Spotted a barber in Portland using a straight razor for beard detailing on almost every client
It made me wonder if that's becoming the new standard for high-end shops, or if it's just his personal style that clients are specifically seeking out now.
Straight razors for beard work have been standard in good shops for years now, not some new trend. That barber is just doing his job right. It gives a much cleaner line than clippers can. Clients probably seek him out because he's skilled with it, not because it's a fad.
My beard looks like a toddler tried to trim it with safety scissors. I tried a straight razor once and nearly took my whole chin off. That's why I stick to barbers who know what they're doing. A good one with a razor is worth every penny.