Thanks for the post. I LOVE some of the nuggets gleaned from conversations w/ old barbers. Look at Jimmyhad's signature line for a good example.

Grumpy coots: There may be some stories there that are helpful - or not. It may take time to get through the crust to the pie. I've only found one barber in my area even willing to give a good str8 shave. Regulations (gulag of Oregon) have made it almost impossible. Those gucci shops that still do it, have to use a new replaceable blade (shavette or feather), and they want $90 for a shave. This has driven most barbers out of that line.

The old guys have memories. That is the ore that can be mined if you have any such inclination.