Thread: Found a local barbershop that does straight shaves

I bring my razor with me to the barber. Been going to the same place for years now and long before I returned to straight shaving. Been scoping them out and had three of the guys use my blades. One guy three can use any blade I have. The other two, well I'd be selective to what I let them use. I don't expect they will drop my blade. I've never seen them drop anything, but they are a bit heavy on the pressure. The guy that can use any blade really knows how to use it. They all have strops on their chair but I think it is for show or to stretch their disposables. If you do bring a blade with you be sure to strop it and let them know it doesn't need to be stropped.

I would suggest bring a blade with you but keep it in your pocket. Go for a hair cut and watch the other people get their hair cut and shave. Get a feel for the barber while he is cutting your hair. Notice his altitude and style of cutting. Talk about straights but don't mention you have one with you. Let him start your shave with the disposable. If it isn't what you expect/like but he appears to know what he is doing and knowledgeable about straights give him your's to use. If not, keep it in your pocket.

I recently found a place by me that does straight shaves: The Men’s Room Barber Lounge & Spa

I stopped in to get a look and the girl at the counter took me for a tour. Nice place. They sell Truefitt and Hill creams, brushes and cartridge razors, give male manicures and messages as well as cuts and shaves. The staff is all pretty women. I asked if I came for a shave and brought my own straight with me if they would use it to shave me. One girl said she never used a real straight but was willing to give it a try. This place will never see one of my blades. The barber I go to tells stories of straight shaves and how the shops were set up to do them. Big difference.

Good luck. I'm anxious to hear of your experience with the shave.

I'm excited, I think I'll go by there tomorrow. talked to him today and then called and got somebody else, very nice, no hassle. said they're open tomorrow 12-6, I work till about 3. he said just come by.

interesting thing, lady that has been cutting my hair, probably 60ish, she uses a straight (disposable) to cut the sides and back, says it helps the hair lay better. i'm happy with her cuts, but want to try this other place out. it's only hair after all.

I'll take my torrey, it is a 1/4-1/2 hollow, 5/8, and normal shaped scales. nothing too exotic.

Thanks all for the advice, i'll report back for sure.

Red

FWIW here in Arizona the health codes allow a barber to use an implement designed for "re-use" (i.e. straight razor) as long as it is properly sanitized.

Sanitization is basically (and I am paraphrasing) wiped down with a sanitizing agent and stored on a dry sanitizer.

Definitely go ahead and bring the barber one of yours. I would.