Thread: Straight razor shave in 1880?

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Back in the old days folks just shaved and got good results with the basics they had available thank you.

I'm with you on this one. I think we make some false assumptions about the ability of our parents and grandparents to sharpen and use tools. They could get by with much less, and advances in modern medicine excepted, I'm not sure that they were the worse for it.

I was in Canada visiting one of the British Forts where they had all the items from 1812 and saw in the soldiers provisions - a badger brush, a small soap bowl, and a straight razor. The guide said the soldiers shaved on Wednesdays and Sundays and that they used a common leather strop. I asked if the items were genuine from 1812 and he said they were.

Pabster

Many interesting storys here, I think you are spot on why a full beard was popular back then, and about shaving twice a week etc. Oldschool, wonderful story!

It must have been great to go to a professional barber and get a sharp and smooth shave once in a while back then.

Today, I don`t know of any barbers shaving with straights on a daily basis in my country, but in the US they are quite popular I`ve heard. Must be fine to have that alternative for some personal luxury for the no straight razor population

I always get a kick out if reading Mark Twain's writings about barbers. Here are two examples: About Barbers - Mark Twain and Mark Twain on Barbers - Barbarous

Originally Posted by Joed

I always get a kick out if reading Mark Twain's writings about barbers. Here are two examples: About Barbers - Mark Twain and Mark Twain on Barbers - Barbarous

He was very opinionated on many subjects. You should see what he has to say about watchmakers and repairers.

Great stories Joed, thank you for the links!

My good man I have no idea what you mean. One's valet looks after all that mundane detail. I suppose you'd have to ask him about what he does with my shaving kit to keep it in proper order if you must, but one shouldn't be seen to be conversing with the servants you know.

Originally Posted by Joed

I always get a kick out if reading Mark Twain's writings about barbers. Here are two examples: About Barbers - Mark Twain and Mark Twain on Barbers - Barbarous

I'll see your Mark Twain and raise you with Banjo Patterson.
THE MAN FROM IRONBARK by Banjo Paterson (1864 - 1941)

I remember my grandfather shaving with his Swede and stropping on his sunday belt, but i do not recall about his shaving soap or brush. After he died the only hone i got from him was maybe 2-3K grit, pretty rough for standards we have here today.
Usually when he was about to shave, he also cursed heavily. Obviously he didn't like shaving, it was just something that had to be done.

I keep it pretty basic myself. Either the Dovo or my 100+ year old Atlantic Cutlery Co blade prepped on a simple strop with no cremes or grit or anything. Basic brush lathering up a puck of Col Conk's in a mug then apply and go. I end up with a nice shave in a pass and a half... much better if I put more prep into it (normally the only prep is doing it after a shower).

Oh and for sharpening I usually just run it over one stone a couple times. It could be much better and I'm sure if I was more into the hobby I would take more time with it but in reality straights are a means to an end for me. I enjoy shaving with them vs the way I used to do it but that is all. It didn't turn into a consuming hobby for me (my wallet thanks me) like brewing is, lol.

With that said I can see how you could do this with just a cup, puck of soap, brush, basic sharpening stone and decent straight while out on the trail or in the field as a soldier.

As was already mentioned though don't short the elders on their skill. They often lived by their tools and only had what they could carry to maintain them. I've known more than one old guy that has shown me their daily carry knife and though it was old it was not only well maintained but I'm pretty sure I could've shaved with it, heh.