Shaving, Depression Era style

Snakewhip_Sable · Post by **Snakewhip_Sable** » Tue Dec 21, 2004 6:51 pm

Were straight razors the norm in the 1930's? My girlfriend just bought me a vintage 1930's straightrazor (made in Germany). She insisted I use it immediately.

...I'm not sure I wanna try that again.

I have a badger-hair shaving brush (MADE from badger hair, Bink. Not for shaving badgers*!) and am considering picking up the sharpening strap at a local antique store - though, ye gods, there's no reason at all to make that thing any sharper!

Any thoughts on shaving and similar things in the 1930's?

*Badgers?! We don' need no steeking badgers!

Relic Raider · Post by **Relic Raider** » Tue Dec 21, 2004 7:50 pm

Snakewhip_Sable wrote:there's no reason at all to make that thing any sharper!

Straight razor, very dangerous. You shave first.

IndyBlues · Post by **IndyBlues** » Tue Dec 21, 2004 8:53 pm

Straight razors....the reason they invented safety razors.
I wouldn't mess with one either. Too easy to cut the heck out of yourself.
'Blues

Snakewhip_Sable · Post by **Snakewhip_Sable** » Tue Dec 21, 2004 9:02 pm

Relic Raider wrote: Straight razor, very dangerous. You shave first.

I did go first.

C'mon, everyone used to used a straightrazor back in the day. Or did folks just go to the barber every morning?

Hunter57 · Post by **Hunter57** » Tue Dec 21, 2004 9:03 pm

I had one once. Put that thing under glass. (Or, per a previous post, Lexan.)

Bushman · Post by **Bushman** » Tue Dec 21, 2004 9:15 pm

Now, this is something I know a bit about.

Your girlfriend is obviously a very kind and thoughtful young lady, but here's (at least) one time when it will pay NOT to listen to her! No matter how sharp your razor seems, it probably isn't up to snuff if it has been floating around since the '30s. (Look closely for any pitting or rust spots. A rusty razor caused Thoreau's brother's death from Lockjaw.)

Do not use a stone on your razor! Straight or "Cut-throat" razors (guess why they call them that?

) should be professionally sharpened. (Remember, you will be using it on your face.) After it is properly sharpened, YOU will need a "STROP" to keep it HONED. If you really want to use a straight razor long-term, you should have two (one in reserve for when the other goes out to be sharpened). Yep, that is why the upper class chaps always bought their razors in sets of two. (As you already know, this all involves a bit more time investment than disposable blades.)

Safety razors were widespread by the 1930s. If fact, a "safety" straight razor was introduced during WWI. It is a "straight razor" that takes a two-sided disposable blade. It is called the Durham Duofold. I have my grandfather's Duofold. Unfortunately, replacement blades are no longer available

. Witch hazel was the most widespread "aftershave" in the good old days (Get Dickinson's brand.) If you want store bought, Pinaud is one of the few commercial aftershaves still around from those days.

Now, having a particularly wirey beard, I've always been a blade man and have always looked askance at modern razors . . . until I was given one of those new-fangled Mach 3 jobs. Believe it or not, it shaves as well as a straight razor.

It's always good to know another blade man! Leave the (shudder) electric razors to those Hollywood fancy boys.

Good luck,

Bushman

Relic Raider · Post by **Relic Raider** » Tue Dec 21, 2004 9:17 pm

Snakewhip_Sable wrote:
C'mon, everyone used to used a straightrazor back in the day. Or did folks just go to the barber every morning?

Life expectancy was significantly lower, especially for men, before the advent of the first patented Gilette safety razor in 1904. Women often had no legs before 1904.

Cheers,
-Relic Raider

FloatinJoe · Post by **FloatinJoe** » Tue Dec 21, 2004 10:14 pm

Proper shaving is an artform, and until you've had a shave with a straight blade, you don't know what you're missing. I have received shaves at the hands of a skilled barber. Outstanding, I get it done whenever I can. It's rare to find barbers that still do it. I've also shaved myself. This takes a lot of practice and it also takes time. There are 14 strokes to a proper shave; and every shave should have two passes. It takes time, but in my opinion it is worth it. I no longer use a straight blade for daily use, but I do have it done by barbers when I can. For daily practice, I use a standard single blade safety razor and duplicate the strokes used with a straight blade. There is also something to be said for a hot lather; I still maintain that as part of my daily routine.

Mike

zeus36 · Post by **zeus36** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 2:01 am

I think Indy IV should have a scene with Ford using a straight razor!

I have over 30 antique straight razors in my collection, some were my grandfather's from when he was a barber back east in Ohio. Most are German or English origin.
I use one about three times a week, alternating it with a double edge safety razor and sometimes a single edge ROLLS Razor (looks like chrome oval tuna can, has a built in stone and leather strop in the top and bottom lids)
Using these takes some time AFTER you learn how to sharpen and strop them. Don't listen to the nay sayers about cutting your throat, just be careful and go SLOW. These are meant to "push" cut at 90 degrees to the beard ( like scraping), not slice cut. Be sure to use that shaving brush, it lifts the beard. Use it even if you are gonna use a disposable razor.

Most important !! Women love to watch a guy shave with an old fashioned straight razor.

Here is a link for general razor info:

http://www.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/ ... razor.html

If you're interested, there is a group on Yahoo just for straight razor fans, users and collectors. Ebay has tons for sale too.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/st ... azorplace/

whipwarrior · Post by **whipwarrior** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 2:52 am

There's a barber in my town who gives a good old fashioned straight razor shave after every haircut- complete with shaving cream lather and hot water. The best part about it- only costs six bucks!

P.S.- I was kind of freaked out the first time he put the razor to my skin, but it's rather nice once you get used to it.

VP · Post by VP » Wed Dec 22, 2004 4:25 am

Snakewhip_Sable wrote:*Badgers?! We don' need no steeking badgers!

http://www.badgerbadgerbadger.com

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 8:35 am

I have an antique straight razor, but if I were to ever use one (which I'd love to learn how) I'd buy a new one. That said, though I've never been fortunate enough (yet) to experience a good straight razor shave, I know that it's very important to hold the blade correctly and to not let it slide sideways across your face! (Van Gogh, anyone?

) I do use a shaving brush and shaving soap, though, so I'm halfway there.

bink

Feraud · Post by **Feraud** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 8:48 am

I have yet to have a 'real' barbershop style straight razor shave but have it on my 'to-do' list.

Shaving with a straight razor takes a little knowledge and some practice. There is a lot of information on the web regarding technique, tools, etc.

It sounds like something every guy(with enough facial hair) should experience.

Peacock's Eye · Post by **Peacock's Eye** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 10:03 am

Years ago I received a shaving mug, soap, and brush as a Christmas present, but no straight razor. I use the brush soap and mug on weekends, just for a change. As yet, I've had no desire to try a straight razor. I'll leave that to the professionals.

Bushman · Post by **Bushman** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 10:07 am

A number of States have actually made barber shaves a health code violation (infection risk). Oddly enough, some of those states still allow the barber to use a straight razor on the neck and sideburns.

Bushman

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 10:51 am

If you are intersted in shaving information I suggest you look at this website called The Art of Shaving. In order to pay the bills, they are going to promote their own products. But, they do offer some interesting information regarding shaving. If you click on "Shaving Advise" at the top they tell how to get "The Perfect Shave". I own their book The Art of Shaving and it has a deeper dive as to why you would want to use a pre-shave oil for example. Very informative as it talks more about shaving that I would ever need for my face.

If you are lucky enough to visit one of their locations in New York, Las Vegas or Miami, you can get the full Barber Shop style shave there.

I'll post some photo here soon.

This has been covered at some length in the Fedora Lounge so check there for even more discussion.

Pyroxene

Snakewhip_Sable · Post by **Snakewhip_Sable** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 11:00 am

zeus36 wrote:Most important !! Women love to watch a guy shave with an old fashioned straight razor.

That goes right along with the old adage: "Chicks dig scars." :p

This razor is in mint condition. Not a nick or bit of rust on it. As I said, I don't think a piece of metal could BE any sharper than this thing is.

The 90 degree angle thing is pretty handy to know!! That would probably make all the difference! Though having a 'stache and spade beard (it's not a g.d. goatee!!), I'll have to stick with the Mach 3 - The long blade just isn't condusive to leaving any configuration of facial hair.

As far as I'm concerned, I don't think the electric razor was ever perfected, even the most expensive nowadays is still just a fancy hair-puller-outer.

Thanks for the links and hints, guys!

Anyone have pix of a 1930's 'safety' razor? Does anyone one one?

Snakewhip_Sable · Post by **Snakewhip_Sable** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 11:05 am

I just remembered, I had the blade in my MKVII - no camera, but I put it in the scanner.

Nice, eh? I think I might shave once more with it, clean it well and retire it to a display cabinet.

Relic Raider · Post by **Relic Raider** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 11:09 am

Snakewhip_Sable wrote:I think I might shave once more with it, clean it well and retire it to a display cabinet.

Fresh blood stains are best removed with cold water.

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 11:12 am

Relic Raider wrote: Fresh blood stains are best removed with cold water.

Heh..Thank you, Sweeny Todd.

Pyro.

Relic Raider · Post by **Relic Raider** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 11:32 am

Sweeny was smooth, Sweeny was subtle,
Sweeny would blink and rats would scuttle.
Sweeny! Sweeny! Sweeny! Sweeny!
Sweeny!

Bufflehead Jones · Post by **Bufflehead Jones** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 1:22 pm

I've actually had a lot of experience in getting blood off of shirts. Rub a little hydrogen peroxide on it and it will disappear. Test for colorfastness, but I have never had it remove any color, yet.

Thankfully the blood was someone else's and not mine. That was in the days before aids and other disease risks from exchanges in body fluids. Now if a shirt was soiled by someone else, I would pitch it in the trash.

Snakewhip_Sable · Post by **Snakewhip_Sable** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 1:50 pm

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Jan 03, 2005 10:37 am

I occasionally use my 1917 EverSharp single safety razor that uses still available single edge blades. You can find them all the time (some in mint condition) on eBay for really reasonable prices. These were the type razors that were provided to our boys during WW1, and were made by EverSharp and Gillette, and so would be 'Indy' correct, considering he was a WW1 veteran. Regards. Michaelson

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Mon Jan 03, 2005 12:58 pm

Pyroxene wrote: I'll post some photo here soon.

As promised....

Here's what the cover of the book looks like.

And, here's some shots inside their store..

JAN · Post by **JAN** » Mon Jan 03, 2005 5:18 pm

There's a barber in my town who gives a good old fashioned straight razor shave after every haircut- complete with shaving cream lather and hot water. The best part about it- only costs six bucks!

There is a barbershop close to my town shaving with straight razor, but best of all... it´s combined with a large beer (an a cigar if You fancy that)!!

"Honey.. I´ll be gone for half an hour or so to get a shave!"
"Ok.."

ohh almost forgot... pics (from their website www.barberen.com )

And to quote their website: "We dont serve many women inhere - We would, however, love to"

Best regards

JAN

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Mon Jan 03, 2005 5:47 pm

That's great!

Fedora · Post by **Fedora** » Mon Jan 03, 2005 6:28 pm

Now, that is my kind of shop!!! I got a shaving brush and mug for Christmas, and it brings back memories of my childhood. I can recall my uncle using a straight razor, and he would use little pieces of OCB cigarette papers to stop the bleeding. Most times, you would see one or two little pieces of the paper stuck to the razor cut. Unless of course he had been out drinking the night before. We always knew when he had a bit too much. His face would be covered with white polka dots from the many cuts the next morning. My barber uses the straight razor to do around your ears, sideburns and neck, after a haircut, and I have to confess it makes me nervous. I have visions of him having a heart attack and cutting my throat in his death throes.

Fedora

Kris · Post by **Kris** » Mon Jan 03, 2005 7:12 pm

*insert torture scene from Reservoir Dogs in here*

I stick with my modern fassion shaving, it's already dangerous enough for me

IndianaGuybrush · Post by **IndianaGuybrush** » Mon Jan 03, 2005 11:06 pm

That reminds me of that scene in "The Untouchables" when the barber shaving DeNiro (playing Al Capone) nicks him with the razor and Deniro looks at the blood on his fingers and then up at the barber. The look of sheer horror on the barber's face is priceless. Imagine cutting Al Capone while you were shaving him

android · Post by **android** » Sun Mar 06, 2005 9:04 pm

Hi Guys,

I thought I'd make my first post to this thread since it's a subject I know pretty well. I've been shaving everyday with a straight razor for about a year now.

First, it's not that dangerous. I started from scratch, didn't really know what I was doing and I've only cut myself a few times in a year. You should not have to stick on tissue paper or use a styptic pencil on any kind of regular basis if you are doing it right. The fact is that you are must like to cut yourself when you use a razor that is not sharp enough.

It does take a little time and patience to learn to shave and to learn how to maintain your razor. I hone and strop my own and all my razors will pass the hanging hair test where you just drag a short piece of hair on the edge lightly and it pops it in two.

It is a much closer shave than any safety razor and for me will last a full day with no 5:00 shadow where previously I would have to shave in the evening again if going out.

So, don't believe the horror stories, it's very possible and practical if you are willing to take the time to learn how to do it.

Indiana Android

Canyon · Post by **Canyon** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 3:17 pm

Andriod, I would just like to welcome you to Club Obi Wan.

Hope you have a good time here.

thunderquack · Post by **thunderquack** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 12:08 pm

I was just going through one of my old knife catalogs,{by old I mean 2004} and found a Poorman's Straight Razor for $1.99. Might order a couple and see if I can use them.

Heirphoto · Post by **Heirphoto** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 7:08 pm

For those into straight razor shaving may I suggest http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/st ... azorplace/

Great group that will tell you everything you need to know.

BTW, I imaging that for $1.99 those "Poormans" razors are made in Pakistan. They look wonderful but will not shave and will not sharpen.

I have been using nother but a straight since mid December and have been getting the best shaves of my life. And the 1.5" scar on my right cheek............well, it's a dueling scar. Yep, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Tony

android · Post by **android** » Tue Apr 19, 2005 9:40 am

ThunderQuack,

The only reputable straight razors mfgs left are Dovo in Germany or TI in France. Anything else is really dangerous and the steel will not hone correctly and just shred your face. Dovo manufacturers for Col. Conk and other brands in the $70-100 range or so.

Luisiana Jones · Post by **Luisiana Jones** » Tue Apr 19, 2005 10:21 am

ClintonHammond wrote:Real men grow beards!

LOL

True!! oh man I shaved yesterday...

Shaving, Depression Era style

Shaving, Depression Era style

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