Today I had my first SR Barber shave since 1969. Got my hair cut first then was moved to a different chair so I could be reclined. The barber first applied a warm slightly foamy oil to my face and massaged it in a little. Not sure what it was but the scent reminded me of my old barber shop in the early 60's. That was followed by a hot towel. They used the microwave for heating them. After that a lather was applied from one of those hot lather machines that you don't see very much of anymore. The barber didn't strop the razor but I can't say it needed it. The shave was WTG only. After cleaning off any excess lather a warm towell was applied for about a minute then a balm which smelled of menthol and witch hazel was applied. I was not nicked at all. The WTG shave was perhaps a little closer than mine with a DE but since I follow with an ATG the overall effect was not as close as I do. Haircut was 11.00 and shave was 10.00. I will go back to this place as the haircut was very good but as for the shave well I can say I had one.
That's cause it was in all likelihood a disposable/shavette, uses half a DE blade. No strop. Due to health regulations in the US, very few, if any, states allow barbers to use a real straight razor to shave patrons. Unless you find one willing to let you bring in your own personal straight razor.
Very disappointingly true. I live near Chicago Illinois, Straight shaves in barber shops are banned. Though I found out a few old curmudgeon barbers do not adhere to these ridiculous regulations, quite simply out of anger or spite for having the government telling them how to run their shop. So it's still worth asking around, even if you live in a banned state, for a REAL straight razor shave. Fortunately states like Indiana still allow it. And I highly suggest if you live anywhere near Indianapolis or are traveling through look up "Red's" they do straight shaves all day long there. It's quite the classy gentlemens barber shop. Thats the place that got me hooked on straights. I'd be there every week If I didn't live 4+ hours away.
I never have thought of that reason for not using a straight..... My Turkish barber uses a disposable simply because it was taught so in his homeland. But then again, he doesn't shave only WTG but has his own routine. And when he is finished, the result is sooooo smooth a fly cannot land om my face for 2 days :happy102
My guy when living in Texas always used a straight, badger brush, soap. Always warm lather on the back of the neck.
Had one once in Turkey. Can't remember what soap but probably Arko. Used a straight razor and did the whole thing twice. It was done with very hot water. I sometimes equal this experience now but that's seldom.
Seldom but yes. During a hot bath, with a fresh feather, after 3 passes, I am satisfied with the result as I was then.
Setup? Nothing too fancy. Merkur 38C, Feather blades but I also use Astra, Wilkinson and Merkur. Crema Cella or Pro raso with an Omega Brush. Afaik, the most important thing is to get the hairs very soft. I do that with pre-sahev from Proraso, and then Glycerine soap from Proraso. Sitting in a hot bath tub, this combination gives me the shave that makes shaving the next day not very neccessary.
Steve Mack, I'm up in B'ville. Where did you get this shave at? I'd be REALLY interested in getting one done. Thanks! -Greg
We actually have two barber shops in the metro area (1 million pop) that do straight razor shaves. I've done it once but the drive it quite far. In our state, it seems they can use straights with barbasol. A dying breed of barber, I'm afraid.
