I've posted this before, but my local, old Italian barber Sam, been cutting my hair for probably 25 years, used to do actual straight razor shaves, now he has to use shavettes.

He says, and I believe him, that he could shave anyone blindfolded or in the dark. When I first started shaving with a straight, I was there one time, watching him give me a shave with the shavette, and I asked him if he would be cool with me bringing in one of my straights for him to shave me with, he said no problem.

So I brought about five different blades in, along with my strop (just in case he needed it), he picked one, stropped it like I'd never seen done before, and gave me a shave.

Wow!

What a lesson! Was fascinating to see a real pro use one of my blades, really shows you what your blades are capable of, and what they can do in the proper hands.

Have done that several times now, he gives me tips, last couple of times, he'll watch me do a 1st pass and give me tips. Last couple of times I've been there, (now just for the lessons and experience in both shaving and stropping) the other guys will gather around and watch, they are stunned at how beautiful the blades are, and have asked me if they could get a shave with my razor.

I said no problem, but Sam said no, it's one thing with my blade, but he won't use it on anyone else...

So ask your barber to use one of your blades and give you some tips...it's a great source of knowledge and my barber loves now for me to bring him a different blade each time.

Cheers!