Thread: First post, three questions.

Okay, I found my way here because I'm doing some research on a 7-day set of Cattaraugus. But I've also wondered for many years about whether there was still some corner of the world (well, some place in THIS part of the world, being the mid Atlantic US) where one might still get a shave as in the old days, in the barber's chair. Sorry, I'm pretty obviously ignorant on the subject, but I've been told that since the advent of AIDS this service has all but been outlawed (true?).

While I am curious to try a straight razor myself, the set I have is a collectable and I wouldn't need something like it myself. I's like to clean it—no, don't worry...I've not done anything with it yet. So I tried to find some forum posts on simple cleaning—haven't yet. I'll probably do nothing with them and let an expert do this, but before I offer it I thought, if there IS some very basic, and safe cleaning I could do, I'd like to.

I have the Cattaraubus Cuttlery Co guide book, but it doesn't show this particular blade, nor does it mention the 7-day set with leather box. Anyway, that's all for now. Any pointers to the cleaning or otherwise, thanks in advance. I'll try to get a round to taking some photos as well.

Paul

Originally Posted by pawletto

...I've been told that since the advent of AIDS this service has all but been outlawed (true?).

That's pretty true, but I think there must be some truth to the fact that barbers don't always have the same skill that their predecessors had since fewer and fewer men are looking for a shave from them.

Originally Posted by pawletto

... some very basic, and safe cleaning I could do ...

Rub it with simple metal polish to remove the tarnish.

And once the set is in good shape, why not try a shave now and again? you can still find something else for your daily shaver if you like.

X

Welcome to SRP. In the classifieds here are folks who are expert at restoring razors and offer their services. If I were you I would get an estimate and leave it to them if you feel that the price is within what you would pay and still make a profit. You would need to forward photos of the razors and scales (handles) . We would love to see them.

A local barber shop here in Fla offers a shave for $15.00. I don't know how good it is but a long time old barber is doing them.

Welcome to SRP, you can still get a straight shave in some places however most only use a shavette style straight with the disposable blades for health reasons, I am sure some states have banned the use of a straight while maybe some others haven't or all barbers haven't gotten the word. I had 1 professional shave here in Pa by a place run by very old school Italian barbers and although they used a shavette it was amazing.

If those blades are not tarnished I would get them sharpened by a pro from the site here and use them, if you not going to use them put a protectant coating of some kind on them either a light oil or wipe then down with protectant cloth

Thanks for your replies. I'll post some photos in the next day or two. I never knew there was SUCH a following for this style of shaving. I roast my own coffee and know how deep the subject can go!

Welcome to SRP...
I would love to see a 7 day set of Catty's...
They have a good following around here, and myself personally think very highly of the shave that they give....
Every Catty I have honed, has taken a super sharp and smooth edge they had great steel....
Clean them up, get them honed, and enjoy

Originally Posted by pawletto

Thanks for your replies. I'll post some photos in the next day or two. I never knew there was SUCH a following for this style of shaving. I roast my own coffee and know how deep the subject can go!

Yer gonna love this place! Show us some pics!

Originally Posted by pawletto

I've been told that since the advent of AIDS this service has all but been outlawed (true?).

I am not sure this is absolutely true... I think that it was more because of the Hepatitis that barbers begun to use disposable blade for their razors - mainly because hepatitis has been discovered before AIDS; but AIDS didn't help of course.
But you can still find barbers that accept to shave you with your own straight razor... maybe a good compromise?

Originally Posted by pawletto

Thanks for your replies. I'll post some photos in the next day or two. I never knew there was SUCH a following for this style of shaving. I roast my own coffee and know how deep the subject can go!

I think it is a type of personality that may enjoy a bit of the old school. I addition to the straight I roast my own coffee and brew my own beer. My freinds told me I was born 50 years too late.

Welcome to SRP and congratulations on having such a nice 7-day set!
We look forward to seeing pics.
Enjoy.