Thread: Barbershop Shave

Hello all! I am new to this form and the world of straight razor shaving. I've been considering getting into straight razor shaving; so i figured I would go down to my local barber and see what this was all about. I've had my hair cut there before, but never a shave. So today I did! I must say, it was very discouraging. The pre-shave process was nice. However, the shave it self was painful. It felt more like he was pulling the hair out than shaving it off my face. I am just curious; am I being a baby or is this not normal? To be honest I've had tattoo's that hurt less.

He used a disposable straight razor and what seemed like some kind of shaving oil from American Crew. Would like to hear your thoughts. Thanks in advance.

Sounds to me like he didn't have a clue what he was doing. Mack

A good straight razor shave shouldn't hurt during the shave. Ideally, it won't hurt afterwards either, but sometimes you'll get a nick or two. I've shaved with a straight razor and had straight razor shaves at barbershops and they've never hurt. I'd say try a different barber at a reputable barbershop before you write off straight shaving. Of course, you could buy yourself a razor and learn to shave correctly. This way you can make sure you get the nice shave you're looking for.

#1) it should never hurt , the blade should slide smooth over the face ,#2) he used a shavette not a straight razor , steps to a great shave , 91 hot towel or shower for a minimum of 4 minutes (2 pre shave oil, (3 a good shave soap with a good lather ,(4 any new or vintage razor thats been honed by a pro , (5 after shave ..... happy shaving

Thanks for all the good advice. I figured it was a bad experience. I didnt think anyone would put them self’s through that every morning if it always felt that bad.

It really should be a pleasure, & leave your face feeling better than any other shave, when done right.
You had a bad one. So many barbershop shaves end this way.
Don't be deterred. It's not going to be like that when you've got some experience behind you!

It seems to me that the razor was not as sharp as it should have been. I suspect that the barber was trying to get more shaves than he should have out of the razor -- probably an economic consideration.

When shaving with a straight, you might get a slight tugging, but certainly nothing that painful. I, too, have gotten tattoos, and I can assure you that straight-shaving is infinitely less painful!

Also, I suspect the shave prep was not adequately done.

I shave with a straight every day of the week and, usually, the morning shave is the best part of the day.

Originally Posted by sffone

It seems to me that the razor was not as sharp as it should have been. I suspect that the barber was trying to get more shaves than he should have out of the razor -- probably an economic consideration.

Let's hope not! It should've been a new blade.

It's probably a combination of lack of prep, as you suggest, too much pressure & lack of skill.

Tugging is not something that i experience. I used to when i was new to honing, but not any longer.

I can understand where you are coming from, and like the others say it should not hurt.

The problem is that no one gets screened or tested to prove there skills
which is the same in my trade as a chef!

I have eaten at many places where they called them selves a "chef" and thought that the food was good and like the barber you visited they really do not have any clue!

Forget barbershops!

Pick up a nice blade, strop, brush and get going yourself! Its so easy to do, very relaxing, and enjoyable.

You will have the best shaves of your life!

Good luck!