I'm a new member, but when I joined, I remember seeing a post on shaving people as a service, to which the reply was, 'I think you'd have to have a barber's license.'. I'm fairly sure that is right, and I am guessing that many of the most expert, long time SR shavers on here are not barbers. It got me thinking.

For various reasons, style, counterculture, environmentalism, machismo, health, etc... there appears to be a growing interest in straight razors. I know for me, it was an internet article around Christmas for 'Coolest Presents for Men', or something like this. My interest in all things nostalgic immediately kicked in. Regardless, one item was a straight razor kit, and it got me thinking. I started wondering, 'does anyone actually shave with one of those things, still today?' (braces for impact). Yada, yada, yada, eventually, I find this site. I have ordered Lynn's video to show me how to do this, but what better than an 'in person' training.

Brown University, which is local for me runs something called the Brown Learning Community, offering non-credit evening and weekend courses from Brown. These classes do not require admission to Brown and tuition is as low as $15 for some one-day classes. They run the gamut from Japanese Cooking to Advanced Microsoft Excel to building a New England Rock Wall. In this way, they act as a clearinghouse for classes which would normally have trouble finding a forum. There are tons of niche classes offered.

My idea is a traveling, 'Wet Shaving Seminar', hosted by one or two experienced, enthusiastic straight and DE shavers. This could be associated with something like I described with the Brown Learning Community, or an autonomous venture.

The classes could be on the weekends, possibly at a hotel conference room.

You would have straight razors, lotions, soaps, hones, etc... basically all SR related items there an on display for people to see and possibly try.

You could give a few lectures, with PowerPoint and or live demos on topics such as razor honing, proper lathering, stropping, etc...

Participants could all try a wet shave, with a very cheap, take home straight razor (I've seen brand new cheapies on eBay for $5, and while they may suck longer term, some of them must be good for a few shaves). The experts could critique the new shavers, providing valuable feedback. The instructor could start this off himself by shaving himself in front of the class. Get those liability releases ready folks...

You could offer starter kits available for purchase, including items such as Tony Miller's strops, Colleens soaps, Dovo razors, Lynn's DVDs, etc... Let's face it, one of the reasons that some potential straight shavers don't is because they've never even seen one.

Charge $50-75 dollars a head, and include lunch.

Note that the classes would proceed only if enough people register.

Pick a few larger metropolitan areas to start with, and have at it.

At the very least, you should be able to pay your way, maybe make a little cash, see some new cities and have fun promoting something you love.

I, for one, would sign up for something like this. I suggest Providence as a good 'beta' city . Preparation and materials should be minimal, as this is something you already do. What better a place to bring a display case of straights for 'ooh, ah' gawking?

It would be great fun if you were retired or just wanted an excuse to travel around a bit. A 'Honemeister' would be a real treat.

Last, we could have a get together at the lounge after the class for all local SRP members.

That's my idea. Take it for what it's worth. If it takes off, I demand an 8/8 damascus blade with horn scales for my IP.... just kidding, run with it. I don't expect it would be a huge moneymakers, but again, be something that gets the word out and is a good time.



Take care,
John