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dieselfuel79
04-20-2012, 12:54 PM
Since I started classic shaving last spring, I have found myself accumulating different types of software. I founds items that I loathed, loved and simply put on the shelf to hold onto.

In the last 2 weekends, I thought I would give back to 2 men that have done a lot for me in my lifetime, and in the last 10 years. That would be my Dad and my father in law.
I set my Dad up with an EJ, A birth razor (Gillette Rocket) and some soaps for Christmas. And up until recently, I thought my father in law was using an electric, so I assumed he was set...and you know what they say when you assume.

Well, after looking over some of my items, I ended up gifting my own EJ in Barley to my Dad, because he mentioned concerns with the grip on his EJ chrome-lined. I also tossed in a few extra blades just in case. We now talk on the phone 3 times a week, not just about sports- but Dad's new findings when he tries a new item. Mom also makes sure she tells me if he cut himself or how nice he smelled.

Today I was installing a door to my front entrance with my father in law. I don't know why, but it was eating away at me to ask why he was using an electric- so I had to ask. Turns out he stopped a few years ago, and uses a 2 blade gillettte. I bolted upstairs to my Den and grabbed some items that were not getting any love.

He left my house with a barely used Vulfix 1000a in pure, which was my first brush, a full bottle of Clubman, an unused container (with the exception of 2 test lathers) of Vito's Extra super, and a new bottle of Razorocks's original shave gel. (I have been using my King Louis scent more often.) This quiet Italian man looked at me with a smile, and thanked me for the items. He said that he loved them (in Italian) and could not wait to try them out. (My wife has to translate for me.) Then he shook my hand and gave me a hug and stated that he would be the smoothest man on the block. I know my Italian mother in law is all about the BBS- so maybe I will have scored myself some homemade amaretto cookies.

Anyhow, it feels good to not only pass along some unused items for others to enjoy- but now I don't feel so bad about these items staring at me day in and day out.
My den is slowly withering to the staples I like to use for myself. if there's one thing I have learned, it's to stick with what works for you- and keep it simple.

Thanks for reading.

turtle
04-20-2012, 12:57 PM
What a nice thing to do. Good man!

Vickers
04-20-2012, 01:01 PM
That was great. Sounds like you have your priorities in order, amigo.

Songwind
04-20-2012, 01:07 PM
Great story, and a great pair of gestures.

Parallax
04-20-2012, 01:38 PM
Nice story. Hope I can be as good a son as you are. Tried to turn my soon-to-be-FIL on to traditional shaving but he has a full beard and his hands shake so he was both afraid to take it on and didn't see much value in just trimming up the edges. When I see my dad, who has used an electric for years, I'm going to see if he'll shave with me. If he likes it, will set him up like you did with your dad. We'll be together for my cousin's wedding so dad should want a decent shave. And once his face is smooth as silk, I think he'll be impressed. My mom too.

arm017
04-20-2012, 01:52 PM
Thanks for sharing. It is awesome to have others share in our love.

Vivasanti
04-20-2012, 01:58 PM
awesome story full of kindness, thanks for sharing.

timebomb
04-20-2012, 03:40 PM
Awesome story. Let us know about each of their experiences.

Also, go Jets go!

Adam R
04-20-2012, 03:52 PM
That was heart warming to read. Doing nice things for parents and in laws is never a bad idea.