Barber shop/salon shave

[broger]

Hello all,

I have a question. Does anyone on here have a salon or barbershop they frequent or maybe visit on rare occasions that gives them a real straight razor shave? What I mean by real is with a real straight, not a shavette. And I also mean using a brush (boar, badger, or whatever) and lathering with that instead of using those stupid lathering machines.

I got a shave from a barber yesterday on the back of my neck and he used a shavette and machine lather. I figured maybe because it's just the back of my neck, but he said that's what he always does. Have health regulations eliminated true straight shaves from barber shops and salons?

Thanks

[Chevhead]

I "THINK" it is a health and safety thing that they can only use shavette...
I could be wrong though.......

[kwlfca]

I had a shave when I lived in Toronto and it was also a shavette with the machine lather. The health and safety thing sounds quite possible, although I cannot say for sure. I wish a nice shave with your haircut was standard!

[thebigspendur]

Most places either have prohibitions from using straights or the health regs require an auto clave or the barbers either don't know how to use a straight or don't want to or it's an insurance matter.

I don't think they have taught straight use in barbering schools in a very long time.

So, what it comes down to is if someone uses a shavette on you, YOU are their mode of practice to learn. That is why experiences with a shavette you see on this site are mostly ranging from bad to unmentionable. if you have an old timer who still uses a straight type device with competence you are the luckiest guy in the world. Run out and buy a lottery ticket.

[InHonorOfRay]

I have found a few shops around the country with websites that say they still use straight razors to shave you. Here is one in TN if anyone lives near Chattanooga.
White Oak Barbershop | Welcome

[Mephisto]

A Shave at the Waldorf Barbershop - YouTube

[Barber56]

I own a Barber Shop in Texas, there is no law against using a real straight in the shop, but for convienence most use a replacable type blade. I myself use a feather. You cannot however use a brush and soap unless you use use it only that one time and discard both. You cant even use a customers own brush. For these reasons I do not do very many shaves, for two reasons, the time taken to give a shave and the cost of product. Remember us barbers are in business to make a living, and cost and time factor in. I for one wish I could do more shaves, but I would have to charge more than I feel the service is worth because of the regulations. I do set aside after hours shaves for special occasions, like weddings for the groom and best man, etc. So for most Barbers it is not laziness or know how, just cost effectiveness.