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