I ran across this elaborate shave at a barber in Ireland - is some of what they're doing fluffy extras for the sake of "the experience" or does it all genuinely make for a superior shave? What does running the towel across his forehead do?
Does everything in this video make for a better shave?
- Thread starter Brassplyer
- Start date
I've had hot towel shaves, and they are great. Not better than stepping out of a hot shower and shaving yourself, but a pretty good approximation if you have just walked in off the street. The rest of the stuff is just being pampered. It feels good because you are just lying there and someone else is doing all the work.
But no, it does not make for a better shave and, if your baber is sporting a full beard, I would expect that it is likely to be far inferior to what you can do yourself.
But no, it does not make for a better shave and, if your baber is sporting a full beard, I would expect that it is likely to be far inferior to what you can do yourself.
- Thread starter
- #3
I notice he's using a shavette not a bona fide straight razor, I assume it's a less hassle way to have a consistently sharp razor.
It's pretty common for barbers to only have shavettes. In the 1980s, at the height of the AIDS epidemic, many governments mandated replaceable blades.
But yes, it means our bearded friend doesn't need to know how to hone a razor.
In Italy straights are illegal. Have to use a shavette. Which makes no sense. A blade you can wipe off then put in barbacide. A brush on the other hand could potentially hold blood in it much more than a blade.
Anyway, part of the reason for a hot towel would be to clean your face and soften the hairs. Something a shower at home accomplishes. It’s really quite enjoyable. I’ve had a few hot towel shaves in Italy and it’s a great experience.
Anyway, part of the reason for a hot towel would be to clean your face and soften the hairs. Something a shower at home accomplishes. It’s really quite enjoyable. I’ve had a few hot towel shaves in Italy and it’s a great experience.
Wiping down the forehead is probably a theraputic thing. The second time it's done might be to clear excess water from the steam wand's spray.
A hot towel sure can improve a shave and the experience.
Massage can relieve stress with can improve a shave and the experience.
The oil and preshave - meh, never felt those add-ons did anything for me but some guys use them.
That's an old school barbershop experience. Today people fly in and out of most barbershops barely taking the time to breath.
Back in 'the day' going for a haircut was an event not a chore.
Whether or not I can shave myself better than that barber isn't really the point of it all. I can cook a steak more to my liking than any restaurant but I still go out to eat.
Whether or not that barber's routine yields a 'better' shave depends on who is judging, what they know and what they can do on their own. Also depends on what 'better' means to the person judging and whether or not the barber's skills are actually on par with the presentation. I sorta think there's a good chance that does a good job.
You never know with shops like this though. There was a chain of barbershops that promoted an old-west theme with 'saloon gals' giving wet shaves. I think the work was subpar but the corsets and stockings made everyone forget about the weepers and irritation.
Plenty of barbers that gave straight shaves had beards.
Plenty of barbers didn't hone their own razors.
A hot towel sure can improve a shave and the experience.
Massage can relieve stress with can improve a shave and the experience.
The oil and preshave - meh, never felt those add-ons did anything for me but some guys use them.
That's an old school barbershop experience. Today people fly in and out of most barbershops barely taking the time to breath.
Back in 'the day' going for a haircut was an event not a chore.
Whether or not I can shave myself better than that barber isn't really the point of it all. I can cook a steak more to my liking than any restaurant but I still go out to eat.
Whether or not that barber's routine yields a 'better' shave depends on who is judging, what they know and what they can do on their own. Also depends on what 'better' means to the person judging and whether or not the barber's skills are actually on par with the presentation. I sorta think there's a good chance that does a good job.
You never know with shops like this though. There was a chain of barbershops that promoted an old-west theme with 'saloon gals' giving wet shaves. I think the work was subpar but the corsets and stockings made everyone forget about the weepers and irritation.
Plenty of barbers that gave straight shaves had beards.
Plenty of barbers didn't hone their own razors.
Definitely an "experience" type thing I believe. Honestly I really like our barber friend's attire and the character inside the shop. Although the pampering is kinda cool and all, I couldn't sit still long enough to get a shave there. I went to an old school Marine's barber shop one time and he tried his best to give me a near perfect medium regulation fade (at my request of course). 30 minutes in and told him I was sure it was the best ever, mostly just to get him to stop! I was used to Camp Lejeune barbers skinning a fade out in about 5 minutes. He did, give me a good haircut though, and I tipped him very well.
I did notice the barber seemed to use a pretty darn steep angle with that razor. Way more of an angle than I have ever used.
I did notice the barber seemed to use a pretty darn steep angle with that razor. Way more of an angle than I have ever used.
It’s about the experience
This is my favorite video of a man shaving.
Kitchen, brush, knife, strip, it’s all crazy but so good.
This is my favorite video of a man shaving.
Kitchen, brush, knife, strip, it’s all crazy but so good.
Yup, that’s me. 15 minutes start to walking out of the bathroom, 2 passes, water clean up.
Hot towels would be nice, but hot water works.
Hot towels would be nice, but hot water works.
