Had a barbershop shave today.

Namdnas · 02-23-2007, 09:39 PM

I needed to get a haircut, so I checked out a not too distant barbershop that a friend had mentioned offered straight shaves.

Their information is below. They take walk-ins only, no appointments.

Ron's Barber Stylist Shop
Address: 2000 Mendon Rd, Cumberland, RI 02864 Phone:(401) 333-0060

It's a nice little old style 2 seat barbershop with lots of antique barbering paraphenalia on the walls and shelves. They have a nice collection of shaving mugs located atop the soffit containing the mirror lighting. They seem to carry most of the Pinaud line of products, but I don't believe there's much demand. They carry a host of other brands as well.

The stylist Ann who sat me explained that she was the only one in the shop who does straight shaves. She also explained that she only works Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

She first gave me my haircut, and did a fine job. She trimmed my goatie without the use of a trimmer guide, using only her comb to judge the depth. I have to say, it looks great, and better than my #2.5 job ever did.

She began the shave by adding the headpiece to the chair, then laying me back. She then rubbed some warm moisuring/lubricating lotion into my skin. I asked her what the product was, but I was apparently to comfortable too remember. After she had let that sit, as she explained, to soften my beard, she applied the 1st hot towel. It was not hot enough in my opinion, but it felt great regardless. She let that sit for maybe 2-3 minutes then replaced it with another. Again, very relaxing. She then began the shave using a replaceable type straight razor and warm lather that I didn't see her prepare. She was very gentle, and didn't pull my beard at all. In fact, if often felt like there was no cutting going on. When she finished, she wiped my face, then applied another hot towel. After a minute, she removed it and applied aftershave to my face. On top of this she then lightly laid a cold damp towel on my face. That was it, all done.

I checked out, total $26. Not too bad for something as relaxing as that. My only complaint, the shave isn't that close. She didn't go against the grain, but maybe this isn't something that is normally done in a barbershop. I don't have any prior experience to gauge it against.

If you are in the area, and want a nice pampered nostalgic shave, I'd recommend checking Ann out.

- John

RichZ · 02-26-2007, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Namdnas

I needed to get a haircut, so I checked out a not too distant barbershop that a friend had mentioned offered straight shaves.

Their information is below. They take walk-ins only, no appointments.

Ron's Barber Stylist Shop
Address: 2000 Mendon Rd, Cumberland, RI 02864 Phone:(401) 333-0060

It's a nice little old style 2 seat barbershop with lots of antique barbering paraphenalia on the walls and shelves. They have a nice collection of shaving mugs located atop the soffit containing the mirror lighting. They seem to carry most of the Pinaud line of products, but I don't believe there's much demand. They carry a host of other brands as well.

The stylist Ann who sat me explained that she was the only one in the shop who does straight shaves. She also explained that she only works Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

She first gave me my haircut, and did a fine job. She trimmed my goatie without the use of a trimmer guide, using only her comb to judge the depth. I have to say, it looks great, and better than my #2.5 job ever did.

She began the shave by adding the headpiece to the chair, then laying me back. She then rubbed some warm moisuring/lubricating lotion into my skin. I asked her what the product was, but I was apparently to comfortable too remember. After she had let that sit, as she explained, to soften my beard, she applied the 1st hot towel. It was not hot enough in my opinion, but it felt great regardless. She let that sit for maybe 2-3 minutes then replaced it with another. Again, very relaxing. She then began the shave using a replaceable type straight razor and warm lather that I didn't see her prepare. She was very gentle, and didn't pull my beard at all. In fact, if often felt like there was no cutting going on. When she finished, she wiped my face, then applied another hot towel. After a minute, she removed it and applied aftershave to my face. On top of this she then lightly laid a cold damp towel on my face. That was it, all done.

I checked out, total $26. Not too bad for something as relaxing as that. My only complaint, the shave isn't that close. She didn't go against the grain, but maybe this isn't something that is normally done in a barbershop. I don't have any prior experience to gauge it against.

If you are in the area, and want a nice pampered nostalgic shave, I'd recommend checking Ann out.

- John

Nope after my barber shaves me I don't need to shave for two days- he gets it that close. I love it and at $7.50 a real treat.

Kentriv · 02-26-2007, 05:27 PM

I had heard that most barbers just went with the grain to keep down the irritation to the skin and for hygienic reasons. I don't know how true this is though.

izlat · 02-26-2007, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kentriv

I had heard that most barbers just went with the grain to keep down the irritation to the skin and for hygienic reasons. I don't know how true this is though.

I think that's what most people then wanted - 'the once over' - decent results, not too much time, cheaper (maybe less potential for irritation?)

Certainly not always, though.

Cheers
Ivo

mparker762 · 02-26-2007, 07:22 PM

The barber's manuals in the library advise against going against the grain, though they mention that some customers will insist on it so be prepared. Irritation, ingrowns, and risk of nicks and the resulting hygiene problems were the primary reasons IIRC.

RichZ · 02-26-2007, 07:25 PM

My barber goes against the grain.

mparker762 · 02-26-2007, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by izlat

I think that's what most people then wanted - 'the once over' - decent results, not too much time, cheaper (maybe less potential for irritation?)

That's all I usually do myself most mornings. I don't fret much about BBS nowadays since I've got a permanent 5 o'clock shadow, eventually I stopped being able to see the point. I still go for BBS on the weekends, but that's it.

jmsbcknr · 02-26-2007, 08:12 PM

What is the use of the BBS. Let me tell you. I have tree trunks for a beard. I use to have a 5 O clock shadow at 1:30 in the afternoon when I used my Mach 3. But since I have begun using straights and going against the grain, my 5 O Clock shadow begins to show up about 8:00 PM. I shave at 5:00 am. Now that is worth the extra effort--at least for me.

jmsbcknr

johnmw1 · 02-26-2007, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmsbcknr

What is the use of the BBS. Let me tell you. I have tree trunks for a beard. I use to have a 5 O clock shadow at 1:30 in the afternoon when I used my Mach 3. But since I have begun using straights and going against the grain, my 5 O Clock shadow begins to show up about 8:00 PM. I shave at 5:00 am. Now that is worth the extra effort--at least for me.

jmsbcknr

Hi,

Just curious as to what type of straight you are using if you have such a tough beard? I'm in a similar boat to you, and for the moment I am just not getting on with the hollow grinds. It's not the sharpness of the razors, as I have several that have been sharpened by Lynn. So now I'm going to try some heavier grinds like W&B .

Thanks

John

jmsbcknr · 02-27-2007, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnmw1

Hi,

Just curious as to what type of straight you are using if you have such a tough beard? I'm in a similar boat to you, and for the moment I am just not getting on with the hollow grinds. It's not the sharpness of the razors, as I have several that have been sharpened by Lynn. So now I'm going to try some heavier grinds like W&B .

Thanks

John

I have several razors that I have collected. Bar none is one of the Maestro Livi’s razors, but have had great luck with the Henckles. Last year I got a Henckles from Lynn that was a very small blade. Lynn had honed it and to my surprise it shaved like a champ. I always believed with my beard I needed to have a big blade and I have 5/8 - 8/8 mostly. I have tried full hollow and don't believe I get a smooth a shave as with those that are like a wedge or half hollow. I have a couple of 7/8 Henckles Friodurs that I got a couple of years ago that work wonders. I got them from John Crowley. They came shave ready.

cudahogs · 02-27-2007, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnmw1

Hi,

Just curious as to what type of straight you are using if you have such a tough beard? I'm in a similar boat to you, and for the moment I am just not getting on with the hollow grinds. It's not the sharpness of the razors, as I have several that have been sharpened by Lynn. So now I'm going to try some heavier grinds like W&B .

Thanks

John

John,
Check out John Crowley's website. He has some 8/8 Friodurs on sale for $99.00, that's pretty hard to beat. I have 2 of the 7/8 blades and there are very few razors that will shave that well for the price. Hell, it's hard to find a Dove at that price!
A nice blade like that and some good prep will allow you to chop through the heaviest beard.
Good Luck,
Fred

johnmw1 · 02-27-2007, 11:50 PM

Hi Fred,

How are you going?

I would have to check cause I'm at work now, but I think I have a new 7/8 Henckels Friodur from Manyware. I haven't tried it yet, I've been a bit too intimidated by the size of it. Anyway perhaps I shall have to bite the bullet. Even if I have to get the wife to give me another shave to see how it goes.

Thanks

John