Journey to the Center of the Universe

Gentlemen,

I have just returned from the center of the universe bearing treasures. Allow me to go back to the beginning.

I spent 30 years behind the radio microphone, and a little longer as freelance writer and novelist. Although no longer in radio, I continue to write. I still keep in touch with some of my old listeners and readers.

One telephoned me yesterday. We chatted, as we have many times before. The topic of straight razors came up when I mentioned I planned to visit a huge rummage sale in town tomorrow to see what I could find.

"Oh, my father was a barber for some 40 years," she announced.

What did she say? Oh, those loving gods were smiling at me. I began to drool. "You don't happen to have any of his straight razors, do you?" I asked.

"Well, sure," she said. "I had. I gave them to my son. I'll call him and see if he's willing to sell them to you."

Two hours later she telephoned me and said that her son would not part with the razors. "But I know a barber who I think has all kinds of old razors," she added.

I telephoned him and set a time to meet him today. When I stepped into his shop, situated in a converted farmhouse built in 1875, I thought I was stepping into a turn-of-the-century barbershop. The place is a virtual museum of barbering paraphernalia, with everything from wall displays of shaving mugs, straight razors and strops to genuine barber chairs and old time cash register.

Oh, and the place is named Your Father's Mustache.

Best of all, the owner and his cousin were Vietnam veterans with ready laughs and rapid stories. One was a former marine and the other a former paratrooper with the 101st Airborne. I was with the 4th Infantry Division. So here we were, three Vietnam veterans partaking in the joys of a genuine old time barbershop — the center of the universe to me.

I bought several old razors. I also sent out a query to a local publication to do a little essay on the shop. I'll keep my fingers crossed for the assignment, because this is a little story I would love to take for a spin.

Anyway, here is what I came away with:

1. F.W. Engels, 5/8" spike.
2. Wade & Butcher, 3/8" spike.
3. Geneva Cutlery, NY, 4/8" spike, with a buck's antlers insignia on the shank.
4. Genco, 4/8" spike, with some heavy honing.
5. Dubl Duck satinedge, 5.8" spike, with some heavy honing, original translucent yellow scales.

The razors are in the usual state of neglect and disrepair. All scales look original and in a fairly good shape. I would love to send the Engels and the Dubl Duck for a complete refurbishing by one of the SRP experts, but right now I am completely tapped out and it will have to wait.

So that's it, gentlemen: my journey to the center of the universe. Thanks for reading.

Regards,

Obie

Sounds more like a trip in a time machine than to the center of the universe.:)

Nice!

Congratulations Obie. :) Those are some nice sizes, not so common to find.

Great find in the razors and in 'My Father's Mustache'. I enjoyed reading your story!

Congrats on the score and on finding some good company with whom I'm sure you'll revisit. That later find is the one that I'm personally most appreciative of in discovering this art.

Great finds and a very readable story. Thanks, Obie.

Dear Obie,

You do get around, don't you? Sounds like a excellent place and sounds that you had good time. Awesome. Did they still apply their trade or was it just a museum?

My dear Ursus,

Yes, I've always been a wanderer, on streets, in history books, museums, and also in my mind.

Years ago, when I was in radio, once a year I would host a concert and opera tour of European cities. Along with some 30 or so members of my audience, I would visit several cities in a two or three-week period, attending concerts, visiting museums, and so on. London, Berlin, Leipzig, Prague, Vienna and a host of beautiful European cities made up our list — usually three cities maximum on each trip. It was wonderful.

Also, years ago I had a column in the local newspaper whereby I wandered the streets of the city where I live and wrote about them.

I spent one day at the library and the museum doing research on the history of the particular street I would write about. The next day I walked the street from one end to the other, or as much of it as I could, stopping people on the street to talk to, visiting shops, chating in coffee shops and saloons.

The third day, Saturday, I went to the newspaper office about 5 a.m. and spent the next few hours writing the piece. At the time I also had a full time radio gig. The whole thing was tiring, but I loved every moment of it.

I never got to the street where this barbershop is located. That's why I did not know about it.

The barbershop is a genuine functioning place with two barber chairs and two delightful old time barbers who still give a straight razor shave. Because of the law, I think they use straights with replaceable blades. At the same time, the place is a jewel of a barbershop museum. It's an incredible place. Should the chance arise, I'll visit the place again and shoot some pictures for SRP.

So yes, I do get around. Wandering is one of life's greatest joys: not only wandering the streets and the historical places, but also the avenues of the mind.

Regards,

Obie

Pictures. .... Pictures ! ....

oh ya, sorry, congrats!

Yes please, pictures...preferably before and after restoration. Congrats.

I'm always happy to see somebody live life to the fullest, and glad that you did find them eventually. Looking forward to reading the article when you get the funding.

Very cool! Thanks for sharing!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Obie

Gentlemen,

I have just returned from the center of the universe bearing treasures. Allow me to go back to the beginning.

I spent 30 years behind the radio microphone, and a little longer as freelance writer and novelist. Although no longer in radio, I continue to write. I still keep in touch with some of my old listeners and readers.

One telephoned me yesterday. We chatted, as we have many times before. The topic of straight razors came up when I mentioned I planned to visit a huge rummage sale in town tomorrow to see what I could find.

"Oh, my father was a barber for some 40 years," she announced.

What did she say? Oh, those loving gods were smiling at me. I began to drool. "You don't happen to have any of his straight razors, do you?" I asked.

"Well, sure," she said. "I had. I gave them to my son. I'll call him and see if he's willing to sell them to you."

Two hours later she telephoned me and said that her son would not part with the razors. "But I know a barber who I think has all kinds of old razors," she added.

I telephoned him and set a time to meet him today. When I stepped into his shop, situated in a converted farmhouse built in 1875, I thought I was stepping into a turn-of-the-century barbershop. The place is a virtual museum of barbering paraphernalia, with everything from wall displays of shaving mugs, straight razors and strops to genuine barber chairs and old time cash register.

Oh, and the place is named Your Father's Mustache.

Best of all, the owner and his cousin were Vietnam veterans with ready laughs and rapid stories. One was a former marine and the other a former paratrooper with the 101st Airborne. I was with the 4th Infantry Division. So here we were, three Vietnam veterans partaking in the joys of a genuine old time barbershop — the center of the universe to me.

I bought several old razors. I also sent out a query to a local publication to do a little essay on the shop. I'll keep my fingers crossed for the assignment, because this is a little story I would love to take for a spin.

Anyway, here is what I came away with:

1. F.W. Engels, 5/8" spike.
2. Wade & Butcher, 3/8" spike.
3. Geneva Cutlery, NY, 4/8" spike, with a buck's antlers insignia on the shank.
4. Genco, 4/8" spike, with some heavy honing.
5. Dubl Duck satinedge, 5.8" spike, with some heavy honing, original translucent yellow scales.

The razors are in the usual state of neglect and disrepair. All scales look original and in a fairly good shape. I would love to send the Engels and the Dubl Duck for a complete refurbishing by one of the SRP experts, but right now I am completely tapped out and it will have to wait.

So that's it, gentlemen: my journey to the center of the universe. Thanks for reading.

Regards,

Obie

---

That type of stuff never happens to me. Kudos on a good find.

Great story Obie.

:)

Sorry Obie, but you know the rules, pics or it didn't happen!

Great story!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nun2sharp

Sorry Obie, but you know the rules, pics or it didn't happen!

---

:rofl2:

Come on brothuh, don't be hatin' on Obie.

:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ControlFreak1

:rofl2:

Come on brothuh, don't be hatin' on Obie.

:)

---

Look at it this way, he tells me this story and wants me to believe it, thats okay, just show me the razor porn and we're good!;) It's not like I'm a moderator and will delete him from SRP, I just wanna get the facts straight.

That is great! Thanks for sharing with us!

Steve

My dear Nun2Sharp,

Thank you for throwing the bait.

In this case, however, whether I take it or not is of little importance to me. What matters is that circumstances threw this little journey to the Center of the Universe my way and I had a great ride. That I wrote about it in my post — during a short break from my work — made it even more memorable.

When I am able to provide photos of the razors depends on when my daughter is available to shoot them for me. That's the reality. Bless her heart, she is my photographer, aside from being a young mother. I must wait for what's convenient for her. Now, to me, that is of great importance.

I own a Vietnam-era Pentax, which I used in the war while serving as a U.S. Army combat correspondent. I prefer not spend money on a digital camera. I don't need it. All the photography I do is in my head — and that, too, is important to me.

Should I get an assignment to write about the barbershop, then I can justify the time for another visit. Otherwise, my busy schedule leaves me little spare time, even though I would love to spend a day just hanging out there with my little tape recorder.

The photos will come, but only when these realities make it convenient for me. I am sure my SRP colleagues will understand. In the meantime, I'll try to find a some time soon to select three or four of what I think are my best finds and engage one of the SRP pros to refurbish them. The others I can work on myself in the coming months as I learn how to clean and hone razors — as a little break from my work. I don't want to screw up the good ones.

So, my dear Nun2Sharp, I hope that provides enough of a catch for the bait. I did enjoy it, though, thank you. Now, if you will forgive me, it's time to get back to work.

Oh, by the way, during my regular breaks today, I managed to whip up a pot of spaghetti and meatballs to die for. It has been cooking slowly for several hours. Tomorrow it will cook still more. Tomorrow night, my good friend, I shall take myself on a culinary adventure with Spaghetti and meatballs, Chianti, garlic bread and a lovely green salad. For desert, port wine, Stilton cheese and apples should do it.

Is this heaven or what? Stay well.

Regards,

Obie

Dearest Obie,

My turn to take the bait, when and where are we eating? I will bring the wine.

yours truly, Kelly



PS Thanks for the banter, it was truly enjoyable!

MmmmHmmm, good spaghetti is always better after the first day.

Obie needs to have us all over. We'll do all the clean up.

My dear Kelly,

Yes, I, too, enjoyed the banter. We must do it again, and thanks. I will see if my daughter is available this week to shoot some pictures. Young mothers have so many priorities and rightfully so.

Also, consider yourself invited to the spaghetti dinner. On my honor. We're having it tonight. In fact, my daughter and the baby are joining us. I am looking forward to it.

Let me see, you live in the Kansas City area. (By the way, my wife grew up in Shawnee-Mission.) Tehran, San Francisco and Chicago were home for me for many years. Now I live in Milwaukee, about 90 miles north of Chicago. You have plenty of time to catch a flight, and I'll pick you up from the airport. Or come the next time you're in this neighborhood. Write or call me and I'll whip up a pot of spaghetti special for you. So consider yourself invited.

My dear ControlFreak1,

You, too, are invited. I see you live in Texas. I was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, for a couple months during Vietnam and every chance I had I spent in Austin, in the university area. It was a respite from the Army grunt work. If you come my way, drop me a note and I'll cook up another pot.

Stay well, gentlemen, and may good fortunes swim in your lane.

Regards,

Obie

Dear Obie

Great trip. Great razors. Good stories and good food.

Sound like a good life.

Stay safe,
Otto

Hi Obie,

What a great find..! Congratulations!

I must admit, we sorely need shops and places like that in the UK. So much of our history is being swept away with this obsession with all things modern. Such a shame!

Although I am pleased to see that here in the City, the older buildings that are being renovated are not being torn down. What the builders are doing is gutting the building but leaving the just the outside walls standing with a huge metal frame inside to support them. Then they just rebuild the inside and fit it out with the space to take a modern office installation. Alot of the old buildings do not have the space to thread PC and network cabling under the floors, or to fit air conditioning.

Back onto straight razors, the odd antique shops that are clinging on in the face of corporate conglomerates selling plastic tat at astronomical prices do charge fairly hefty prices for their razors. Several hundred pounds is not uncommon! I always point out that for their asking prices I could get a custom razor made!

I'll have to make the trip over the pond and do some shopping in the US, my aquisition disorders are driving me mad..!

Best,

Stuart

My dear Otto,
I have the following quote framed above my desk in my home office. It is by the British poet Matthew Arnold (1822-1888).

LIFE IS NOT A HAVING AND A GETTING, BUT A BEING AND BECOMING

I very much believe that and try to follow it as best as I can.

And my dear Stuart,
What you refer to as happening to some great buildings and traditions in London I call the modern society's parking lot and condo mentality. Tear down a grand old building and put a parking lot or a condo in its place. There you go. That seems to be the answer to everything by the ozone commandos in our society. It's sad. Ah well, when all fails, strop a razor and shave.

Stay well, gentlemen, and may good fortune swim in your lane.

Regards,

Obie

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Obie

My dear Kelly,

Yes, I, too, enjoyed the banter. We must do it again, and thanks. I will see if my daughter is available this week to shoot some pictures. Young mothers have so many priorities and rightfully so.

Also, consider yourself invited to the spaghetti dinner. On my honor. We're having it tonight. In fact, my daughter and the baby are joining us. I am looking forward to it.

Let me see, you live in the Kansas City area. (By the way, my wife grew up in Shawnee-Mission.) Tehran, San Francisco and Chicago were home for me for many years. Now I live in Milwaukee, about 90 miles north of Chicago. You have plenty of time to catch a flight, and I'll pick you up from the airport. Or come the next time you're in this neighborhood. Write or call me and I'll whip up a pot of spaghetti special for you. So consider yourself invited.

My dear ControlFreak1,

You, too, are invited. I see you live in Texas. I was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, for a couple months during Vietnam and every chance I had I spent in Austin, in the university area. It was a respite from the Army grunt work. If you come my way, drop me a note and I'll cook up another pot.

Stay well, gentlemen, and may good fortunes swim in your lane.

Regards,

Obie

---

I've got friends in Kenosha, I'll bring them too! Too bad about your wife(being from the Kansa territory) I hope it works out!;)

My dear Kelly,

Consider them invited, too. I accept tips, of course. A 14 Filarmonica Especial Para Barbas Duras will be sufficient, thank you. Yes, my wife is from the Kansas City area, but we met in San Francisco. She is a sweetie. Let me see, we've been together for 44 years now.

Regards,

Obie

You know Obie, the only thing missing after the meal is a good pipe and brandy or single malt.

My dear Wayne,

I agree. A pipe, cognac and conversation would be the ultimate after a spaghetti feast. I have had the pleasure many times.

I confess I miss my pipes. My wife and my girls made me give up smoking. Balkan Sobrani and other hearty English blends as well as matured Virginias kept me content for many years.

Eventually I had to sell my pipes, all except three: two Comoys and a Joby. Now and then I pick one up and sniff the bowl.

Life's not fair.

Regards,

Obie

Ah yes, the scent of latakia and orientals mingled with Virginias. The spicy tingle of Perique from St. James Parish, Louisiana. Opening a tin of mature Virginia flake and being treated to the scent of fermenting tobacco. If I weren't smoking now, I would be soon.

I love my pipes, and am afflicted by the White Spot. I agree, life isn't fair. I smoke my next bowl in your honor, sir in hopes you will join me some day for a smoke.

My dear Wayne,

Yes, do enjoy one for me.

Regards,
Obie

:)

Thanks Obie. You should really come down here. Why do more people retire in the South ? The weather ? Sure. (the Bible says 'many are called but few are chosen', and I hear that up there they say that 'many are cold and a few are frozen', come on down here and thaw out, you probly won't leave). Sure the weather, but we got the best bar-b-q and (we is close to San Antonio) in San Antonio we have THE best Mexican food, PERIOD. Journey by and we'll be honored to treat you to the famous Southern hospitality.

My dear Rod,

Thank you for the invitation. Someday perhaps I can take you up on it. Here, yes, here the cold season is just starting, and winters are long. Stay well.

Regards,

Obie

Sure thing Obie, stay dry warm hearty and nick-free.