Hi all,

I'm new to straight razor shaving (I only have a Feather for now) and had a background question. Please forgive my ignorance.

Before the advent of double edged razors, what proportion of men went to barbers for their straight razor shaves as opposed to doing it themselves? I'm obviously not looking for a number, just an idea. Also, has going to a barber always been the norm when it comes to straights?

My question stems from my real concern regarding the safety of shaving with a straight. As I read about them, there are many disclaimers about the possibility of seemingly gruesome injury. If our grandfathers and great-grandfathers shaved at home with straights, I thought I would have heard of missing lips and ears by now.

So, do you guys really know about any permanent injuries sustained while shaving with a straight or is this like the disclaimer on hot coffee?

Thank you all for the information you've posted elsewhere and for entertaining my questions.

Best,
Rich