Wet shavers know their body and beard better than anyone else. As our Forum illustrates what works for one person doesn't work for others. -Part of the fun is finding out what works for you.
Open razor shave from a barber
- Thread starter Jakebullet
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Rather than just complain, can you share with us what we should be communicating to the person holding the straight razor against our neck. What should we realistically expect from professional shave? What can we do as clients to make the experience easier and better for you, the professional?
Can’t find the complaint in what one2mny said, just a statement of fact from a professional barber.
B.
I didn't word that correctly. It wasn't him complaining, it is us that are complaining about below expectation services. I apologize for the confusion. I could have worded it better.
I was told by my old barber, since retired, that a barbershop shave does not seek perfection, merely a comfortable and acceptable one. Who would want to get up from the chair with razor burn, and then fork over money for it..
Makes perfect sense to me...
Makes perfect sense to me...
I haven't watched a ton of barber shave videos, but have yet to see a barber shave a client ATG, so my expectation would be a 2-pass DFS, with all the "frills".
Well played Sir!
As the great Mrs Ladd would say,
"I don't..and I don't expect anyone else to either!"
My Grandfather was a superb barber with his shop in Great Windmill Street in Soho from the mid 1930's to the 50's, and I have a glossy 8"x10" news photo of him shaving Jack Solomons, a famous English boxing promoter. They were great friends, and Grandfather would shave and give a haircut to all the American boxers that fought in the UK that Mr Solomons was promoting. It was a kind of ritual. Most London based English professionals that used Mr Solomon's gym would get their haircuts and shaves there. It seemed to be the place.
From the photo, he seems to be going WTG.
There is an attached interview with my Grandfather which is in the archives of the London Evening News. I must dig it out. It seems to date from the mid '50's. It may give professional insights.
Unless it was from my Grandfather or another master of the period, I would prefer to shave myself, albeit with a mere DE. I suspect great SR barber shaves are a dying art, although there are a few places in the City and West of London which keep the old skills. I must check them out one day, for the experience.
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- Thread starter
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Great post, there would be some great characters and conversation in that shop I’m sure.
It's the pomp and circumstance that I enjoy with a good barbershop shave. The moisturizing of my face and the hot towels, etc. As far as the end result, i get a better overall shave at home. i did get a superb shave, however, at Truefitt and Hill in London. $$$$$ 
If I walk into any old diner and just order a hamburger I can probably guess it won't be nearly as good as I'd like and that it'll never be as good as one I can make at home.
If I communicate to the server/cook/etc what I'd really like, how I'd like it, etc, and keep realistic expectations, I'll probably wind up with a better experience.
Me being disappointed over a burger when I didn't communicate needs/wants/desires/expectation is is more my fault than anyone else's. Assuming burger Nirvana because they are 'pros' would be foolish.
With stuff like barber shaves, in this day and age, it's entirely possible that the barber has been given a script and is not allowed to color outside the lines. Skill levels are bound to very too.
If I communicate to the server/cook/etc what I'd really like, how I'd like it, etc, and keep realistic expectations, I'll probably wind up with a better experience.
Me being disappointed over a burger when I didn't communicate needs/wants/desires/expectation is is more my fault than anyone else's. Assuming burger Nirvana because they are 'pros' would be foolish.
With stuff like barber shaves, in this day and age, it's entirely possible that the barber has been given a script and is not allowed to color outside the lines. Skill levels are bound to very too.
