I have led a deprived life apparently, in 45 years I've never had a real barbershop shave until today. I live in a very small town and have to drive no less than 30 minutes to get a loaf of bread, and an hour for a haircut. I "discovered" a little barbershop in the next town over that does shaves. So I spent the 6 bucks extra and got a shave and a haircut. Those hot towells and hot lather plus the skilled hand of a master barber shave closer than I ever thought possible, even in my trouble areas. Then a splash of Master Topaz and I was all set. I think I'm hooked now, there's nothing like a real barbershop shave.
My first barbershop shave.
- Thread starter Trey45
- Start date
Glad you had a good experience. A lot of guys come on here posting about how they got a terrible shave at a barbershop.
By the way, what kind of tool did the barber use? Inquiring minds want to know.
By the way, what kind of tool did the barber use? Inquiring minds want to know.
+1 on the choice of Master Topaz!
Glad you had a good experience. Like Kingfisher said, it seems all we get is reports of ghastly shaves in barbershops these days.
Glad you had a good experience. Like Kingfisher said, it seems all we get is reports of ghastly shaves in barbershops these days.
+1
The bad experiences far outweigh the good. Seems to be 10-20 bad experiences for every good one.
Yes, I had an appalling (and expensive) shave in Truefitt and Hill in St James street a couple of years back; very disappointing. Surly dude carrying it out and was quite a shoddy, bloody result
There are lots of Turkish barbers in big British cities so I had a shave in one in Edinburgh a couple of months ago, for about £10. This was much better. The guy used Arko soap mixed in a bowl, a shavette, alum block and an extremely strong smelling aftershave lotion (didn't catch what it was). Also did the flame on the ears thing. Shave wasn't perfect and I felt a bit tender afterwards, but it was a fun experience
There are lots of Turkish barbers in big British cities so I had a shave in one in Edinburgh a couple of months ago, for about £10. This was much better. The guy used Arko soap mixed in a bowl, a shavette, alum block and an extremely strong smelling aftershave lotion (didn't catch what it was). Also did the flame on the ears thing. Shave wasn't perfect and I felt a bit tender afterwards, but it was a fun experience
- Thread starter
- #6
I have no idea what kind of straight razor he used, black handle, looked like buffalo horn due to the striations in the grain. had a silver oval emblem I didn't quite see. The blade had some fancy lettering on it, but I had my glasses off and wouldn't be able to tell you what it said on a dare. I'll be going back in a week or so, I asked him to order some aftershave for me when he next orders some for the shop, just happened to catch him on the same day he orders, so maybe next week? I'll ask him then about the razor.
Also, I had no idea there was so much negative about barbershop shaves! I'm new to the forum still and haven't read much of the older posts. I guess I should consider myself lucky to have had a good experience. I will be making the shave aspect part of my monthly haircut ritual that's for sure. My hair grows slow, so one haircut a month is usually enough.
Also, I had no idea there was so much negative about barbershop shaves! I'm new to the forum still and haven't read much of the older posts. I guess I should consider myself lucky to have had a good experience. I will be making the shave aspect part of my monthly haircut ritual that's for sure. My hair grows slow, so one haircut a month is usually enough.
"Also did the flame on the ears thing."
What is this?
What is this?
"Also did the flame on the ears thing."
What is this?
It's a little bud of cotton wool, held in a twist of wire. The cotton is soaked in methylated spirits (or similar) then lit. It's not a big flame but they use it to singe the stray hairs in your ears (and nostrils
) it looks and sounds a bit scary, but it's not too bad....as long as the smell of singed hair doesn't bother you 
Wow, but what the heck, I'd try it!
Glad you had a good experience! I've yet to try a barbershop shave.
Love the semi-wadcutters for your avatar!!
Love the semi-wadcutters for your avatar!!
You don't often hear of any good experiences regarding barbershop shaves.. It's refreshing to know that a good shave is still available out there!
The bad experiences far outweigh the good. Seems to be 10-20 bad experiences for every good one.
I would like to quantify that: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=152889
I happen to have a supplier for that stuff I love it!!!
$7 for a huge bottle too!!
I had a barbershop shave out of curiosity when I was just out of high school, some 55 years ago. As I recall, there was no real problem with the shave, but based on that experience I decided I could do a better job, much cheaper. Maybe one of these days I'll give a barber another shot at my face. So to speak.
there are good barbers and there are mediocre barbers. if the guy can't give you a perfect haircut, what makes you think he can give you a good shave? I have my one barber that I trust absolutely, but sometimes he'll close up shop early...or take a few days off. When I see a fill-in barber, I get a haircut, and if I'm 100% satisfied with his ability to do that, then and only then will I say "hey buddy, can I get a shave?"
Yes, an old time barbershop shave is a true luxury, but here is something even better-
You can go to AoS daily and get a "royal shave" that will set you back $75 or so with tip, or you can master the necessary techniques and get an even better shave yourself for pennies a day.
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