I'll try to keep this short, but don't hold your breath, because I'm kinda stoked! Work has been a real challenge for the last week or so. Long days, calls in's at 02:30, you name it. But along with all this trouble came something pretty interesting. A young mechanic where I work became interested in cleaning himself up, and in wet shaving. The way he became interested is something else however, and I thought maybe some of you would get a chuckle over the route this fellow took in coming to the realization that being clean, and clean shaven every day is actually a good thing. I've been participating (as much as I could) in the 30 day rule shaving group that started here the first of January. My shaves have pretty much ended the same way each time, with a splash of Thayers Witch Hazel, followed by another splash of Jeris Osage Rub. (yep, that wonderful, green, chill inducing stuff...) I use Osage Rub mainly for the way it leaves my skin feeling, and truth to tell, I had not given much thought to the way it smells, but maybe I should have... My activities at work often involve working right beside mechanics, electricians, welders, instrument technicians. and sometimes protective relay technicians. Now, you must realize that all these folks are cut from different "bolts of cloth" so to speak, and it has taken me more than a few years to learn how to walk among them, and gain their cooperation and respect. During the past weeks work, I somehow gained the nickname of "squeaky" from a few of the mechanics. Mind you, none of them called me this to my face. It was uttered behind my back , but usually with enough volume so that I could hear it. I normally don't pay much attention to this type of thing, as I've learned that when you are not a mechanic, but you are among a group of them, your being "different" makes you an easy mark for a bit of ribbing, gags, and other things. As our work progressed and the long hours began to take their toll on everyone, one young mechanic began to display a particular frustration with me due to my insisting on things like him taking the time to make accurate measurements and the like. It was at the end of a somewhat heated exchange between us that he finished a threatening/insulting statement towards me with my new nickname, "squeaky". As the hours had taken their toll on me along with everyone else, I answered his insult by unveiling an aptly constructed nickname which I had chosen for him, which was "greasy". This wasn't hard for me to come up with, given his usual appearance. Needless to say, he was quite surprised when this old man got right up in his face, and tagged him with what would become his new name for the rest of our rebuild project. Our work proceeded, but there was a definite tension between us. I've learned through trial and error (mostly error) that leaving such tension between myself and a fellow worker never leads to anything good, so during a break one evening, I sat down next to this young fellow and asked him, "hey, you mind telling me where "squeaky" came from?" He hesitated a bit, then smiled, and then told me that I smelled "squeaky clean" all time, and he thought that typical of "broken down old timers". He added, "do the gals at the rest home go for that stink, or do you just like it?" I had to laugh. I told him that not only do the gals at the rest home like it, but so did his mother, and in fact, his mother had told me many times that she wished her son would learn how to clean himself up and act like a gentleman. At first, I thought this had pulled his trigger, and maybe I'd pushed just a bit too far. But in a minute, his grimace changed to a smile, and he asked something that took me completely by surprise. "So, what is that stuff you use, the stuff that smells like mint, or whatever?" I told him, "it's called Osage Rub, and all of the guys I know that do well with the ladies use it." And so began an ongoing conversation. Over the next few days we discussed things like shaving, barbers, haircuts, moustache's and beards, and even dressing appropriately for dates, etc. I put together a kit for this fellow, with a Merkur razor, a couple of good soaps and a new brush, and an assortment of blades. I also packed up some Thayers, and some Clubman AS. We went over wet shaving basics, and I told him to call me at home if he had any questions about the DE. He told me he was going to attempt his first DE shave this weekend, and he'd let me know how it went next week. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Who knows? What started out looking like "Dragons Blood", may end up being a "Sharp Dressed Man".
Hopefully, that young man might take the name "Squeaky II." Has a nice ring to it as well. Mike, thanks for sharing!
Don't let him near the old age home after he gets his act together. You might gain a lot of free time.
"FANTASTIC" story!! That's the way to gather more followers to "traditional" shaving. You've undoubtedly made a life long convert and went out of your way to do it. If nothing else I bet you've made his wife/GF/BF(?) happy.
I thought that the meaning of your nickname"Squeaky" would mean that you're a tightwad (so tight he squeaks). However your generous act dispels that theory. Way to go
A short update. "Greasy" is quickly becoming a convert I do believe. He walked into the maintenance building this morning sporting a new hair cut, with a bit of Dapper Dan applied! He's enthused about the DE, but as is the case with most of us, it's going to take a bit of practice. He managed a decent looking shave, but his neck looked just a little red, and he had a pretty good scuff on the point of his chin. He was smiling however, and he smelled of freshly applied Clubman! The woman who runs the tool crib (who is twice his age)took one look at him and said, "What the ______ have you done to yourself greasy? Honey, you look nearly human!" That brought a bit of a blush, but he didn't say anything. We've got some time set aside come Friday evening. He wants some coaching on blade choice and we're going to get started on the 30 day rule. Time will tell I reckon, but I'm hoping by April or so we're going to have a sharp dressed man! More as things develop........ Happy Shaving everybody!
