Thread: barber shaves

That's OK. These Johnny come latelies with no training need plenty of victims for practice. Want to be their training dummy???

My local barber just recently trained an apprentice. While he was training, I volunteered several times to get a free straight razor shave so he could get the practice. Of course, it was with a shavette, but, still, he did a fair job and it was nice to see his skill level progress. I told him that he should switch to shaving his own face with a straight to really get a feel for it.

It is quite rare these days to find a barber that uses a real straight razor with strop and all. I have even met a few that are quite proficient, but strange enough, shave themselves with cartridge razors.

The new rise in hipster barber shops won't save the art either in my view. These " barbers" or failed indie rock stars that I have seen only use shavettes, and if there are any strops or real razors in their shop, they are decorative props for that " vintage" look.

Originally Posted by Badgister

It is quite rare the days to find a barber that uses a real straight razor with strop and all. I have even met a few that are quite proficient, but strange enough, shave themselves with cartridge razors.

My barber, Sam, as I mentioned a wonderful old Italian gentleman, will use my straights if I bring them...I guess for them, shaving is a job, and the less time they spend on it the better.

I'm sure we've all seen someone we know, who had a great hobby, they love, decide to make it a job, and within a year, their hobby has become a job and the love is lost.

For me, that happened with my old billiard table, and large indoor hot tub...they were wonderful at first, fell into disuse, then just took up space. A buddy of mine, who purchased a beautiful 42' sailing yacht, said the best day in his life was when he picked it up, and the next best day in his life was when he sold it.

Who knows?

I don't think the barbers in my area are allowed to use anything other than a shavette, unless they have the ability to sterilize between uses. My barber did tell me that he would be happy to use one of my own, if I wanted to bring it in.

Originally Posted by richkev

I don't think the barbers in my area are allowed to use anything other than a shavette, unless they have the ability to sterilize between uses. My barber did tell me that he would be happy to use one of my own, if I wanted to bring it in.

That's what I did, amazing to see a real pro with one of your razors give you an amazing shave...was truly a humbling experience and one that ends arguments about many questions, you seen and expert use your blade, any issues you have are yours...was great...especially when you ask questions and you get a lesson!

Originally Posted by chay2K

I have definitely noticed the same thing here in SLC. It's a trend that will go as fast as it came-- but the true art of barbering will remain intact and largely unchanged, as it has for centuries. It sounds to me like you have been fortunate enough to find a barber that is true to his profession, so as a barber myself, I would encourage to stick with him.

I got a shave once from a barber at the Sapp Brothers there in SLC. If there is still a barbershop there I am sure it's not the same old barber. It was back in the late 90's and he was probably in his 55 or older. Great shave.

Originally Posted by poppy926

I got a shave once from a barber at the Sapp Brothers there in SLC. If there is still a barbershop there I am sure it's not the same old barber. It was back in the late 90's and he was probably in his 55 or older. Great shave.

I didn't know that there was a barbershop in Sapp Bros., I'll have to head over there and check it out one of these days.