Thread: Working towards converting my father...

More than three decades a go, I used to watch my father shave with his safety razor and water (sometimes he would use some regular soap). Then one day he stopped and switched to disposable razors. I was a bit surprised to see him make the switch.

Knowing how much he loved his safety razor, I bought an Edwin Jagger DE89 to give to him as Christmas gift. But after seeing him shaving with can foam, I decided to give him the DE89 well in advance. After all, might as well let him enjoy it now. So, this past weekend, I gave him an Arko stick, 5 packs of Astra (green) blades, an Omega boar brush, and a DE89 razor. What I found funny was that it was the son who showed the father how to wet shave :-)

I called him later to see how things went. He was very happy with the save and the razor. However, I was a bit disappointed to learn that he still used the shaving foam from the can. I have to work a bit harder to get him to ditch the canned foam.

I like that twist! I learned to shave from my dad, who used a DE and Brush, but usually just Ivory soap, which was our sink hand soap. He did fine. Wonder what "cushion and glide" it had?

Anyway, that's how I learned but quickly switched to canned foam, since he didn't want me ruining his brush. In my 20's I switched back to my own brush and mug. It was Aramis, which I got as a Christmas present. Wish I hadn't thrown it out!

Arko and Ivory soap have one thing in common: the scent. I learned to "like" Arko smell, although I could not stand the soap. Was I biased? I might have to bribe my dad with a soap or cream with a better scent. He can try my Martin de Candre, but he can't have it all

No I love the way Arko lathers (and the scent), but I use the stick...maybe that makes a difference. ?!?

I use the Arko stick too. I pressed it in a small container and load the brush as I would with other soap.

I applaud your efforts, Patrick.

I tried to get my father into using a brush and a soap puck or cream. No dice. After decades of working with his hands its uncomfortable for him to use the brush. I did buy him a can of Proraso green and the aftershave balm.

Time will tell if I am successful or not. The boar brush I got him was a cheap one $10. That said, when I tested it on my palm, I was very surprised at how soft it was. I wish I had more time. If I did not have to leave, I would have been able to convince him to give it a try. I am not worried about the razor. I know he will use it. It's canned foam that I need to take away.

I use Barbasol from a can sometimes. It is convenient, smells good, and provides a good shave. Some people just don't want to take the time to lather. Give him some time and he might pick it up. Just let him do stuff his way for a while and maybe he will pick up the brush. Even if he doesn't, enjoy in the fact that you shared your interest with him. Great father and son relationship. Be proud.
Did you share with him that is what got you interested in shaving with a DE? As a father of a late 20's man I know I would like to hear that.

Cheers,
John

Originally Posted by jsuiters

... Some people just don't want to take the time to lather. Give him some time and he might pick it up. Just let him do stuff his way for a while and maybe he will pick up the brush. Even if he doesn't, enjoy in the fact that you shared your interest with him. Great father and son relationship. Be proud.
Did you share with him that is what got you interested in shaving with a DE? As a father of a late 20's man I know I would like to hear that.

Cheers,
John

You're right. I might have shared what got me into DE shaving. I mentioned his DE that he used when I was a boy, and how I wish he still had it today. The one he had was a made in China one, but would have great sentimental value. Even though he is not the type of person who likes to show his emotion, I could tell that he was happy to get the Edwin Jagger razor. There is no doubt that it is a beautiful razor. He was not too surprised that I love De razors and also contemplating getting into straight razor shaving because I have always like blades from a very young age.

The reason why I wanted to be there when he uses the brush was not so much as to push him than to make sure he is doing it "right" so that he can feel the difference and the fun.

Good job giving the old guy a true shaving experience, like you said, it should be the other way around! Now you'll have to get him off the foam, "you can't teach an old dog new tricks."