Monday, January 23, 2017

Old Dog New Tricks

My dad taught me how to shave with both an electric razor and a blade. I settled on an electric razor process and have been using it for over 40 years.You'd think I'd be content. However, recently I've been intrigued by the shaving soap/brush method. It's more work, but it's a more earth-friendly method. The foam doesn't come from a pressurized can made of metal and using many chemicals. Just a simple round puck of soap and a brush made of natural bristle. Those are all points wasted on me until this generation of environmental consciousness. Plus it has a touch of nostalgia. I remember being a small kid looking up at my dad lather up and shave with this method.

The last straw was when I passed a soap/brush/stand shaving kit at the local grocery store marked off 30% as a clearance item. I had to have it!

Now how do you use it? My dad's gone so I can't ask him. Answer - YouTube. So there I was, a grandpa myself now, watching YouTube videos to learn how to shave. How did we learn anything without YouTube in the past?

After a week of use I can say I really like this method. The shave is close and the fragrances are not as strong as other products. One sensation I did NOT expect, though, is that when applying the lather, it feels somewhat like when your dog just jumped in the pond for a swim and then comes out and shares some love with you and his wet tail smacks your face a few times. That SHOULD be a turn-off, but I love dogs.

My next step, someday, will be to try the double-edge razor with the soap and brush. That's also what my dad used. The replacement blade cassettes hadn't been invented yet. If money was the sole driver I'd be using the double-edge now, but how much shaving gear does a guy really need? This is enough change for now.


7 comments:

Sandy in Michigan said...

Did the shaving kit come with band aids? LOL!

john.p said...

I might have to buy those if I try the double-edge razor!

Kate (Cathy Johnson) said...

SO fun, John!! (My dad used to use a straight razor, I still remember the strop haning in our bathroom...gonna go there next?)

john.p said...

I've thought about the straight razor but it scares me. That said, I would like to experience it. Hmmm.

Serena Lewis said...

Wonderful page spread, John!

This post sure brought back some memories for me. As a kid, I remember my Dad's face all lathered up and him shaving the 'old-fashioned' way with a double-edged razor. He used a cylindrical soap stick and a shaving brush for the lather process. I also remember that, sometimes, he would have up to three bits of newspaper stuck to various spots on his face to help stem the blood while it clotted from accidental skin nicks. He always said it was due to a new razor blade. haha In his later years, he used an electric razor. This April, he will have been passed two years and I still miss him every day — my eyes are wet while typing this but I thank you for evoking that sweet memory of my Dad.

john.p said...

I'm glad I could help, Serena. My Dad has been gone ten and I still think of him. The two of us would share "our drink" on special occasions - Crown Royal and water on the rocks. While I was cooking tonight I poured one, held it high and made a mental toast to him. I do that a couple times a year because it brings comfort to remember the great times we had.

Serena Lewis said...

What a lovely idea to toast your Dad. Our Dads may have passed but they will never be forgotten.