Thread: Future Christian Barber

I was on another motorcycle site when the issue of straight razor shaving came up. This brought me to mind of a straight razor that I wanted to buy a long time ago. So in the course of researching I came across this site. And, honestly, I had no idea how big a following the straight razor had.

Now, as coincidence would have it, my Grandfather was a barber. He was a pioneer of sorts in our city. He was the first barber of his kind, being a unique fusion of African American and direct Sicilian heritage.

But by the time I came of age he was long retired and became a grumpy old man.

....a very grumpy old man.

At times I ask him about this shop. And I plan to ask him in greater detail concerning the straight razor. This because, apparently, the straight shave has become a lost art. Now, coincidentally, due to the motorcycle forums obscure thread I have found opportunity to resurrect this art if possible, and carry on the legacy of my Grandfathers long out of business barber shop in the process.

And the great thing is that I think I can guide young nephew with direction and a good career in this field in hopes that he may fully carry on the tradition. I'm really glad I found this site. Thank You Straight Razor Forum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi and welcome. The library is full of info on straights and will let you know all the basics to do with straight shaving. Might give you some ammo to quiz your grandfather and get more info from him. Good luck. Ed

Welcome to the forum! It can be a steep learning curve at first, but is a worthy pursuit. Best of luck.

Funny how thing's work. Motorcycle forum to straight razor forum? How's that happen, haha! Good story! Welcome to SRP!
Mid state? PA?

Glad you found us & from one biker to another: Welcome! If you have the desire, we can help you get to shaving properly and you will drop those expensive disposables...your face will thank you.

Welcome. Rules for motorcyclists:


1. If a shop does your motorcycle services you are probably a doubled-edged razor (or shavette) kind of guy.

2. If you change your own oil and act as your own wrench you are probably a straight razor kind of guy.

3. If friends call you "Shotrod Tinkerfinger" and your motto is, "If it ain't broke, take it apart and find out why not" you are, for sure, a straight razor guy.

Thanks for all the kind posts.

I actually had a chance to talk to my Grandfather today. As usual he wasn't in a good mood. But he did express wonder that there was a modern following dedicated to the straight razor. I told him of a resurgence in the art. But he said "Ill believe it when I see it".

Of course he is 92 years old. And he learned his craft as an apprentice to his brother. But his brother never operated his own shop, but was a barber in another mans shop.

Anyway my Grandfather told me that one must gain skill in honing. He said he learned this skill under his brother. And that one must develop a certain "touch" with the finger on a honed blade to determine if it is truly sharp.

I would have asked him about actual shaving, but a guy in the personal care home rudely interrupted my conversation with my Grandfather and further upset him. In order to avoid a argument with the rude guy I had to be diplomatic and calm my Grandfather. But that event ended the conversation.

Anyway Mid State, Pa is in Central Pennsylvania. You have heard of Mid State Bank? This was the area that they served. More of a region than a city. Close to Penn State University though.

Fellow Pennsy here, Berks County. Welcome, enjoy the learning curve. Feel free to contact me if you need any one on one info. I do restores, honing, been buying/shaving for about 3 years, or is it four now? Anyway there are a few of us active members here near Reading.

Welcome my friend. Berks County PA Barber here. I look forward to reading your posts and getting to know you. Please post pics of your razors, barbershop or motorcycles! We love that stuff!

if you could take a lap top computer where he is and show him Lynn or others demonstrating the straight razor shave-honing and other u tube videos he might just love it. welcome enjoy the forum and your grandfather.