First Straight Shave in a Barbershop

**BobS** · 09-26-2009, 09:55 AM

I decided to treat myself today and went to a barbershop that was advertising the ultimate straight razor shave.

This was a lot more about the experience than getting a shave, because at $50, I can get a lot of fine shaves at home, but the experience was worth it.

The fact that the barber was an very nice looking young lady was a bonus.

The shave was advertised as lasting 40 minutes and it actually took a couple of minutes longer. The facial massage was worth the price of admission.

The process went like this:

- Hot towel
- Facial massage with a pre treat that lasted about 8 minutes.
- Hot towel
- Application of a shaving gel with a prolonged massage
- Shaving WTG, ATG and some clean-up passes on specific areas where she could still feel my beard.
- Hot towel
- Final rub with an aftershave oil

The final product was good, but not excellent. It was BBS on my cheeks and chin, but the lower lip, parts of my neck and right under the jaw line were not as good as my normal DE shave.

All in all, I enjoyed myself and am glad I did it.

The place was also interesting, because they served beer, on tap, while you were waiting. Since I got there just before 11:00 AM, I declined and am not sure what they charge. They also had some plasma TVs, showing sports, so it might make a nice afternoon, before a big night out!

FWIW, the barbershop is located in the strip mall at the corner of 202 and Route 1, just North of Wilmington, DE. The name on the building is simply "Barbershop" and it says "The Ultimate Shave" on the door.

**Angus Young** · 09-26-2009, 11:03 AM

It's strange they used a gel. I would have imagined they would have used a soap/cream and a brush. Still it sounds like a good experience, another thing I'll add to the things to do before I die list.

**sandmountainslim** · 09-26-2009, 12:01 PM

Originally Posted by BobS

The fact that the barber was an very nice looking young lady was a bonus.......

FWIW, the barbershop is located in the strip mall at the corner of 202 and Route 1, just North of Wilmington, DE. .

Are you sure it isn't located inside of a strip club????
Wp

**dpmtherrien** · 09-26-2009, 12:02 PM

Thats a steep price for a shave, but hey, as long as you enjoyed it. I had my first barber shave when I was in the Air Force in Korea. The Korean barbers gave you one fine shave, and the cost was whopping 15 cents.

**Abdiel** · 09-26-2009, 03:12 PM

I would have imagined they would have used a soap/cream and a brush.

Most areas don't allow the use of a shared brush for sanitary reasons.

**mdunn** · 09-26-2009, 03:18 PM

cool - most of these barbershop shaves are bloodbaths

**BobS** · 09-26-2009, 05:34 PM

It was done with a straight with a disposable blade, but they had a hone and strop in the shop, because the law requires it.

**Tat2d Bald Dude** · 09-26-2009, 06:29 PM

Originally Posted by BobS

I decided to treat myself today and went to a barbershop that was advertising the ultimate straight razor shave.

This was a lot more about the experience than getting a shave, because at $50, I can get a lot of fine shaves at home, but the experience was worth it.

The fact that the barber was an very nice looking young lady was a bonus.

The shave was advertised as lasting 40 minutes and it actually took a couple of minutes longer. The facial massage was worth the price of admission.

The process went like this:

- Hot towel
- Facial massage with a pre treat that lasted about 8 minutes.
- Hot towel
- Application of a shaving gel with a prolonged massage
- Shaving WTG, ATG and some clean-up passes on specific areas where she could still feel my beard.
- Hot towel
- Final rub with an aftershave oil

The final product was good, but not excellent. It was BBS on my cheeks and chin, but the lower lip, parts of my neck and right under the jaw line were not as good as my normal DE shave.

All in all, I enjoyed myself and am glad I did it.

The place was also interesting, because they served beer, on tap, while you were waiting. Since I got there just before 11:00 AM, I declined and am not sure what they charge. They also had some plasma TVs, showing sports, so it might make a nice afternoon, before a big night out!

FWIW, the barbershop is located in the strip mall at the corner of 202 and Route 1, just North of Wilmington, DE. The name on the building is simply "Barbershop" and it says "The Ultimate Shave" on the door.

Glad it worked out for you, because I just know that I would/will NEVER get a professional shave. Sorry, but there's just no way I'm ever letting a total stranger hold a straight razor to my neck/face. But again, that's just me.

**Scooterman** · 09-26-2009, 06:56 PM

Originally Posted by dpmtherrien

Thats a steep price for a shave, but hey, as long as you enjoyed it. I had my first barber shave when I was in the Air Force in Korea. The Korean barbers gave you one fine shave, and the cost was whopping 15 cents.

You didn't mention the massage girls...

gone down south · 09-26-2009, 07:54 PM

Originally Posted by Tat2d Bald Dude

Glad it worked out for you, because I just know that I would/will NEVER get a professional shave. Sorry, but there's just no way I'm ever letting a total stranger hold a straight razor to my neck/face. But again, that's just me.

But you let strangers prepare your food and cut your hair?
Funny, outside of Sweeny Todd I can't recall any rash of barbershop murder/mutilations going down.

**Tat2d Bald Dude** · 09-27-2009, 09:34 AM

Originally Posted by gone down south

But you let strangers prepare your food and cut your hair?
Funny, outside of Sweeny Todd I can't recall any rash of barbershop murder/mutilations going down.

I don't do fast food and do all of my cooking at home, so no I don't let strangers prepare my food either and I shave my head, so I don't get haircuts. I don't mean to be a hypocrite or come off sounding like a jerk, but I didn't think I would have to justify why I personally would never do it. If it worked for the OP, great. I just know that I would never do it. And I know that the common thought to my statement is probably "What? Whatadya' think they're going to kill you or somethin'?!" No, (shrugs) but no one can guarantee me that they (the person doing the shave) couldn't if they wanted to.

gone down south · 09-27-2009, 09:41 AM

I was just teasin' ya, dude, no harm intended ;)
Everyone has one irrational fear that they know doesn't make sense but they can't shake.

**DSB** · 09-27-2009, 12:22 PM

Sounds like a much better barbershop shave than most around here have experienced.

**Thebigspendur** · 09-27-2009, 01:08 PM

Kind of reminds me of the guy who went to the 5 star restaurant. He was greeted by the maitre D and had a table with fine linen and fine china and sterling utensils and the waiter was very attentive but the food was mediocre.

I'm glad you enjoyed your experience however a disposible razor is NOT a straight and the fact you get a better shave with a DE than you got there says to me its all show and no go as they say. At least you weren't cut.

**Black Adder** · 09-27-2009, 01:49 PM

Originally Posted by DSB

Sounds like a much better barbershop shave than most around here have experienced.

Very true. Most of these tales end in a "crash and burn" as opposed to a perfect, three point landing. I'm glad you had a pretty good experience.

I share Tat's view about having other people give me a shave, and I wouldn't call it an irrational fear. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Nobody goes near my face with a razor except me. Nobody. It's a wise choice based on the belief that shaving other people, especially with a straight razor, is really an art form that I think has long been lost, at least here in America.

Don

**marvin100** · 09-27-2009, 05:13 PM

Originally Posted by Scooterman

You didn't mention the massage girls...

Prostitution in war-torn countries is hilarious. Good one.

**Ru4scuba?** · 09-27-2009, 06:15 PM

Nice! I've been thinking of hitting the Grooming Lounge for a shave up in Tyson's Corner, VA. Haven't come to grips with coughing up the cash tho.

**kdalmand** · 09-28-2009, 11:18 AM

Originally Posted by BobS

The place was also interesting, because they served beer, on tap, while you were waiting. Since I got there just before 11:00 AM, I declined and am not sure what they charge.

It had to be after 12p somewhere.

**Monkeydad** · 09-28-2009, 11:31 AM

Originally Posted by BobS

It was done with a straight with a disposable blade, but they had a hone and strop in the shop, because the law requires it.

This is how my barber does it. I saw the strop and asked about it and he said they use disposable straight blades.

They also have Clubman products and Barbicide.

**masonjarjar** · 09-28-2009, 12:38 PM

Originally Posted by Tat2d Bald Dude

Glad it worked out for you, because I just know that I would/will NEVER get a professional shave. Sorry, but there's just no way I'm ever letting a total stranger hold a straight razor to my neck/face. But again, that's just me.

You've never had a barber clean up your neck with a straight before?

just sayin'..

I *might* do it one day.. but it would have to be a special occasion type thing..