Thread: Straight razor shave in 1880?

I started shaving with a straight razor in the early 1980's, maybe late 70's. My barber used a straight to trim around the ears and the back of my neck. While waiting for him one day, I watched him shave a man's face. I asked if he would teach me and he agreed. He gave me a list and told me to go to the wholesale beauty supply place and tell them he had sent me. I bought these:

Red Imp 133 Razor

Red Imp Horsehide Barber's Strop (very long but, without handles)

Barber's Hone

Stick of Jeweler's Rouge

The whole set-up cost around $40 if I remember correctly. I don't have the foggiest what that would equal in today's dollars.

It took about three trips and lessons to get to the point where I could get a decent shave. Then, another six months before I could consider myself competent.

I still have all the stuff, except the rouge, and feel I could shave well with nothing more.


P.S. I wonder if I saved enough money, over the years, to pay for a reasonable fraction of the huge amount of shaving gear I have now? Rationalizing!?! Who, me?

Originally Posted by quicknicker

I recall reading that George Washington was a steadfast shaver- rarely missing a day. So at least some people went at it with regularity. I'm sure his razors, etc were the best available, and that for a good part of his recorded history, he lived at the apex of society. But he was a soldiers' soldier, leading from the front- and all the time clean- shaven.
I'll bet he would have paid dearly for one of my diamond paste strops, though.
Happy New Year All!

Ed
quicknicker

Yep....
Check LIVING HISTORY SHOP: Portfolio
If the link works most of the way down is a reproduction
of the Shaving Box used by George Washington that carried
seven daily straight razors in mahogany wood, silk lined.

So I bet they are tucked away some place....