barbershops in Melbourne, Australia

**dhaub** · 05-05-2009, 06:21 AM

Hello there,

I've been playing around with safety razors and cartridges mostly and since being introduced to the community my shaves have become much better (albeit significantly longer!). They are not perfect (not close enough, take too long, cut myself ...) but they are getting better with more experimentation and different technique.

I have a dream of experiencing the perfect shave. My shaves are getting closer to the ideal, but im a firm believer in following good example, as such i would like to pay a professional for a perfect shave.

Does anybody know of any experienced straight-razor barbers in Melbourne, Australia. I know of a couple of shops, but if anybody can recommend any specific guys thatd be great!!!

ps. this tradition is outdated and so i imagine most of the guys who do it are out of practice- this is why im requesting recommendations!

**dhaub** · 05-19-2009, 03:40 AM

hello community,

I visited 'Daves Barbershop' on acland st in St. Kilda today to get my first straight-shave. He's been there for 18 years.

I went in there with a full beard, so he started with some hair clippers, which were really quite rough. He then prepped me, rubbing an almost scalding hot brush and lather into my face and then whipped out a straight razor with a replaceable blade ( a double-edge blade i assume) to begin the shave. He was not so bad with the razor- i mean he didn't cut me but he definately did not glide along my face, pretty harsh but bearable.

Because my head was tilted back, unfortunately i couldn't really see what he was doing, so i cant comment on technique. It felt like he was doing sideways motions across my face mostly.

As to the visibility and smoothness, its still visible on my mustache and chin, not BBS but reasonably smooth, i can definately feel the fine stubble when i go against my grain with my fingers, but he did do a better job of my neck than i normally am capable.
what i was really hoping for was all gone (like a preteen) BBS !!

overall, it cost $25 with the clipper shave, up from $19 for a regular shave. he did not cut me, i dont have too much of lingering irritation, but it was definately not the perfect shave.

i give him 2/5 stars.

next i will try, http://www.melbournebarbershop.com.au/home.html

its the top listing on the yellowpages and its pricey at $31!!!

**rm71** · 05-19-2009, 03:44 AM

Let us know how you go. There a few guys from Melbourne here who might be able to point you in the right direction for a traditional straight shave.

**Luc** · 05-19-2009, 03:49 AM

Good quest! I saw that shop, have a look at what they are selling in there. I think they have a few razor blades and some Proraso but I am unsure. It's on my 'to-visit' list but I haven't got there yet...

I think the Eastside hairstyle in Reservoir is doing some shaves (there are razors and Proraso all over the windows) but I will have to go in there to ask one day.

**dhaub** · 05-19-2009, 04:16 AM

Luc> which shop did you see? Daves barber or the Melbourne Barber shop?

**Luc** · 05-19-2009, 04:35 AM

I didn't go to any of them, yet. The plan is to go there eventually. I saw a few webpages about Melbourne barber shop about the service/products for sale, etc. It's supposed to be a good place but cannot comment has I haven't been there.

**Bushranger** · 05-19-2009, 05:59 AM

I wonder how Dunny would feel about straight shaving someone else?

I would not venture out as brave dhaub is without knowing the skill of the shaver as history has attested.

**dhaub** · 05-20-2009, 12:53 AM

Bushranger> im assuming 'Dunny' is a friend of yours?

Well i'm open to allowing people to shave my face. Can't be any worse than the especially poor job i've done at times by myself- though i might give the straight a miss in the hands of a 'non-pro'.

Even if not that, i wouldnt mind getting a preview of the different shaving techniques/routines people have if they'll let me.

**baggiez** · 05-20-2009, 02:09 AM

Hey guys
I've been getting haircuts at Melbourne barber shop for over ten years and George is a great guy. I can't comment on the straight razor shave though so you would have to check. He carries a good range of Proraso and Omega products which is an added bonus.

**mdunn** · 05-23-2009, 04:41 AM

im dunny!

I gave my brother a shave with a straight while we were in Egypt - he had run out of m3 cartridges. But it was a pretty decent shave for him, at least as good as what he was getting with the m3 i'd say. Not bad for a first attempt!

**Luc** · 05-23-2009, 04:59 AM

Are you saying that we might have shaves if we go to Sydney?

**mdunn** · 05-23-2009, 05:18 AM

Originally Posted by Luc

Are you saying that we might have shaves if we go to Sydney?

ill mock up an indemnity waiver first

im actually coming to melb in a couple weeks, too!

**Bushranger** · 05-23-2009, 05:18 AM

a nice thought!

**Luc** · 05-23-2009, 03:41 PM

Originally Posted by mdunn

ill mock up an indemnity waiver first

im actually coming to melb in a couple weeks, too!

Are you? Let me know if you get lost!

Where are you going?

**mdunn** · 05-23-2009, 04:35 PM

yeah, i'll be down there in early july. Not sure yet, im going to a thing put on by Monash, so somewhere near the uni I expect.

I did get a hot tip about a place that does good straight shaves in Sydney, so i'll check it out and report back. Maybe there IS a chance for straight shaves in Syd.