommend you learn to shave yourself with the Feather before shaving others with it. It requires a delicate touch, much more so than traditional straights and I suspect that shaving yourself with it would be the fastest way to get "the feel" for how it shaves.

As always, I suggest you check your local regulations just to be sure there are no rules/laws against what you are planning to do in your shop.

Regards

Christian

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Thank you, Christian.

I just finished placing my order for a DX, and 100 blades-'Professional Super'!

Thanks again!

Joe

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kaptain_zero

Any of the plastic handled Feather AC models can be autoclaved which is what is done with most reusable surgical tools. (Think pressure cooker). I would think that the basic blue disinfectant solution or UV would be adequate for the razor itself as the blade should be replaced each time it's used. Don't bother with the Pleana or lesser models. You can also get wire guarded blades for the AC, however I found them to not shave as close as the other blades and I ended up using too much pressure which is never good with Feather blades.... instant razor burn.

The difference between the RG and DX is that the RG is a cast brass, nickle plated razor and the DX is cast Stainless steel. They both work equally well, but the plating may eventually wear off the lower cost model if used multiple times a day in a barber shop setting.

I strongly recommend you learn to shave yourself with the Feather before shaving others with it. It requires a delicate touch, much more so than traditional straights and I suspect that shaving yourself with it would be the fastest way to get "the feel" for how it shaves.

As always, I suggest you check your local regulations just to be sure there are no rules/laws against what you are planning to do in your shop.

Regards

Christian

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Thanks again!

I haven't been on here in a looong time...but, I did want to come back and let everyone know that I really appreciated the advice. I love the Feather Razor! It has been a pleasure to work with, and I am sure my customers really appreciate it also!

Thanks for the great forum! ~ Joe:)

I'm glad to see you're back, Joe. When I was scrolling through the first page of the post and I noticed the post dates I was all ready to add a post saying: "Hey, who keeps resurrecting old threads???". Hey, if the original poster can't resurrect his own thread, who can?:tu

Stick around more. I think it's the greatest thing having barbers on this site. Sadly ironic though, that unless you've been shaving with and honing your own vintage straights, you'd probably need one of us non-barber types to teach you, a barber, how to effectively hone a straight razor.

Have you been shaving with the Feather AC yourself for the past year or so?

Chris L

Cool website too. If I'm every down from Minnesota to your area, you can guarantee I'd be coming in for a haircut!

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Originally Posted by Chris L

I'm glad to see you're back, Joe. When I was scrolling through the first page of the post and I noticed the post dates I was all ready to add a post saying: "Hey, who keeps resurrecting old threads???". Hey, if the original poster can't resurrect his own thread, who can?:tu

Stick around more. I think it's the greatest thing having barbers on this site. Sadly ironic though, that unless you've been shaving with and honing your own vintage straights, you'd probably need one of us non-barber types to teach you, a barber, how to effectively hone a straight razor.

Have you been shaving with the Feather AC yourself for the past year or so?

Chris L

Cool website too. If I'm every down from Minnesota to your area, you can guarantee I'd be coming in for a haircut!

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Thanks for the welcome back, Chris.
You are right about needing some instructions for honing a real straight.:o
I'll try to be more consistent in my dropping by...

I haven't used the Feather on myself...I could, but I don't want to tackle that right now!

The website is a work I have just recently been trying to develop, thanks for the kind words, and of course, we would love to have you stop by! ...for a haircut & shave!

Thanks,
~ Joe

This is an interesting thread.

At the barber shop I use here in town (although I haven't been to that one in awhile) after the haircut Billy the owner would shave the back of my neck with a shavette. I talked to him a bit about straights and he said that he had to shave a balloon in barber school.

At another shop the younger barber that owned that one said that they didn't teach him anything on using straights...they don't teach that anymore.

Guess I'd better go talk to Billy at the Royal Barber Shop before he retires!

The idea of taking my own str8, brush, soap and stuff to see if Billy would give me a shave does sound interesting. And I always thought that the old barber pole on the wall out front was kind of neat.

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Originally Posted by simon1

This is an interesting thread.

At the barber shop I use here in town (although I haven't been to that one in awhile) after the haircut Billy the owner would shave the back of my neck with a shavette. I talked to him a bit about straights and he said that he had to shave a balloon in barber school.

At another shop the younger barber that owned that one said that they didn't teach him anything on using straights...they don't teach that anymore.

Guess I'd better go talk to Billy at the Royal Barber Shop before he retires!

The idea of taking my own str8, brush, soap and stuff to see if Billy would give me a shave does sound interesting. And I always thought that the old barber pole on the wall out front was kind of neat.

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Simon,
When I went to barber college, they taught us how to shave with an injector style straight. We learned on the drunks, cheapo's, and street people!? I suppose none of them cared too much if they were nicked?
When my son went to barber college, they would not teach straight razor shaving...I put up quite a stir, they relented, and did one demonstration on a student. What a mess!?! I did the training.

Good luck!
~ Joe

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Originally Posted by Joe Beardsley

Simon,
When I went to barber college, they taught us how to shave with an injector style straight. We learned on the drunks, cheapo's, and street people!? I suppose none of them cared too much if they were nicked?

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So funny! :rofl2:

It's a shame that they don't teach that anymore...the neck shave feels sooo good.

I didn't think that there would be anything online about the Royal, but I was wrong. Also wrong about Billy being the owner...he was the Chief Barber all of the times I was in there so I thought he owned it.

Not much online, but a little blog. As long as Billy has been doing this his hand is still steady; I never had a nick or even any kind of razor burn.

BLOG.WALKFORPAT.ORG: Royal Barber Shop, Bill and Laverne and Bryan and Mike

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Originally Posted by simon1

So funny! :rofl2:

It's a shame that they don't teach that anymore...the neck shave feels sooo good.

I didn't think that there would be anything online about the Royal, but I was wrong. Also wrong about Billy being the owner...he was the Chief Barber all of the times I was in there so I thought he owned it.

Not much online, but a little blog. As long as Billy has been doing this his hand is still steady; I never had a nick or even any kind of razor burn.

BLOG.WALKFORPAT.ORG: Royal Barber Shop, Bill and Laverne and Bryan and Mike

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That's an interesting article!:)

I know a guy my dad used to work with, we called him Shakey. It wasn't his real name, but, it was deserved...his hand would shake constantly, until the blade touched your skin! I made the mistake of calling him Shakey (he didn't know they called him by that name!), he looked around to see who I was talking to...:rofl2:

Great to see the old-timers keeping their skills honed:)!