There’s something quite nostalgic about history repeating itself, and the surge of do-it-yourself shaving kits are the record proof of that. Back in the day – before electrical razors and shavers – gentlemen took their time strumming their golden razors against a strapping leather belt to attain a freshly groomed face. They passed this technique on to their sons and from there; an impression of dapperness was set. 

But in today’s hurried society, we considered whether our modern men would be willing to travel down spruce-up lane to a place where shaving kits dwell. Their answers varied; nevertheless the evocation of grandfathers using this method in the past attests to just how powerful traditions are.

Even when our society moves past them, they are there. Waiting patiently to be rediscovered. 

”I've been growing my facial hair for about a year and a half now and I rely on my barber that I've been going to for 12 years for a line up. I have never used an old school shaving kit, but I would be open to using one. I sometimes want a change in the look of my beard and feel that the shaving kit could help me achieve that. The first thing that comes to mind when I see those things are double-breasted three piece suits and ascots. Those essential grooming kits pulled Peter – the whole look of a man during the formal attire era.”  Michael McKenzie, Bronx, NY

“I grew my facial hair out to look a bit more mature. For a man in his late 20s with a younger looking face, being taken seriously is something that doesn't come easily and having a full beard magically makes me a few years older. I have yet to use an old school shaving kit and I would love to sit down and have a professional sharpen his razor with his leather strop and turn my face into a work of art. Certain classic grooming and style rituals have been lost in this microwave society. It would be nice to just sit back and take time to care for yourself like our ever-so-sharp great grandfathers used to do.”  Kevin Gray, Washington, DC 

“When I was in middle school I started growing out my beard like the rapper Pastor Troy and when I started getting great length, I kept it. When I wasn’t doing anything, I would play and pull on it. I have never used a shaving kit because I like to grow my hair naturally. I just get it edged up and pick it out.” Javoddren Copeland, Lagrange, GA

“I grew out my facial hair because I wanted to change my look. I primarily rely on my barber, but I trim it in between visits with a Philips Norelco razor and just try to keep it as tidy as possible. I haven't used an old school shaving kit, and if it includes an actual razor I would not use it because of razor bumps. However, when I think of old school shaving kits, going to the barbershop when I was younger and seeing the razor as it was being sharpened and the cream being put on men’s faces does comes to mind.” Omar Shaw, Philadelphia, PA

“I shave my facial hair because of my job and I go to the barbershop to get it done. They use outliners then straight razors and moisturize it. I have used an old school shaving kit in the past and I feel like it’s the best method. The bristles help distribute the shaving cream better than my hands do and it gets under the hairs for a closer shave so it doesn’t eat up my skin. My skin is very sensitive and I can’t use any kind of razor, so after my grandfather suggested it to me, I got one. I would use it again if I didn’t have to trim up my face for my job. I feel like history is always repeats itself so these shaving kits were going to come back eventually. I’ve even started noticing barbershops near me using the straight razors more often now.”  Cameron Wardrett, Clarksville, TN

So what do you say gents, are you willing to give old-school shaving kits a go?