Thread: A question about barbershop history

Hello all!

I am an fledgling independent filmmaker and am currently working on a short (20-min.) script that takes place in a barbershop. It's based on an old stage play, set in 1900. However, I hope to update this to the early-to-mid 1950s (period pieces are more difficult to costume, etc. and cost more to produce.)

My question is about the use of straight razors in barbershops (in the U.S.).

I know the safety razor was being used by the 1950s by the consumer, but were they widely used by barbers? Or were most barbers still using straight razors? The barber in this story MUST use a straight razor. If I can update the story it will make things easier, but I want to get the history right.

Many thanks!

KAKS,
From what I understand, and from my old memories, barbers always used the straight. I don't recall any using the double edge. Some barbers still use the straight in some states where the regular straight razor is allowed. Otherwise it's the straight razors with replaceable blades. Unfortunately, many modern barbers have no idea how to shave with the straight razor.

My barber always used a straight razor up through the mid-60's. I have never seen or know of a barber using a double edge
razor.

I have to concur with Obie and Iz6,
even into the late 70's early 80's my barber back up north used a traditional straight, and was still using a shavette when I left around 2004, weather for a full shave or for cleaning up the nape of the neck.

Real barbers never used anything but a straight. That is what they were trained for and that's what customers demanded. By the 60s they pretty much tapered off using them mostly because of lack of demand with the newer shaving gear like the electrics and single edge types as well as DEs. The golden age for barbers and straights was 1950s and prior.

DE's had been around for a long time and men used them alright to shave themselves. But when they wanted a "real" shave they went to the barber.

Thanks one & all! I also found this online:

From a 1951 copyright (1953 Printing) textbook for barber schools:
Practice & Science of Standard Barbering

Chapter 7 is "Barber Implements." The first section is:
Straight Razors; Balance of Razor; Grind of Razor; Tempering the Razor; Size of Razor; Finish of
Razor; Care of Razors
(1953) Practice & Science of Standard Barbering

So the copyright date of the book also confirms what you have all said - thanks again!

Originally Posted by KAKS

Thanks one & all! I also found this online:

From a 1951 copyright (1953 Printing) textbook for barber schools:
Practice & Science of Standard Barbering

You'll find that pdf & a lot of other info here : Straight Razor Place Wiki - Straight Razor Place Wiki

I have been going to barbershops since about 1948 at age three. It is safe to say that the popularity of barber shaves started waning in the mid 50s with all the new safety razors coming on the market at that time. I started straight shaving in 1968 and I don't really know why but I have never been shaved by a barber. I guess I was always too cheap to spend the money for that luxury.

Jerry