Thread: For those just starting out

For those like me just starting out, Your local Barber could be your new best freind.

I have been shopping around for my first straight. Torn between spending as little as possible to get my feet wet or buying a 130.00+ razor to start out with. I stopped in at our local barber shop today to see if he could order in a basic Dovo and what it would cost. Once I had him convinced it was not a Shavette that I was looking for he explained it was difficult to order them as local law requires them to use disposiable blades to wet shave people. He then aggreed to give me one of his that he has kicking around the back room of the shop no charge. He says he has a few King Cutters kicking around. I offered to buy more than one but he said no, he will give me one but he wants to hold onto some as there is some history and it was what he learned to shave with and so on. But looks like I will get my first straight this week no charge.

I then asked about After Shaves. He uses Booster product in the shop and sells Proraso product. He sold me a 400ml bottle of Booster for about 3.00-4.00 cheaper than I have seen online anywhere and the Proraso was about 6.00 cheaper.

Ha, way to go!
Good thinking checking out the local barber shop.
Problem all solved, and in such a charming way too
Nice to see there are still kind and friendly people out there.
Good luck with the shaving!

That's an awesome find! Keep in contact with him, though, as he'll probably be a great source for advice and guidance as you learn the ropes.

And welcome to the board and the world of straight shaving!

Yeah i thought I would show my appreciation by going back this afternoon for a shave. He had left for the day unfortunately but I had myself looking forward to the shave, so I let the woman working give me the shave. Worst freaking wet shave I have had in all my years of going to barber shops. She moved so fast it was not enjoyable, cut my nose, nicked my chin, cut the mole I have on my face.....And to boot nowhere near the shave I am used to from Barber shops. Only Plus side was it was half the price I am used to paying

The owner is an older gentleman from Italy, maybe 60+, Heavy Italian accent. When we were talking this morning he was telling me how he hated the new health requirement to use disposable blade. He said "They tell me I have to use these in case I cut someone, I can throw away the blade. Me,? I no cut anyone in my life."

So wishing he was there when I went back. 1.5 hours post shave and I am still beat red and burning

You probably don't realize how lucky you are. For most people their local barber would be their worst enemy when it comes to anything involving straight shaving. Make sure you learn as much info as you can from him..

Awesome story man. Always sad to hear about barbers talking about not being able to use straight razors. Truly an art that The Man is tryin to kill.

Wow! I'm glad you had such a great experience. Build a friendship with that guy!

The barbers in the town I just moved to do shavette style shaves on guys necks. In conversation with them (my 2nd time in their shop) I brought up straights and it was not such a positive experience! Not a bad one per se, but not a great one either! (see http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...k-im-nuts.html )

And Welcome to SRP!

Just an update - Franko the barber called me this AM on my cell. Has two striaghts for me and will deliver them to my store tomorrow morning when he gets in.

Boy, what a nice guy he is.

She ain't pretty but she is mine


Needs a good few laps over the stones but other than that she looks usable to me