I'm no historical expert,but I am going to agree with all the others as to why people went to barbers,I shave about 99.6% of the time now with a straight.I probably on average shave about every 2 or 3 days at the longest as I have noticed my beard growth is now different with said method. I can't really put my finger on it.My growth is hmmm ,....not as out of control and more civil ? I can shave at 6am and it will last till about 6pm for real.and my five o clock shadow isn't as noticeable till the next day ? Hope that is of some use to you. Have a nice shave eh.