Thread: Went to the barber, mixed feelings

As a present for my birthday, my father took me to a barber. It was the first time for both of us. Because that barber works in a museum, he's paid per day and not per client and we were there for a full three hours (one person being shaved before us)! While it was quite a treat, I left with mixed feelings.

I've been straight shaving for about a year and have read a lot of information on this forum. In general, everyone mentions the very light touch barbers use. Surprisingly, I had the feeling this barber used more pressure than I do, and I left with quite a burn. Also, I thought his lather was a bit dry, at least drier than what I am used to making, which made the razor feel slightly sticky. I ended up with quite a few red dots and one small cut and my skin feels pretty dry after one day.

On the other hand, as he took an hour per client and he is quite a gentleman, it was a very nice experience to have. As I had taken along one of my own razors, he started out using that. After half a cheek, he switched to his shavette, as he (and I) doubted if my razor was really shave-ready. He told me and my father that our "Viking beards" were the hardest/toughest type he knows, which I will one day use as an excuse to buy a Shapton 30K to make excessively sharp razors. Also, he recommended I use a thin pre-shave oil, as he said I have a dry and sensitive skin. I liked how he focused a lot on the skin, rather than the beard or the equipment.


I'm thinking of sending him an e-mail with the above experiences. He mentioned more than a few times that he thought it possible his technique was not quite right. As this was my first time I went to a barber, I have no reference other than my own shaving technique. I would like to hear your opinions before I contact him. Thanks!

Even better: send him a link to this thread and tell him to sign up

Last Christmas my son wanted to take me to an AOS or something similar and both of us get shaved. Knowing they would not use a straight razor and after reading more than one post in this forum stating a bit of a let down when/after being shaved, I told him to give me the money and I would treat my RAD affliction.

The question is: Is getting a shave by a barber ever worth the money charged?

In my worldview it is not. But, if I could be shaved by an experienced barber using one of my razors and my brush and soap, then that might be an affordable treat. Which begs the question: why don't we get our spouses/partners to give us a shave. Well, not my spouse as I just don't think it would be a good idea.


Dave

I got a decent shave from a barber. I think a barber has to get used to your face and hair just as much as you do.

Yes, a shave by a barber is expensive but it is also nice. Sort of like going to a salon but for men. It might not be your thing. You might prefer the solace of your bathroom and the skill you have acquired with your razor.

A shave done by a barber is more than just the end result; it is the experience. Of course, that does not justify a sloppy shave and irritation by any means.

Laurens, could you tell us more about the museum? It sounds really interesting.

I considered getting a shave at AOS before I bought my straight. I wouldn't pay that kind of money now unless I was somewhere like London and went to Geo Trumpers. It would be more for history and atmosphere than getting a good shave.

Originally Posted by Leatherstockiings

Laurens, could you tell us more about the museum? It sounds really interesting.

I considered getting a shave at AOS before I bought my straight. I wouldn't pay that kind of money now unless I was somewhere like London and went to Geo Trumpers. It would be more for history and atmosphere than getting a good shave.

Now that is one shave I would gladly pay the going rate.

Originally Posted by rolodave

Now that is one shave I would gladly pay the going rate.

30 Pounds according to GQ in 2010. British GQ that is.

Originally Posted by Leatherstockiings

Laurens, could you tell us more about the museum? It sounds really interesting.

The museum is called the Spoorwegmuseum (Railway museum) in Utrecht. My dad is crazy about trains and goes there on a regular basis. They have a lot of old railway stuff, as well as tours through reconstructed villages and drama performances (basically for kids, but everyone likes those). Here's their website: Het Spoorwegmuseum.

The barber comes once a month and has his own little barbershop in the museum (with two big fat coticules lying unused there for ages, oh, how I ached!). Once you paid for entrance to the museum, a shave is for free. Actually, you turn into a living museum piece, as people come and watch and children point

If you check the stickies at the top of this forum you'll notice there's one called the Barber Shave Squawkbox (or something similar) which is full of stories like yours, so rest assured you're in good company.

And yes, I fall into the category of those unimpressed with barber shaves...

It truly depends on the barber.

The guys in NYC? torture and never again!
Anthony, the 70+ year old 3rd generation barber that I visit every time I am in Cleveland OH? Shaves me smooth, close, and better than my own shaves as I get to sit back and relax and enjoy a professional with face massage, hot towels, and a comfy cushion back chair.
Sadly, old time barbers are passing on, without passing on their skills.