Thread: My barber is not a resource

Around 20 yrs ago my friends decided it would be interesting to see what I looked like without a beard. Had been going to a local barber for haircuts and seen the strop hanging on the side of the chair. Seemed to me that it would be an interesting experience if I was going to end up clean shaven.
His reply: "Oh no. That's just there for decoration. I can trim it short and then you would have to shave yourself."
Back home to the Mach 3 that someone had brought me as a joke for the bearded guy.

Last October I got rid of my glasses via laser surgery. Figured I would experiment with the beard going as well since it had been there for 19 years. I found the only barber in the city that does straight shaves and booked in for the whole experience.

They are not allowed to use traditional straights due to problems with sterilising equipment so a "shavette" type system is used.
The overall experience was relaxing: hot towel prep and mid-way, cooling balm after.
BUT... the shave was not that great, no-where near BBS. There was lots of irritation/small nicks, especially under my chin. Unsure as to whether this was his technique or just that my skin was unaccustomed to being shaved.

I mentioned that I was looking to take up straight shaving and asked if he knew anywhere that could hone/sharpen. Sadly he had no idea as he only uses the shavettes. His advice on learning to shave myself was that it was "bloody difficult" - and I don't think he was referring to the red stuff.

Shaved with a Mach 3 for a few months before I got hold of my first straight and started my journey. My first attempt was smoother and more comfortable than his "professional" job. Sad to see an art dying out among those that should be proficient in it. GREAT to see a diverse group of users out there who are reviving it for themselves.

Been 'straight' now for about 5 months and really enjoying the experience. Have gone back to a goatee but the straight is far superior for a comfortable/non-irritating shave than the Mach 3 and SOOO much more enjoyable to use.

That always seems funny to me. Let's see, I think I should go to a barber that does know how to sterilize equipment. Just where has the comb and scissor your using been lately?

That's why whenever I see someone say with authority they know how to do this or that with a straight because their barber told them so or a knifemaker told them I always think... yea...

My barber's not a resource.

Not to the folks here, but think of the minds he has poisoned along the way...

Originally Posted by nzFuzzy

The overall experience was relaxing: hot towel prep and mid-way, cooling balm after.
BUT... the shave was not that great, no-where near BBS. There was lots of irritation/small nicks, especially under my chin. Unsure as to whether this was his technique or just that my skin was unaccustomed to being shaved.

That pretty much sums up my experiences with barber+shavette shaves. It doesn't matter anymore, as I can shave myself better with my real straights.... for free!

This is why quite often older barbers are a great place to get starter razors. My first razor was from a barber and he never honed it. When it started to dull and the strop couldn't fix it he just bought another razor. He had drawer full of the things and I took my pick. These were not fancy razors and he got hem cheap. I guess he figured it was a waste of his time to spend time honing when he could be making money shaving.
This was over thirty five years ago. I had to teach myself to hone.

It really is a shame. Since I was a toddler,my grandfather had always taken me to Earl, his navy buddy who owned the only barber shop in my home town since And after my pop pop's shave and haircut he'd give me a shave with the back of his comb. 5 years ago Earl retired at 81 years old and his grandson took over the business. Shortly thereafter I went in and his grandson was using one the straights to trim up painters tape on the window. What do you even say to that?

Originally Posted by baakabak

What do you even say to that?

AARGH!
Here's a lovely $2 craft knife, I've even brought a pack of spare blades for you. I'd love to look after your grandfathers razors if you're not inerested in them as I enjoy shaving with a straight.

Was lucky enough to get 2 from him. Also talked him into letting me buy the old barber pole from outside before it landed on eBay.

I've had two shaves at Trumpers, the second was very good, but the first really was truly excellent.

That first shave the guy mapped my beard, did loads of face prep, had great lather and a superb shaving technique. I think I was BBS for about 2 days lol..!

That said, the guys at Trumpers are all very skilled and have given me some excellent advice every time I've ever been into the shop. But then they do pride themselves on their olde worlde barber shop feel, and they also run a shaving school, so their advice has to be pretty good!

I've been to other barbers though who've been pretty uninformed, making comments like Mach 3's are the best shave ever and you should only shave ATG to get the closest shave. I always respond that thats what I used to do, and had ingrowns, razor burn and all sorts of other horrors. Now I use straights, I have none of the problems and a far better shave, plus I enjoy it WAY more..!