I again thank everybody for the honest feedback. For me this comes under the category that if I had to ask, the right thing to do (or not do in this case) is obvious. I have mentioned the hobby to some of my elderly patients looking for some interesting discussion and stories. Unfortunately most of the responses have been less than enthusiastic, "it was not big deal, a shave is a shave." I do have to say that one of the pleasures of my job is talking to elderly patients about the past. I've had the privilege of hearing first hand accounts of soldiers from WW II (including a German pilot), Korea, Vietnam, Holocaust survivors, where my local speakeasies were, and many stories about the depression. Patients like my interest and I am genuinely interested. I'm sure I'll find somebody more enthused about wet shaving one day. As a physician I'm also noticing more details about my patient's faces. I've already advised several to consider wet shaving due to some ratty looking skin. I think I'm giving good medical advice as well as recruiting new TSD members. Thanks again.
+1 to what GI says. ...Have you ever thought about displaying some of your collection in your office? Chances are, the topic (and possible offers of razors) will come up without you ever having to open your mouth. Also, I've heard of docs 'back in the day' of bartering for services...probably not possible in this day and age though, but food for thought. I've sent docs letters, cards, etc in the past for having taken good care of me and my family. Who knows, maybe you'd get something in the mail in gratitude. ________ Ducati Mach 3
Displaying in office is very tempting-great idea! It would fit nicely with the Norman Rockwell Doctor's office print I have in my exam room. I was going to see the whole thing is a moot point as I've run out of room in my bathroom, but this opens up a whole new world.....
Now that is a good idea. Patients with an interest in traditional wetshaving are likely to bring up the subject on their own when they see the display. It might be worth scouting around some of the local antique stores, as well. You never know what might turn up there, and it avoids any ethical dilemma.
You know, that's really a better gift than a razor. When I was a kid, there was an old gentleman that went to my church that had known Thomas Edison when his laboratory was in Menlo Park, NJ. To this day, I think that was one cool connection to have. I had the priviledge of hearing some of my own grandfather's stories from WWI. He being a calvaryman(!) in the Austro-Hungarian army. There's only 4 story-tellers left from that time in history. Enjoy the stories while you can hear them: first-hand accounts of those times are dwindling.
