I am not a SR expert but I figure I would just throw my cents in haha. My opinion is that "back in the day" those barbers werent spending the hundreds of dollars on product NOT because they wouldnt want/need it as much as it just didnt cost that much back then(again I am not even sure if they had XXXXX grit stones back then just saying) The way the dollar has gone to the crapper what we call a $100 blade they prolly spent $10 on? Maybe less? Things were "cheaper" back then, but not really since most people weren't making as "much" money as we are. Back then people would work for $20-40 a day and be pretty comfortable, where as today getting $20 a day would force you to get food stamps or other aid.
All that is said to add to what everyone else is saying. One doesn't always need that extra bit of tech, its more of a kicks and giggles/hair splitting(pun intended) kinda deal haha. "Do I NEED that $5000 camera?" ... "Nah but some of those new upgrades would get me another half a stop of light so I wouldnt have to steady my hands as much..." Thats my... few hundred cents
