Thanks. That is a perfect description of what I experienced and what I hope to develop in my technique. Your article is great.
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I don't know what the rules are anywhere else, and I'm sure they vary state by state even here in Auz, but my barber told me that they pretty much HAVE to use shavette's to comply with the health regulations (or use and maintain autoclave equiptment for sterilising straights between customers) and that they don't bother to teach stropping in Barber School any more as a result.
Here my barber uses a Panasonic disposable blade straight and only for the back of the neck. I've only had it done once (only my third time to the shop), but it was incredibly uncomfortable. It felt like he was using a serrated blade instead of a straight blade. And his touch was not light. But he was also a young guy (30?). There are two others at that shop that shave the neck too. Maybe they'd do better?
So far as I know shavette style razors are required in most states in the U.S. for health code regulations. I have wondered if they'd shave a guy with a razor he brought in...but my experience thus far wards me off from searching that out until I try out one of the older guys.
Peace,
Years ago, when I had a bit more hair on my head and payed the exorbitant fees charged by hairdressers, I remember a few of them using shavettes to clean up the back of the neck area. I don't ever remember them being a comfortable experience either. I've been doing my own hair cutting for sometime now and I have e to have the wife give the neck area a once over. She is the only reason I hang onto my cartridge razor...For now! She will have to get used to using a DE when the last of the cartridges are used up. Never know, I might even get her around to wielding a CT after a while of that. :)
Mick
When I took my razor to my barber his first comment was that his personal razor was much heavier than my razor. He uses a 1/4 to 1/2 hollow for his personal razor. He uses shavettes for shaving customers. There is absolutely no discomfort when he shaves my neck. Smooth, light touch.
Sounds like a very nice and nostalgic establishment. I wish I could find one around here!
I'm a Master Barber, lay the blade flat and let it "glide" over the area--you dont have to force it. It will be smooth.
Gary
Where in texas is this?