My lengthy story of how I was introduced to wet shaving at the age of 47.
I suppose that I am a purist when it comes to things in my life. I try to use original parts to repair and maintain things around the house and when dealing with machines. Even though most who know me would argue, I now appreciate the art of "slowing down" and doing things with meaning, thought and purpose. And so, this past June my adult son asked me what I wanted for Father's Day and without hesitation I asked for at first, a straight razor and accessories.
What my only boy gave me was not the things I asked for but, much better. He purchased for me, a new Merkur long handle safety razor and the accessories that make for a real novice wet shaving set to include the Pinaud Styptic pencil that I have yet to use on myself. But, I want to share with you things that have nothing to do with the equipment because many more people who populate these forum discussions are far better qualified to share their expertise than I could ever be. I want to talk about the immediate flood of memories that came to me when I began discovering what wet shaving has been and is today.
For me, it was the exposure to those things that I had taken for granted as a boy growing up. The smell of the after shave and tonics that my Father and Uncles used. The visions of those Gillette Adjustables and other TTO's that lay on the sink in my childhood home probably now castaways in junk piles, recycled into something else or perhaps have been re-purposed in an antique shop. Being here and now enjoying the wet shaving culture also puts me back in touch with the barbershop environment that America has somehow forgotten. The smell of the talc, the tin-like sound of the radio as the ball games were broadcast on a hot summer day as we all waited our turn to sit in the chair to receive our Summer time issued buzz cut. Or,the gum ball machines that for some reason at our small neighborhood shop only contained the green gum balls. I also recall now how I wondered what those long leather straps were and how something made of shiny steel could be made sharp by simply moving the blade along it's tanned leather skin. My brothers and I also marvelled at the different colors and scents of the bottles of tonics and aftershaves like Bay Rum or Clubman. To this day, I am reminded of those memories anytime I get a whiff of Clubman talc on my neck or a splash of Clubman on the face.
But along with the sights and smells and sounds comes the memory of dealing with grown men who spoke directly and honestly with you and with other men about life. They were strong men who worked hard to scratch and bring home money for the family. And yet, they were allowed to indulge themselves in hot lather shaves, a nice and short "smart looking" haircut that real men wore. Sure, at times they could use harsh words or profanity but never around children and ladies. Instead, they remained strong and most times silent on most matters. But, when they spoke it meant something. Oh sure, some may have used profanity and harsh words at times I suppose but like all gentlemen, those were rare occasions and were reserved for the workplace or card games. I never really can tell for certain because my Father or Uncles never used those words in my presence.
These were the guys who realized the importance of their private time and looked forward to indulging themselves in a simple pleasure of shaving. So I ask myself what happened? Why the cartridges and the five blades? Why the disposables and the fascination with beauty parlors instead of doing things the way that "Dad did it"? I believe that because their lives were so busy doing for others, they must have wanted to take time for themselves to take care of a basic need to look and smell like a Man.
And I admit like most would that advances in shaving have their place. We enjoy sharper, longer lasting blades. Modern chemistry has given us better soaps, creams, oils and post shave treatments. And of course, the components that make up the razor have advantages as well. For me however, convenience and speed are not always the best way to do things that are personal and important.
One thing is for certain, we all love the art of wet shaving no matter if we use the single edge, double edge safety blades or, the straights. For me, it is about restoring and reliving not just the use of equipment and procedures but rather, the restoration of memories from my youth. My love for wet shaving as a novice is a selfish one as I grow older. I want to remember those simple things that I took for granted then and desire to cling to now.
If I could have my Father’s collection of TTO’s or my Grandfather’s straight razor right now, I would feel so very fortunate. Instead, as a novice with very little experience I find myself on the hunt to rescue and recruit old safety razors placing them back into service. Admittedly, I have even discovered a new found respect for things and people who have gone before me. I now look for brushes to re-knot and to bring back to life.
So in retrospect, when my son did not give me exactly what I asked for in a straight razor, he has given me so much more of what I needed in getting me started down the path back to my childhood. Back to the days when Men took their time to do things for themselves. My son doesn’t really know just how much he has given to me. Some day I will tell him. Or better yet, I will show him by doing for my Grandson or my Nephew what my Father did for me. I envision handing that lad a comb or perhaps a Popsicle stick and telling him that after I spread the lather on his smooth face, that he needs to join me in a shave. Just two Men, taking our time and learning once again the masculine art of patience and concentration.
And when we’re both finished, we’ll splash some of the good stuff on our faces to remind us that all things worth doing are worth doing right. A little splash behind the ears for my Grandson and a nice brisk splash for me to remind me that I am still alive and still keeping the shaving memories of my family alive as well. Maybe someday I will get that straight razor that I thought I wanted. But for now, I'm not in a hurry and it can wait.
Frank
Click to expand...
