My new barber

**BD1970** · 07-19-2007, 11:25 AM

I decided today that it was time for another haircut. So I went out on a limb & tried one of these out-of-the-way barbershops ran by an older gent. Since I live in a large metro area, I usually frequent your typical chain-type beauty salons that overcharge & don't cut hair very well but today I decided to go against the grain (pardon the pun!!!

). Boy was I pleasantly surprised. This fella took his time (approx. 20 min), did a great job, trimmed my neck & around the ears with a straight. Got caught up on the local gossip. Nice experience. I think I've had my last haircut from the overpriced salons!!!

His shop was very old school...circa early 1960's...barber chairs & other furniture older than I am...pictures on the wall of JFK, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis, etc...strong Pinaud smell floating around...you get the picture. All for $10. I tipped him $2 for a job well done & he tried to give it back!!! Unreal. Most "beauty salons" sneer at you if you don't give'em a tip.

Sadly, he stopped doing straight shaves about 20 years ago.

**Jfala** · 07-19-2007, 12:01 PM

Too bad he gave up straight shaves, otherwise it sounds like the perfect spot.

**Prince** · 07-19-2007, 12:07 PM

There is a very similar place here in Dallas. The only problem is, it can take 30-45 minutes to get in because everyone loves the place.

**Dennis** · 07-19-2007, 12:15 PM

Sounds exactly like my guy, exactly. I asked him when he stopped giving straight shaves, and he replied, "When did AIDS come out?" He still has his strops (Russians) attached to his barber chair and I saw he has his stainless scaled straight out last time I was in. I asked why he had it out and he said he still hones it and strops it to keep in practice so there is hope yet I think.

Dennis

**BD1970** · 07-19-2007, 12:22 PM

Originally Posted by Jfala

Too bad he gave up straight shaves, otherwise it sounds like the perfect spot.

Yeah, I think next time I'll see if I can con him into it. That is if he still has a steady enough hand. All he had was a lather machine...no cream or brush.

Hmmmm....Maybe I could bring my own.

**analog_kid** · 07-19-2007, 12:22 PM

There is an old school barbershop downtown, but I'm a little frightened to go in! I walked passed about a month ago on a Saturday morning when I was out for an overpriced joe and paper. Floors looked dirty and all the sinks had open plumbing with lots of visible corrosion and soap scum build up. Maybe one day...

For now I'll stick to the hot little number at JC Penney's that spends a little too much time brushing the trimmings from my neck and shoulders.

**Mr. Clean** · 07-19-2007, 12:24 PM

Originally Posted by Prince

There is a very similar place here in Dallas. The only problem is, it can take 30-45 minutes to get in because everyone loves the place.

What place is this? In Dallas proper? I seem to recall a mention of a shop in Richardson on Coit, but don't recall the name. I'm not necessarily looking for a new shop as mine is sufficient. It is a three-chair (currently only 2 are manned), barber shop located just down the road from the house. The two barbers have been at it at least since the late 60s (I don't know for certain how long either have been at the barbering game) Alas they don't do the shaved neck thing, but with their last increase I still pay only $11 for my flat-top hair-cut (man I think I'm cool - knowing wink toward David Allen Coe

)

**Magnulus** · 07-19-2007, 12:30 PM

I always go to an "old time" barber. He doesn't do straight razors or shaves, and he charges 80 bucks for flat tops (a joke, he won't do them at all), but he's a good barber. He's a big Polish guy, an ex-Navy seal who is in his 50's, and he only charges 11 dollars for a haircut.

I don't like chain salons/barbers. They do haircuts well but it's better to go into a place where the guy actually likes working there and is making good money and is friendly... and it doesn't cost you alot just to get a haircut.

**fatt_tony** · 07-19-2007, 01:07 PM

Here's one in the Bedford, TX area, $16.00 for a straight razor shave.

**BD1970** · 07-19-2007, 01:31 PM

Originally Posted by fatt_tony

Here's one in the Bedford, TX area, $16.00 for a straight razor shave.

Right next door to a nail salon...go figure.

**Jfala** · 07-19-2007, 02:45 PM

I don't know if I'm just noticing them more, or there are now more of them; but I am finding quite a number of barbershops around my area that are now doing (or continuing to do) shaves. One shop down the street from my office has painted on the window" "Old Fashioned Italian Barber Haircut & Shave".

Might have to make my way over there to try it.