Thread: conversation with a barber

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Old barbers I knew in the 1980s, up in north Jersey, also called coticules 'soap stones', and also used lather from their "Lather King" electric dispensers to coat the stone as a vehicle for honing.

I've read about this before, I surely must try it out


Generally speaking, a lot of practical information and experience has disappeared.
People 'back in the day', even centuries ago were a lot smarter in certain aspects of life than we are now; most people nowadays are too busy sitting behind a desk or in the comfort of their own home; overusing science for everything. We think we are the supergenius supersmart generation. Of course in some aspects we're waaay better off. But that's not what I wanna get into.

A LOT of knowledge has gone to waste throughout the ages, a lot of practical, usable, applicable knowledge. We simply live in different times; ergo why we tend to appreciate the Artisan craftsmanship much more, because they've become much sparser.

But, but, but ... I need my powertools for that job, not really, but it's convenient and less of a hassle. Hard work is hard and all that


Also, when my barber shaves my neck hair with the shavette, then she proposes to shave my entire beard, I cringe.

Barbers back in the day were not expert honers. They learned the basics in school and like everything else some were better with it than others and some enjoyed doing it and some hated it.

There were plenty of folks then to do an expert job for you for very little money.

Most barbers in my area dont str8 shave anymore.
Its always the same story,
It takes too long.
They can do 5-6 hair cuts, in the time it takes to shave someone, and they have to apply for a special permit to do so.
But a shop recently opened near me that does specialize in vintage str8 shaves for $11.00.

As for these barbers saying they can do 5-6 hair cuts in the time they can shave someone..... I don't believe it.
I can do a 3 pass BBS on myself in less than 15 min.,
And have waited over 20 min. for a simple hair cut.
I think if they did less BSing and more cutting it might be true.
But thats always been the fun part of a true barber shop.
I do believe the traditional shave is SLOWLY coming back though. I hear people talking more and more about the price of disposable razors, and more about using their fathers or grandfathers razors again, and how much better their face feels afterwards.

Did you ask to take the straight razors off hid hands?

Why yes!!
Ive actually become his new repair man/restoreman.

He gives me a few for the ones he wants done.
I really wanted the last one I restored for him. It was distributed from my home town. And shaves like a dream.
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Sorry , missed a couple.

My grandson and I visit the barber every 4 to 6 weeks. He is in his mid 40s and was never trained to shave, has no interest in razors whatsoever. Have offered him a DE to try and a straight. There is another barber not far from here in his 80s, but I haven't had time to visit him. The grandson looks sharp after a haircut, wish I could rock a hair do like that.

Originally Posted by Grazor

My grandson and I visit the barber every 4 to 6 weeks. He is in his mid 40s and was never trained to shave, has no interest in razors whatsoever. Have offered him a DE to try and a straight. There is another barber not far from here in his 80s, but I haven't had time to visit him. The grandson looks sharp after a haircut, wish I could rock a hair do like that.

That there is a right and proper cut I might add.
Good lookin kid!
The Ron Howard look for sure