My way around it all, is to bring my own. As long as I am providing the barber with my personal tools, they can perform the services with them.

However its a bit of a pain in the ass to carry around the mug and brush and strop. But I typically can pocket 2 straights, and take them along with no problems. (of course the cops could give me grief for concealed weapons!)

Some barbers have never even used a real straight, and get all nervous. But mostly I try to find old timers, who usually smile a happy smile at the thought of shaving a guy with both the appreciation, and the tools!