Where To Get Professional SR Shave in MA
Is it even possible?
I've heard everything from it's not legal in MA to it is, but not a lot of places do it because insurance is so high. Apparently Master Barbers are the only ones licensed to do it. How does one go about finding one? There's not many barber shops that have web pages, and I don't think there's a yellow page for Straight Razor Shaves.
With the amount of heresy and no filter to determine what is correct and what isn't, is there an actual resource where I can get this info? Perhaps a list of Master Barders who still do shaves?
I want to get a professional shave done so I have a good baseline of comparison for when I shave myself. I've shaved multiple times since getting my razor and have experienced some improvement, but there is still a little RB. Plus, I have no way of knowing if it is all just technique or if the razor could use a honing (or just extra stropping for that matter).
If not MA, then perhaps in the surrounding states?
Straight Razor Shave in Ma
Quote:
Originally Posted by
thebigspendur
A true straight shave is near impossible because of health codes. if you do find someone the chances are it will be a disposable of some type. Barbers are not trained for straight shaves and haven't been for sometime. In some states they may still have to show minimal competency but they don't use the skill. Most folks who have gotten shaves from barbers were not happy with the result.
I have no doubt there are a handful of people who can give you a good shave. Finding them is the problem.
In response to your post a disposable blade is still a blade and a real straight razor shave is still possible.
There are no health codes in Massachusetts which limit using a fixed blade razor, it is however a nuisance for a barbershop unless a customer has his own, the stropping and honing can only do so much, a high quality disposable blade is much better as it will have a perfectly sharp and perfectly honed edge.
Your comment "Barbers are not trained for shaves and haven't been for some time" is highly ignorant of the facts, in Massachusetts and most other states as a part of a barbers test to get his license he or she must perform a straight razor shave, if he isn't "competent" he isnt a barber.
The fact however is that most barbers find it to be a headache and a waste of time so they do not do it after they obtain their license and if they do they skip certain steps.
There are 2 reasons for this.
1. Barbers dont charge what its worth ie what art of shaving charges.
and
2. Because of this they end up loosing money, a proper straight razor shave is at least as long as a haircut if not longer.
The art of shaving is a commercial establishment.
There is a place to get a classic straight razor shave and its a local business found in western mass.
Its called Ace of Blades
Our shave has several steps and is part shave, part facial,part massage, and the deluxe shave includes a mud mask after the shave is complete.
If you come for a shave ask for Will, the owner. The other barbers also do shaves, but if you want it done perfectly with time taken see the owner, make an appointment or walk in.
Ace of Blades,932 Boston rd. Springfield ma.