Thread: Misinformation by a barber

Its too bad you cant get an interview like this man has, he would be shown for the non professional that he is. Go get him Bruno, Godspeed.

When people say stupid things like that, I just shake my head and walk away.

Sometimes, I tell them they are ignorant too.

Hey, that leaves more razors for me.

The barber I went to 30 years ago here in my town was a true barber in the old classic way. He retired soon after I started going there. I never got a shave, but he would always use a straight razor to trim my side burns after the haircut. He would strop it just before using it. Too bad he's gone now. I'm sure he could have told me a lot.

More to the subject, some folks seem compelled to pontificate about things which they do not know or understand or have any knowledge. I tend to avoid those types.

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

Its too bad you cant get an interview like this man has, he would be shown for the non professional that he is. Go get him Bruno, Godspeed.

Actually, I just mailed the journalist who wrote the article, and explained my issue with the article. I offered him a demonstration and an answer to any questions he might have. We'll see.

I will keep you posted.

It's a shame that people are still getting this nonsense.

However, you only have to look on ebay, or any of the various forums and indeed the numerous vendors to know that traditional shaving is on the up. So hopefully information like this isn't taken too seriously by the masses.

The barber possibly just shared his honest opinion. He's wrong, but that doesn't turn him into a fraud. (I haven't read the article). I even tend to believe the barber's statement that he can shave others but not himself, and although he could have nuanced, straight razor shaving is a sure way to get hurt if you don't know what you're doing. The article should have mentioned that it can be learned, with some perseverance.

Cheers for emailing the journalist, Bruno. Maybe you'll get an interview.
Where was the article published?

Best regards,
Bart.

Actually if I wanted the worst possible straight advice the first place I would go is to a modern day barber.

I tried visiting some "master barbers" in the area and most simply have no knowledge about straight shaving. Its seems to be long lost except for here. I consider myself competent, but not as knowledgeable as most folks here. Its pretty sad when I walk in the AOS and I know volumes more than them all. I think thats why I am afraid to have a AOS shave....I can only imagine how some guys get butchered.

I read an article recently about a barber here in Alberta (I believe he is in Calgary) who still does "straight razor" shaves. Customers interviewed gushed all over his services, saying it was traditional, best shave ever, zero irritation and is the way to go (as a side note this has not been my experience with so-called modern barber shaves; irritation free? yeah right).

My problem with this is a) I happen to know for a fact that provincial law mandates the use of a shavette, which is NOT a proper straight shave, and b) if he is using a REAL straight he is breaking the law as we don't know how, or if, he sterilizes his razors. I think it would be a shame for young and/or ignorant males to think that a sub-par shavette shave is the be-all end-all of the true straight razor experience. More misinformation from a supossed expert.

Originally Posted by dward

Sounds like a poor marketing ploy. "It's best you don't do it because it's far too dangerous. Instead come to me and I'll do it."

+1. Sure sounds like it.
Best of luck with the press.