Three Padmores Head to Japan
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I remember my first proper shave by this old Italian barber. I was scared out of my mind seeing him with the straight razor approaching my neck, but my buddy encouraged me to try it.
That barber was so good, it was like the blade never touched the skin and I had zero stubble afterwards. After that, I used to see him for a shave every two or three weeks for about a year until he passed away.
I still miss the work that he could do.
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I love the badger brush, soap bowl, double edged safety razor thing, and unless I am traveling, I do that at home. I also love getting shaved by a straight razor as discussed here. I do not have the gumption to try to do the latter myself though.
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@mclaincausey That’s my shaving setup as well…I do not have the confidence in myself for a straight razor, but I have been tempted numerous times.
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It becomes a ritual, like my morning coffee, which makes me happy and is a great way to start the day. I try to do these things mindfully and meditatively if circumstances allow. Additionally, I prefer the results. And best part, it is far more sustainable and less wasteful, and even cheaper than disposable cartridges. BTW, pro-tip for cartridge users, you get much more life out of cartridges when you thoroughly dry the blades after each shave.
My issue with straight razors is that every now and then, especially when doing a delicate task, I'll kinda jerk. I think it's just a rare nervous tic; don't think I have palsy or anything, but could be nasty with a straight razor.
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Having gone down the straight razor rabbit hole, complete with japanese natural stones for sharpening, traditional single bevel kamisori, and kanayama strops, the shaves can be nicer and more gentle, but it requires a lot of extra time to dial everything in. It's a fun hobby but just dont have the time to devote to it anymore so do the DE safety razor with the real shaving soap and brush like ya'll. Also I'll add that so long as you get a blade that has rounded tips it's not as sketchy as it seems so long as you dont move the blade along its edge / orient it a shallow angle to your face, keep your skin taut, prepare the edge properly, and use a good shaving soap.
anyway, bit OT now, back to the original programming
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My grandfather was a barber his entire life. Went to barber college in Kansas City in the 50’s. Had his own shop in a town of 1100 people. He would give me cuts and a shave once I was old enough to grow whiskers. Very Mayberry. Some of my best memories are of hanging out in his shop with the “regulars” as a kid. Truly was the place to be and I really miss those shaves. And him.
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Great trip so far, my first time here with Alex and he is a wonderful organiser and tour guide, although I do often have trouble keeping up with him as his legs are considerably longer than mine!
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At Wolfman Barber yesterday, boys both looking sharp after their respective grooming sessions
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We met up with Olly, our friends' son/grandson, who is studying Japanese at university in Tokyo. He acted as our translator whilst we tried on vintage specs frames at an amazing store that Alex took us to, Solakzade, which has the most huge and amazing range of vintage eyewear and is run by beautiful and friendly staff wearing crazy and beautiful black outfits - we had a blast (and sad to say, Giles did not buy the green '70s sunglasses he is modelling!)
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On the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto, great views of Mount Fuji
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@Madame-Buttonfly said in Three Padmores Head to Japan:
Giles did not buy the green '70s sunglasses he is modelling!)And, he so wanted to.....
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@Alex said in [Three Padmores Head to Japan]
Why is the menu all smudged, Dad?
That is really funny.. -
@Alex said in Three Padmores Head to Japan:
Why is the menu all smudged, Dad?
Because I take my evo responsibilities very seriously.....
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