Thread: If shaving one's self with a straight razor is practical, then why were barbers used?

ironman9889,

Good question !

From a UK perspective :

It might be due to the high cost of straight razors in the Victorian period, coupled with the lack of piped water, the need to have soap, brushes, a hone, a strop etc. In addition, in those days, people might not have shaved everyday, and it was probably cheaper and easier to go to a barber for the weekly shave.

My hypothesis might be totally incorrect !!

It will be very interesting to see what others with more knowledge will chip in with

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

EDIT : Rob got in there first with a similar hypothesis

I guess that back in the day people only had a once a week bath ( " Sat. Night" ) so it was probably cheaper to go to a skilled barber once a week and spend your nickel or dime for a good shave.

from what I've read it did all come down to money. no matter what anyone says we were not all better off back in the day. people just couldnt afford a razor, electricity, linolium, or eaven a bath tub if you go back far enough. advances in technology, mostly starting with the industrial revolution, gave us the oppertunity to build the kind of personal wealth that it takes to afford razors, automobiles, televisions, electricity, plumbing, airconditioning, and even our very own baths. before all this happened all of our time, energy, and work went to putting food on the table. I dont mean we spent 80 hours a week trying to feed ourselves I mean we spent 18 hours a day just trying to keep from starving. believe it or not once upon a time if you mentioned leisure time to someone they litteraly would not have known what you were talking about (they probably would have thought you were insane). given all that...keeping a beard most of the time wasn't such a hardship back then.

I'll paint you a picture.

Imagine a common man's home 100 years ago. No electric lights no running water, if you wanted hot water you would have to light some coals or wood, put the kettle on etc. Then shave in the flickering light of a candle or oil lamp.

On top of that you need a certain dexterity to hone and strop as well.

In those days newspapers hardly existed, barbers were a source of news as well. There is a reason that one of France's newspapers is called le Figaro, which means "the Barber".

Social and practical reasons therefore to visit the barber instead of DIYing.