SMF

drmoss_ca wrote:I have a wife. Doesn't matter about retirement: she requires me to be shaved.

C.

+1 here. My wife will not touch me if my face is not clean shaven. Furthermore, I was always taught that real man shave

On top my work requires suit, polished shoes and clean shaven face. London live

I am getting close to the old fart age. I asked my Italian Barber, Sam, about shaving and he said the only time you shouldn't shave is when you are "dead" otherwise you should shave.

For him it was a discipline that meant you still cared about the whole "routine" of living......sorry to be philosophical. This is a guy who was a barber for 64 years who came from Italy and never owned shoes until he was a teenager. I listen to him as my troubles seem pretty small. His favorite meal was a sandwich made with slices of raw horsemeat which he said gave him energy. Seriously, I''ve eaten duck tongues and bugs are not a problem eithger but that was way over the top.

The other thing he taught me was that with age WISDOM does not come. Listen to young people as their brain engines are still firing on all cylinders.

Therefore, Shave everyday even if it's just to kill time.

I retired 3 years ago and for awhile I still shaved every day. Now, on occasion, I've modified it to every other day or so. I just can't stand the heavy stubble. Drives me nuts. While I'm at it, the biggest thing I've had to adjust to is what day of the week it is. Since I'm no longer on a schedule, and in general don't give a shit, I really have a hard time with what day of the week it is. Totally spaced out a couple of appointments I made. Very embarrassing!

Regards.
David

I am going to a barber in a couple of days for a shave and a haircut. I have to take Dial a Ride which has a lift for me and my walker. I have just used the Braun electric razor to reduce the whiskers until I go. First time. I can't get out of the house without help since my recent hospital stays. Would shave more if it were easier. By the way, I hate my new razor. I have never used the fancy cleaner it came with. The Instructions said it uses a solvent that is extremely flammable. I couldn't believe it came with warnings.

Sorry to hear about the difficulties, Pete. I played around with an electric razor a few years ago and was very dissatisfied especially on my beard. All the hype about how it could compare a close shave with a 'blade' is a bunch of crap. And you're right, most of the various cleaners and lubricants are flammable or not good for your health. I hope you get a good haircut and shave.

Regards,
David

So how was the shave, Pete? Too bad about that electric razor. I enjoy reading your posts.

This was the best and most expensive haircut and shave of my life. It was a Men Zone. When I walked in the clerk, who was wearing tight pants and a silk robe, asked my if I would like a drink. I knew this was no ordinary barber shop. The waiting room had fancy chairs with wooden arms and there was a cooler and one of those fancy water dispensers. I had been offered pop or cold water. My turn came and was escorted to the shop that had several lady barbers dressed like the clerk. The barber chair looked like a new one with black leather, chrome on the end of the arms and a large step-on to get into the chair. The barber asked me in great detail how I wanted my hair. I gave it to her and asked to be shaven around my ears and my neck. Then I got the haircut I asked for. Suddenly the chair went flat and the shave started. She smeared something greasy all over my face. I asked what that was and it was a cleansing cream. That was followed with something cold; then something else. A hot towel was wrapped around my neck, face and ending crossed on my forehead. That was followed by a cold towel wipe. Then she lathered me up and shaved me with a straight razor. Pass after pass until I was bbs. Then more wet toweling and finally an aftershave balm. It was wonderful. The bill came to $35. Great shave but not one I can afford, but I had a great experience.

Glad for you Pete!

Wow! Quite the experience Pete. And the price was reasonable.

I'd say $35.00 is pretty reasonable for a shave and a haircut with that level of attention, Pete, and it has become very hard to find.

- Murray

CMur12 wrote:I'd say $35.00 is pretty reasonable for a shave and a haircut with that level of attention, Pete, and it has become very hard to find.

- Murray

Only two 17.50 bits.

If it was a bargain, the next visit would be more because the barber told the clerk to give me a special price because of my age, physical condition, and it was my first visit. I don't know how much the regular price is. If It is no more, then maybe once a year to keep the look because I like that. Around here a haircut costs $12-$15 at the shops around town. None of those barbers still use a straight.

Yeah, Pete, I know what you mean. Traditional barber shops are getting harder to find, at least in my neck of the woods. The old school has either moved, retired, or died. Barber shops used to be a "meeting place" where men even if you were strangers, could gather and solve the world's problems while waiting for a haircut or during a haircut. Nowadays, it's like an assembly line. It does sadden me.

Did someone take a picture of the handsome freshly shaven and shorn Pete to commemorate the occasion?

Not this time. I am talking myself into another one though.

Something special to look forward to!

I retired a year and a half ago. So Glad I Did! It's nice to join the ranks of the retired. I shave as much as always. Not every day. Most of all be considerate of your wife. She doesn't want to live with a bum.

I retired 7 years ago at age 60. At first I was not sure that I liked it but eventually warmed up to retirement. Now I love it.
But the answer is No, I no longer shave every day.

Also, this is my first post on SMF

Welcome, Tom! I'm an unwilling retiree at sixty, but I do have more time for honing razors now, so that's a plus.

Welcome to our little community, Tom!

I retired five years ago, at 62, myself.

- Murray