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I was wondering if many of us have actually had a straight razor shave from a barber. I have been trying to get up my nerve to ask for one, but I am kinda nervous. I guess I must just trust myself more than a stranger! The guy that does them here is 75 yrs old and seemed to shake a bit when he cut my hair, so that contributes to my fear, but I would like to experience it...
I vaguely remember having two barber shop shaves back in the sixties. This was when they used a straight razor rather than the replaceable blade 'shavette' they use nowadays. The hot towel out of the steamer and being cranked back in the Koken barber chair was something I'll never forget. The shave was close and smooth IIRC.
I had one at Trumpers here in London. They did an outstanding job, in fact it was so good that I bought my first razor from them straight afterwards..!
I'd been thinking about getting a razor and all the kit, but that shave cemented it for me. I couldnt imagine shaving any other way after that..!
If you can get one, I'd recommend it! If the barber knows what he's doing they are beyond enjoyable and you do get an excellent shave afterwards as well..!
The shave I got was so good that I didnt have to shave for about 3 days afterwards.
I have had a few and enjoyed them all. For me, the process itself is better than the end result. The shaves I have gotten, measured in terms of closeness, have ranged from pretty good to superb. But the whole deal of reclining in the chair, the hot towels, the light massage...very nice. I highly recommend it if you can find a Barber that knows how to do it.
Bill hit the nail on the head. It's really about the experience and pampering. The same reason those gals go to a beauty parlor to get fussed over. If you look at the barber shave squawkbox you will see the actual shave (assuming they actually use a straight which they usually don't) experiences are not so hot. If you can find some old timer who really knows how to do it and still has all his faculties maybe then. Personally I'd rather shave myself.
Yes I have, numerous times. In fact, it is one of the reasons I became interested in the art of str8 razor shaving.
As thebigspenur notes, there is nothing that rivals the experience and pampering of a str8 razor shave by a barber. Its so relaxing. Reclining in the barber's chair, the pre-shave, the hot towels, the lather, the aftershave. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh.
Owing to health related issues (ie. AIDS) most barbers don't use traditional str8 razors today for shaving. They use disposables, but the experience is still worth the extra money, IMHO.
I've always wanted a barber to shave me, i agree with most of the comments previous, the experience was out standing, hot towels warm cream, and a face massage after.the shave was good but not great, one really good nick and a couple of very small ones. which was kinda a big deal, he does this for a living i should be cut. that being said it won't stop me from find more barbers who do it and try them out. i just wont be going back there.
Fynnpete: Was yours in Winnipeg?
I just went up to the barber school I plan on attending the other day, and while I was talking to the owner, one of the students was shaving a customer.
I was TRYING to talk to the owner, but I caught myself glancing over at the shaving being done. The owner told me the student was practicing his shaving for the barber exam soon.
In all honesty, if I were the customer, I would have been scared to death. This student was holding the opened razor maybe 3" above the customer's face, nervously adjusting the scales on the razor to get them where he wanted them. Then as he shaved the guy, he seemed very uncertain of himself. VERY short strokes, and he actually made a movement that scared me...from what I could tell at a distance, it looked like a "scooping" motion with the blade. I kinda cringed a bit when he did that :rofl2:
Once I finish, I fully intend to do straight shaves, and I have no doubt that they will be better than most of the kids that are learning it today.
I really think there should be a requirement, that if a barber is going to give straight shaves, that he should shave that way himself. And in the case of female barbers, they can always shave their legs, but I think it should be done. I don't think they can know what to truly look for and do, if they haven't done it to themselves. Just my opinion here ;)
I've only had one - and from a barber here. I wasn't expecting it and had never been shaved by another before - so I spent most of the time thinking he was going to cut me up or worse - kill me. And just when I thought it couldn't get any worse he started shaving my forehead! :eek:
But, the shave was smooth, there were no cuts and of course I made it out alive.
It was an experience but I have always preferred shaving myself. So I'd encourage you to get one if you think your barber's up to it.
Frank, I think that must be a Japanese thing...I've seen several videos now where they go over the forehead area as well. Mostly, the video's I've seen were done to women in the process of shaping their eyebrows with a straight, and proceeded to do the whole forehead. :shrug:Quote:
Originally Posted by Frankenstein
I agree, it would be odd the first time :)
I've had a few, but now that I shave with a straight I can't see myself plopping down nearly a razor's worth of cash for someone to shave me with a disposable and questionable talent. If I'm gonna pay $30 plus tip for a straight shave, I ought to be BBS for a week. But that's just me talking...
yes it was in winnipeg, this shave was right before christmas(not that it matters) and there are a few guys doing it in winnipeg as well. still havn't found them all and where they are, there is a new place that opened up on main st. in the exchange that just started doing it, guy on ellice ave, one on ness ave. just off st. james and i believe there is one some where around either osbourne st. or it might be corydon ave. But the names of the of the actually shops i don't know what they are still looking for them! and will go to some of them and try them out till i find one i like. I will go when i have a need for a special occasion or just want to be pampered!
when i had mine done it was $35 for a shave and a hair cut which i thought it was reasonable
I'm going to school for barbering here in Detroit and Michigan law says its okay to use a traditional straight razor for shaving customers as long as it is sterile.
Upon graduation I plan to offer traditional straight razor shaves with a traditional straight razor.
I'M SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!
Glad I'm not the only one detroyt! Glad to hear it :)Quote:
Originally Posted by detroyt
If you haven't looked into it, there are some awesome UV sterilizing boxes as opposed to heating them to sterilize them. Looks like me may not be able to get around the lather machines, unless you use a synthetic brush and sterilize that as well, which pretty much sucks :( Might be worthwhile for you to check them out if you have your own shop :)
Look forward to hearing how it goes for you! How much longer do you have in school?
and when you get your own shop you can have an assortment of diff straights and the customer can pick the razor of his choice for the shave,like a wedge from the 1850's or a dubl duck from the 50's , what do you think??Quote:
Originally Posted by detroyt
anybody know of barbers offering str8 shaves in the northern california(sacto) area? Intriqued by the idea
When on business trips or vacations I try to find a local barber.
It´s great fun and you normally pick up a trick or two on the way.
And as Bill said it´s a bit of luxuary for small money.
- About 1988 I got a straight razor shave from a barber north of Seattle. It was just amazing.
A few years ago I bought a straight razor just to try if it was even better than the DE.
Then I found this great site. :tu Got RAD :ziplip: and will never turn back to any other method of shaving.
I occasionally go back to my old neighborhood (Williamsburg, B'klyn) to get a shave. My old barber is surgical with his shavette but I now take my personal str8s for him to choose from to shave me with and he has no problem with that.
I got my first straight razor shave on April 18th 2009. It was my wedding day and my barber threw in the shave for free. All it took was one time for me to be hooked on the absolute best shave possible. I go to my barber once a week, to get my straight razor shaved high and tight haircut(old Marine Corps habits die hard). Andy is a great friend and has been extremely helpful in showing me proper techniques and different tricks of the trade. Those old barbers who still do business with a straight know what they are doing. Give it a shot and you'll be hooked just like me. After I got back from my honeymoon I ordered my first straight razor and have been shaving with one ever since.
Added note: My high and tight, where he shaves my head from above my ears all the way down to my neck, not just a trimming, is 13 dollars. If you got a shave, I think it's an extra 5 bucks.
Quote:
Originally Posted by avatar1999
From my understanding I don't think that you can use UV boxes to sterilize I think that they just maintain a sterile environment.
I was thinking for repeat customers I would rent them a small locker and inside there would be their own personal brush, scuttle, soap and razor, not sure if it will be possible to do yet I haven't worked out all the logistics. I'm afraid there might be no way around having to use a latherizer.
I have also seen really inexpensive brushes at Meijer I imagine that they would be even cheaper wholesale and at that price they are pretty much disposable.
I still have a lot of time to think about it I still have about a year to go fortunately for me my teacher actually wrote the state exam.
As long as I am able to sanitize everything without damaging it I don't foresee any problems, But considering the amount of time conventional straights require I might charge more to use them or I would have a stash available for the people whom rent lockers or are regulars.Quote:
Originally Posted by nessmuck
I'm not really sure how it will work just yet I still have much to learn. I do know that I would prefer to use traditional straights even if it means replacing scales with stainless and getting an autoclave.
It's getting to be about time for me to get a haircut again. I usually go to Rocky's Barbershop, 100 pesos for a haircut, all edging done with a Feather disposable blade straight and a head and neck massage... not bad for arround $2. I think this time I will throw in the shave as well... it's just an extra $2 and it would be a cool experience.
I'm wondering if the sterilization process would ruin the blade's termpering. What are your thoughts on this?Quote:
Originally Posted by detroyt
MikeB
Things are so different state to state, but the only thing I could find online was for Texas. you might not have to clave them...soaking just the blade in Barbicide should be satisfactory, and if you soak them, and then put then in the UV cabinet, it should be enough, but obviously ask the Board in your state first.Quote:
Originally Posted by detroyt
As far as brushes are concerned, if it can be sanitized, then you could use it. Synthetic brushes would be ok, but I don't know how well they would work, and I don't think I've ever seen one. Like you said though, rent a "locker" for the guys that would like straight shaves, and just get a VDH Boar brush from your local drug store or Walmart.
I'm still working on the details, but I WILL find a way to make it work. I think everyone deserves a good shave :D
If they're willing, I'd be glad to do the shaves as "a friend" and not a charged service, but recommend they leave a tip/gratuity ;)
I plan on working from home if I can, so I'm sure there's ways to get around the BS.
I don't think so. Most are only around 125 F. Not enough to ruin the temper.Quote:
Originally Posted by sdsquarepoint
+1 to this.Quote:
Originally Posted by avatar1999
As far as I understand an autoclave works on pressure and temperature and that is why they are effective at killing germs at a lower temperature. I would think that barbercide would be sufficient though.
In Michigan, most barber shops are in low income areas and I doubt that most of the modern sanitization techniques are ever brought to use because of the cost. I would be willing to work with the Michigan health board to try and set up some guidelines for proper and safe disinfecting where straight razors and brush storage are concerned.
My instructor is on the board and did write the Michigan Barbers exam so I feel I might have an "in" where this is concerned.
I agree with what you say about Barbicide. If you read their website, you can see that it will kill pretty much everything bad you soak in it. As long as you let it soak for the required time, there should be absolutely no problems in that form of sterilization. I would be curious to what the Board of Barbers in Michigan say when it comes to the UV sterilizers. Always good to have information :)Quote:
Originally Posted by detroyt
If you get a chance to ask your instructor, I'd love to know what you guys can find out :)
*edit* I just noticed that my "I don't think so" comment may have sounded rude. I absolutely did not intend it to be that way. :p My apologies, I've had a few beers tonight so things may come out wrong LOL
A couple of months ago I began to use a straight razor to shave. I did it out of spite for the expensive system shaving set ups offered today. I found the shaves from a straight razor to be very enjoyable, and started to look forward to the morning ritual, that had so long ago turned into a loathsome chore.
I began to think I could find a place to get a shave done by a professional, and my search began to find one in the Sacramento area. This led me to Barber Blues.
Barber blues is a two man shop. I had an appointment for Sunday; yes they are open seven days a week. I was directed to the chair, an actual old style barber chair leather, ashtray in the arm rest the hole bit. Robin Graham was my barber that day and will remain my barber for as long as he is working for that matter. He gave me a great hair cut and then started the shave.
The old style chair was there not just for looks but it was getting used. Robin attached the head rest and reclined the chair. He made sure I was comfortable and began prepping my beard for a shave. Warm lather followed by a hot towel, then more warm lather and he made his first pass. Robin used a real razor no disposable bladed straight. He explained that he had just honed the razor before I arrived. This razor was sharp and Robin used it very skillfully. Another hot towel more lather and I was ready for a second pass. The third pass came after an application of shave oil all followed by a hot towel. You would think that he was done at this point but he went the extra mile. Robin carefully checked my shave applied some Bay Rum after shave then used a powdered towel to polish my face.
This shop knows what they are doing. I have floated around for decades trying to find a hair cut at a reasonable price. I have gone to every place imaginable including some very high end shops. I have never gotten a better hair cut. This is the type of place every man should go to at least once in his life, get a shave from a real barber. The prices here can’t be beat.
I should mention that I also brought in my seven year old son for a hair cut. Robin gave him the full treatment as well. Hot lather around the ears and back of the neck, Bay Rum after shave and powdered brush, he didn’t cut any corners. My son was so proud he got in the car and told me he got a real man’s hair cut just like mine.