I just found out that a new "old fashioned barbershop and spa" opened near where I live. I went by it today but didn't stop in. Some of the services offered are haircuts, straight razor shaves and shoe shining/repair. Those used to be done in barbershops of old from what I understand. This place also offers spa services such as different types of massages and facials and manicures. The price for a shave doesn't seem to bad. For $28USD you get hot towels, preshave oil, lather, straight shave and facial massage plus complimentary beverage service. Although I won't let anyone but my current barber cut my hair, I might have to try the shave service at this place someday. They also mention being the exclusive retailer in Rhode Island for some high end products from the US and Europe, though they don't say what those are.
Interesting.. I am curious if the straight shaves are REAL straights or disposable shaves. I would also be curious to see what they carry in terms of products. Let us know!
If I was a betting man, I'd say that it's a disposable blade straight. I know Massachusetts requires barbers to use a new blade on each customer and I'm pretty sure Rhode Island does too (I think a barber I used to go to told me this a while back). It will be a while before I go but I will report back on the shave and the products.
I'd like to walk in with my razor and shock them. "Here, use this one", "um..that's like...a real one <gulp>"
I think WOKNBLUES or the member who is in the phillipines does that at his barber. He has a drawer that he keeps a razor, brush and some soap so the barber can use all his own personal stuff on him..
What town is the shop in? I get down that way quite a bit on business and may need to check it out. Thanks.
Cranston, RI. It called Gents Barbershop and Spa and it's located in the new Chapel View development.
Very nice find, welldone. I think this whole bacteria mania has come since the Aids virus and such that these rules have come about. so I dont know in the old days who clean would the blade be ? Barbacide ? or 99% alcohol to rub of the previous customers contact. I dont know I think its pretty safe as long you dont cut
I believe you're right. I watched a clip from a movie (this one I believe - http://www.tidewriter.com/productions_barberland-details.htm) and the barber mentioned that once AIDS became prevalent, barber shaves basically stopped.
Disposable blade or not, it's nice to see barbers adopting the traditional shave. There's two that I know of in my area, my barber and The Good Life downtown which uses Hydrolast with all her straight shaves. I haven't had a barbershop shave in awhile, but it a nice relaxing experience.
My barber wants to start offering them once he finds a replacement headrest for his chair. He's one of those guys who hates to see the demise of the traditional barbershop and the rise of barber salons. He tries very hard to keep an atmosphere of the old time shop (like Floyd on the Andy Griffith (sp) show). I do notice that there seems to be a resurgence in the traditional barber shop. Hopefully, it continues to grow.
