Shaving, Depression Era style
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- Snakewhip_Sable
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Shaving, Depression Era style
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!
...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!
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Re: Shaving, Depression Era style
Straight razor, very dangerous. You shave first.Snakewhip_Sable wrote:there's no reason at all to make that thing any sharper!
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Re: Shaving, Depression Era style
I did go first.Relic Raider wrote: Straight razor, very dangerous. You shave first.
C'mon, everyone used to used a straightrazor back in the day. Or did folks just go to the barber every morning?
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
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
Last edited by Bushman on Tue Dec 21, 2004 9:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Shaving, Depression Era style
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.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?
Cheers,
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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
Mike
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/
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/
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.
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.
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Re: Shaving, Depression Era style
http://www.badgerbadgerbadger.comSnakewhip_Sable wrote:*Badgers?! We don' need no steeking badgers!
- binkmeisterRick
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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
bink
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.
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.
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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
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
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That goes right along with the old adage: "Chicks dig scars." :pzeus36 wrote:Most important !! Women love to watch a guy shave with an old fashioned straight razor.
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?
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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.
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.
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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
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)!!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!
"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
Last edited by JAN on Tue Apr 19, 2005 2:57 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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
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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
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
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
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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
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
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