A Conversation with my barber

This has been my third haircut with this Old School Barber, and if you look a my posts here you can just about tell when the first was. The first time, he used a str8 on my neck, it was an injectible bladed razor, I can't remember the brand, but I remember feeling so great, that the second time I went, I asked him about straight razors, and he reccomended the Dubl Duck. I told him that I had seen some complete sets sell new for around 300 bucks and he scoffed at the price.

I didn't realize that I was to begin my quest for a brand new double duck razor fresh off the factory line from their up to date website and go ahead and pay my 20 dollars for one and get started right away.

After a little google searching, I came across this forum, B&B and some information that led me to believe that I DIDN'T KNOW CRAP about str8 razors. I didn't expect that Dubl Ducks weren't made for 70 years or something like that and that they would cost a wee bit more than 20 American Dollars (I guess when he scoffed at the prices he didn't adjust for inflation). So I joined this forum, dug my Grandfathers Gillette Slim out of the drawer and sliced up my neck like OJ Simpson would (or wouldn't perhaps, your choice).

So yesterday I go in to get my ears lowered and I had a little bone to pick with him, for he sent me on a wild goose chase (read: Duck) for a razor that is a rare gem and costs a pretty penny. I was eager to speak to one of the few old heads left that still new how to wield the str8s, and still had his old strop hanging on the back of the chair (which he didn't want to sell me by the way cause I asked).

Now this barber is a Korean War vet, has been in the same location since 1961. I don't know if he was in a bad mood or what, but at 4:45 central time on a Friday evening, maybe he was just getting a bit tired or something, but I dont think that he was the least bit interested in my sudden interest in str8 shaving. lolool

So As soon as I sat down in his chair I began to tell him of my findings and that theres a "Group of people on the internet forums who are trying to bring straight razor shaving back"
"Theres going to be a lot of people cut up" he said in a dry, old man sort of manner that just seemed like he was about to dismiss some whippersnappers.

He told me he had a guy come in with a str8 a long time ago that was dull, and he couldn't get a shave with it, so his partner honed it for him, and the first thing the customer proceeded to do was run it down his face just as hard as he did when it was dull. "His face just seeped blood" he told me, and I almost busted out laughing if it weren't for the seriousness of it.

He then told me that he had another customer come in and wanted his face dry shaved with a straight adding "Theres all kinds of people in this world" emphisis on the kinds.

he told me it would take me 9 years to get the razor sharp.



Well, I realize that this was probably a waste of yalls time, but I guess it was one of those you had to be there things. I enjoy the guy, he reminds me of my grandfather. He won't give me any str8 shaves like the old days though, I might ask him again when he isn't busy and maybe offer him a 20 just for the experience of being done proper.


Im going to show him my latest aquisitions when I return.


Eric

he sounds like a grumpy ol coot lol ...thanks for good read I thoroughly enjoyed it great post Eric

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.

I love guys like that. They really do know a lot, but also sometimes they will BS you just to see what you're made of. Will you "push back" a little, bark back, and enjoy the repartee. Like 9 years to hone a razor, nope. I suspect that 9 years of good maintenance would make for a great razor, but no, you can get a razor super sharp and smooth in 30 minutes or less. But he likely had some other point he was trying to make there.

Reminds me of a preacher I love to hear--very scholarly, very distinguished and articulate, but also very searching, provocative, and moving. As a young man, I wanted to "be" this guy.

So one day I asked him, "How long did it take to prepare that sermon?" His answer was:

70 years

Maybe that's what the 9 years is about...

Actually I think he was just in some kind of a bad mood, but I really like the guy.

Maybe it took him 9 years to develop all of the proper techniques. He said that his wife had some old str8ts in a drawer at home, boy Ill bet he has got a few nice pieces.

Eric

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rhythmicons

Actually I think he was just in some kind of a bad mood, but I really like the guy.

Maybe it took him 9 years to develop all of the proper techniques. He said that his wife had some old str8ts in a drawer at home, boy Ill bet he has got a few nice pieces.

Eric

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Sounds like a potential Gold mine, you need to work this claim and see what he has got!

Not long ago I ran into a local barber who has also been at it since the early '60s. He had a bunch of straights but wouldn't sell any. I asked him about hones and honing and he got a disgusted look on his face and said honing was a "PITA". He was glad that he didn't do shaves anymore and that he used a replaceable blade straight for around the ears and the back of the neck. Tough gig being a barber. On your feet all day and depending on how many walk in for your living. I'm not surprised that some of them are grumpy. Thanks for the post BTW. :)

I understand the expierence you have had with old barbers. When I first became intrested in Staights I would talk with barbers about them and they would say why in the world would you want to use a straight, after all the new platnium blades give a great shave and you don't have all that maintenance.

However one day I met a barber who spent hours helping me along the path. Last year I met a barber who is in his 80's and still working and he sold me a Dubl Duck No. 1 Special at a bargain.

I recently had a conversation with a guy who lives in the interior of Mexico and I asked about the barbers down there and if they still gave straight razor shaves. He repllied, You can still get a straight razor shave, but most of the barbers who do it are "Old Coots" in their 60s and when they are gone it will probably die out."

As I will soon be 65, I would prefer to be called a "Distinguished Elderly Gentleman", but I guess I qualify as an Old Coot.

These 2 came from my barber, so keep at him

Before:

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...SC_0001-10.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...DSC_0002-6.jpg

And when properly restored. when he mentions the "sanded with 120 grit" that was me. Luckily I stopped before I totally ruined them.


http://straightrazorpalace.com/custo...tml#post684811

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rhythmicons

This has been my third haircut with this Old School Barber,
....snip...
I was eager to speak to one of the few old heads left that still new how to wield the str8s, and still had his old strop hanging on the back of the chair (which he didn't want to sell me by the way cause I asked).

Now this barber is a Korean War vet, has been in the same location since 1961.
....snip...
he told me it would take me 9 years to get the razor sharp.

....snip....
Im going to show him my latest aquisitions when I return.


Eric

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Interesting -- it takes about nine or ten years to get a black belt in karate.
And in fact at about ten years you do begin to get a hint if the instructor
is any good.

Yes show him your razors and ask him for hints.

He might even use your razor on you. You might need
to bring your own strop (and hone). Watch the shop so
you are not razor happy bothering him when the shop is busy.

Nice story!

"He told me he had a guy come in with a str8 a long time ago that was dull, and he couldn't get a shave with it, so his partner honed it for him, and the first thing the customer proceeded to do was run it down his face just as hard as he did when it was dull. "His face just seeped blood" he told me, and I almost busted out laughing if it weren't for the seriousness of it."

lol

Quote:

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Originally Posted by d. m. ellington

I understand the expierence you have had with old barbers. When I first became intrested in Staights I would talk with barbers about them and they would say why in the world would you want to use a straight, after all the new platnium blades give a great shave and you don't have all that maintenance.

However one day I met a barber who spent hours helping me along the path. Last year I met a barber who is in his 80's and still working and he sold me a Dubl Duck No. 1 Special at a bargain.

I recently had a conversation with a guy who lives in the interior of Mexico and I asked about the barbers down there and if they still gave straight razor shaves. He repllied, You can still get a straight razor shave, but most of the barbers who do it are "Old Coots" in their 60s and when they are gone it will probably die out."

As I will soon be 65, I would prefer to be called a "Distinguished Elderly Gentleman", but I guess I qualify as an Old Coot.

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In Mexico you would be El Viejo or maybe El Anciano:)

That's the problem with talking to old barbers most are old and crotchety and many are way too rusty or unsteady to trust with giving a straight shave and of course the younger guys are all hair stylists.

If you have someone who is willing and able you're the luckiest guy in the world.

Yeah, when he said "THeres going to be a lot of people cut up" I had to laugh. Im a cynic (if you can't tell already). I thought some of you would appreciate that story.


I tell you though, I kept trying to communicate to him that I was someonw who appreciated the old fashioned aspects of it, saying in not so many words that I appreciate his craft, hoping to get some words of wisdom, but like I said, I think he was in a bad mood.

THe customer before me was a lady who looked ethnic. Either mexican or Indian or Persian and her young son was getting a haircut. SHe kept standing outside the shop and she came in and the barber thought it was done. SHe was like "Can we get a little more off the front" and went back outside and he turned around and slammed something on the counter. I think it was the clippers that were attatched to the hose or something.

Anyway, I kept making statements like "Man when you shaved my neck, I had never had that done before and it felt so good and so it was that that made me want to consider straight shaving.

"Yeah" he would say in a way that sounded enthusiastic. I guess his manner of barber shop banter was of the minimalist style on this particular visit. He kept interjecting "Yeah" as I would say things like
"Yeah, you awakened the interests of a young man into some old fashioned ways of doing things"
"Yeah" he replied in a way that again, sounded interested, yet as I glanced in the mirror his face was expressionless.


So Im just a dork I guess lololol trying to brown nose to this barber to find out his secrets, like the sorcerer's apprentice, a bit too eager to try on the hat.


If I could only get my hair to grow faster so I could go back and show him my stuff.



He hasn't been entirely unforthcoming though, he did by the way point out the strop, it was a very well worn piece of what looked to be high grade leather. He immediately shut me down when I asked if he wanted to sell it because I coudl tell the quality of it right away. I didn't even notice it before, it blended in the shop like a decoration. I think he has a sentimental attatchment to it, as any of you would know. I think he put it there when he opened. Maybe when he retires he might get rid of his stuff, but I almost hate to ask someont to part with any of that stuff because im into Genealogy and I know their family might want that, since that what he did for a living when he got out of the Navy.


I also think that he would be very good with the razor if I let him do it because he still uses one.

Ill bet though that he is thinking that It's pointless to get into the str8 business when the DE's are so much easier, and come to think of it thats what he told me initially.


I think if I had the cash, Id pay him 90 bucks for a once in a lifetime str8 shave and the works. I don't think he's really THAT busy.


There will be more to this story, as the gentleman is a pretty interesting guy. I think i just caught him on a bad day. Maybe Ill go up there early in the am when he opens.


Glad you enjoyed the tale...


Eric

Quote:

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Originally Posted by thebigspendur

That's the problem with talking to old barbers most are old and crotchety and many are way too rusty or unsteady to trust with giving a straight shave

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The USA may be different and perhaps have more traditional barber shops. However, I think we often forget just how long ago cutthroat razors were in general use.
The barber I go to is nearly seventy and started barbering as a sixteen year old, but apart from using a shavette for trimming sideburns and neck hair, has never shaved customers with a cutthroat. He talks about a "few old boys still using them" when he started his apprenticeship over fifty years ago.
There were always a couple of safety razors in our bathroom cabinet, but my father rarely used them, always preferring an electric shaver. He would be 95 years old if he was still around.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by welshwizard

The USA may be different and perhaps have more traditional barber shops. However, I think we often forget just how long ago cutthroat razors were in general use.
The barber I go to is nearly seventy and started barbering as a sixteen year old, but apart from using a shavette for trimming sideburns and neck hair, has never shaved customers with a cutthroat. He talks about a "few old boys still using them" when he started his apprenticeship over fifty years ago.
There were always a couple of safety razors in our bathroom cabinet, but my father rarely used them, always preferring an electric shaver. He would be 95 years old if he was still around.

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Certainly in the 1950s in the U.S and even into the early 1960s barbers commonly used to do straight shaves. I think the move to hair stylists started in the late 70s early 80s here and the distinction between cosmetologist and barber started. So you're talking guys probably over 70 at the youngest who had shaving experience and many of them if they still work probably haven't given a straight or any shave in over 25-30 years.

My father is 95 and I remember as a kid he used DEs and then injectors and for the past 40 years an electric. I'd have to go back to my Grandfather to find someone using a straight razor and he died before I was born.