BGog
07-17-2006, 11:27 PM
I've recently decided to take the wet shaving plunge. I'd like to tell you the
story of why..
Being sick of getting crappy SuperCuts haircuts, I decided to search for a good old fashioned barber shop. You know the kind where the first words out of the barbers mouth is likely to be "Damn Guv'ment". I searched the internet and phone book to no avail. I had nearly forgotten about my idea when I saw a small rotating barber-pole at the far end of a strip mall while driving to work. Jackpot.
Upon entering I knew I had found what I was looking for. There were two barber chairs lined up before a mirrored wall and the opposing wall was covered in WWII war posters and paintings of classic cars. "Do you take walk-ins?" I asked looking to the sole barber. Scissors of various sizes hung from loops on the front of the smock he wore tightly around his waist. He curled up his nose and peered at me through thick black-framed glasses. "Does this look like a beauty parlor to you? All we take is walk-ins."
Since he was working on a customer I wandered over to the magazine rack in the corner and grabbed the latest Hot-Rod from a selection that included two fishing rags, one about hunting and a Playboy from 1998. I didn't have long to wait as he appeared to be almost finished with his current customer.
Eventually I was waved to the chair and one my way I noticed a thick brown leather strap hanging from the side of the chair, this thing not only looked heavily used but like it needed a good vacation. "Do you actually do shaves?" I asked, settling into the chair. He looked at me for a moment and said, "Are you dumb?" He pointed to a sign by the door which indicated that shaves cost $15. I was really shocked, I didn't know anyone did shaves any more. I figured that had stopped long before my time. I had about a four day stubble going and figured why not. "I'd like a haircut and a shave then."
What followed can only be described as the epitome of masculine pampering. He pulled a leaver on the side of the barber chair and I slowly tilted backward. He wrapped my face in a steaming hot towel and proceeded to take his razor to the leather strap while I cooked. Once towel was removed, he fired up "The Machine". It was a silver box about size inches high bolted to the counter. The high-pitched whir it started with was suddenly muffled as a stream of hot lather poured out into the barbers hands. I must tell you, the smell of the cream was amazing, imagine a combination of leather, flowers and butter.
Now I'm sure it was because I've seen too many horror movies but I did have a tiny nervous pang when he brandished the cut-throat style razor :eek: . However any concern was soon lost in the luxurios shaving experience. There was no pain or discomfort at all. I could hear a steady gritty sound as each hair was severed by his masterful hand. I never new a shave could be so fun.
When the shave was complete, he wrapped my face again in alternating hot and cold towels and splashed me with some aftershave. The smell of the aftershave took me by surprise, it was a smell I hadn't smelled since my grandfather used to take me to the barber fifteen years ago. That smell was a nice treat for the rest of the day as it kept those nice memories in my mind.
I've never in my life had such a close shave as I got that day. And to achive that without pain or razor-burn was just amazing to me. When I arrived home, I challenged my wife to find a single remaining stubble that she could still feel. She failed, of course, but it was nice having her try :biggrin:
So that is why I'm here. I decided that there must be a way for me to get a better shave at home. I never want to take a bic disposable to my face again!!
The reason I'm so excited is that tomorrow morning my order from classic
shaving will arrive. The box will will contain one Merkur VISION razor, a Vulfix #2233 Super Badger :badger: Shaving Brush, and a tub of Taylor of Old Bond Street Luxury Shaving Cream.
I simply can't wait! :shaving:
Thanks for bearing with my long post!
story of why..
Being sick of getting crappy SuperCuts haircuts, I decided to search for a good old fashioned barber shop. You know the kind where the first words out of the barbers mouth is likely to be "Damn Guv'ment". I searched the internet and phone book to no avail. I had nearly forgotten about my idea when I saw a small rotating barber-pole at the far end of a strip mall while driving to work. Jackpot.
Upon entering I knew I had found what I was looking for. There were two barber chairs lined up before a mirrored wall and the opposing wall was covered in WWII war posters and paintings of classic cars. "Do you take walk-ins?" I asked looking to the sole barber. Scissors of various sizes hung from loops on the front of the smock he wore tightly around his waist. He curled up his nose and peered at me through thick black-framed glasses. "Does this look like a beauty parlor to you? All we take is walk-ins."
Since he was working on a customer I wandered over to the magazine rack in the corner and grabbed the latest Hot-Rod from a selection that included two fishing rags, one about hunting and a Playboy from 1998. I didn't have long to wait as he appeared to be almost finished with his current customer.
Eventually I was waved to the chair and one my way I noticed a thick brown leather strap hanging from the side of the chair, this thing not only looked heavily used but like it needed a good vacation. "Do you actually do shaves?" I asked, settling into the chair. He looked at me for a moment and said, "Are you dumb?" He pointed to a sign by the door which indicated that shaves cost $15. I was really shocked, I didn't know anyone did shaves any more. I figured that had stopped long before my time. I had about a four day stubble going and figured why not. "I'd like a haircut and a shave then."
What followed can only be described as the epitome of masculine pampering. He pulled a leaver on the side of the barber chair and I slowly tilted backward. He wrapped my face in a steaming hot towel and proceeded to take his razor to the leather strap while I cooked. Once towel was removed, he fired up "The Machine". It was a silver box about size inches high bolted to the counter. The high-pitched whir it started with was suddenly muffled as a stream of hot lather poured out into the barbers hands. I must tell you, the smell of the cream was amazing, imagine a combination of leather, flowers and butter.
Now I'm sure it was because I've seen too many horror movies but I did have a tiny nervous pang when he brandished the cut-throat style razor :eek: . However any concern was soon lost in the luxurios shaving experience. There was no pain or discomfort at all. I could hear a steady gritty sound as each hair was severed by his masterful hand. I never new a shave could be so fun.
When the shave was complete, he wrapped my face again in alternating hot and cold towels and splashed me with some aftershave. The smell of the aftershave took me by surprise, it was a smell I hadn't smelled since my grandfather used to take me to the barber fifteen years ago. That smell was a nice treat for the rest of the day as it kept those nice memories in my mind.
I've never in my life had such a close shave as I got that day. And to achive that without pain or razor-burn was just amazing to me. When I arrived home, I challenged my wife to find a single remaining stubble that she could still feel. She failed, of course, but it was nice having her try :biggrin:
So that is why I'm here. I decided that there must be a way for me to get a better shave at home. I never want to take a bic disposable to my face again!!
The reason I'm so excited is that tomorrow morning my order from classic
shaving will arrive. The box will will contain one Merkur VISION razor, a Vulfix #2233 Super Badger :badger: Shaving Brush, and a tub of Taylor of Old Bond Street Luxury Shaving Cream.
I simply can't wait! :shaving:
Thanks for bearing with my long post!