Category Archives: Barbers

The House And Barber Shop That Nike Built: The University Of Oregon

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The Football Performance Complex at The University of Oregon measures in at 6 storiesHatfieldDowlin and 145,000 square feet of modern amenities that is afforded to the most successful in professional sports. Including; weight room, media rooms, cafeteria, trophy room, locker room, marble showers imported from Italy, two auditoriums, coaches offices, the list is extensive but we are interested in the barber shop.

The building was donated by former track star and Nike co-founder Phil Knight (‘59). The design was carefully planned by ZGF and Firm 151, “during the design, the architects tried to be mindful of all the efficiencies that could be built into the building” says Craig Pintens University of Oregon Senior InsideUOAssociate Athletic Director Marketing & Public Relations.

The world of college football is extremely competitive and athletes are not only sought after for their physical ability but also for their aptitude to succeed off the field. The University of Oregon has numerous gridiron achievements and the Ducks can add a state of the art Football Performance Center to their arsenal.

It is a union of technology and functionality with the goal of building a top-notch athlete that can compete to the best of their abilities. Not only did the Ducks focus on health and fitness but also gave athletes a space where they can have their important needs met andHowards Barber Shop that included Howard’s Barber Shop. According to Craig, “our student-athletes had previously spent a lot of time cutting each other’s hair inside and outside the locker room, so this provides a specific space to do so.  We have a barber who comes in once a week and cuts hair at the student rate, per NCAA rules.”

Howard’s Barber Shop is a blend of style, class, and tradition, “the chair is new with vintage styling from Takara Belmont, Firm151 customized the chair with the UO logo on the headrest. For finishes, we used durable Corian casework + wall finishes, as well as a full mirror wall with an integrated wall mount TV. The flooring is solid walnut. The display case that is wall mounted in the Oregon Duck playerbarbershop was custom made + highlights barber tools hand selected [specifically for the project] from G. Lorenzi’s, a small museum-like shop in Milan, Italy” says Craig.

Countless studies have shown that well-groomed men are confident and successful. The Football Performance Center does an outstanding job equipping athletes as a whole, not only to make on field tackles but also tackle the daily grind and does not neglect the importance of grooming.  GO DUCKS!

Thank you
Craig Pittens from University Of Oregon, ZGF Architect and Firm 151
Photos courtesy of: Jeremy Bitterman, Eckert & Eckert 

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Caccavella Barbers: Joe’s Barber Shop est. 1968

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When you think of what you can purchase for $1 dollar the list is extremely small and purchasing a family heirloom seems almost unimaginable but that is exactly what Joe Caccavella Sr. did in 1968. Now, 45 years later Joe’s Barber Shop in Chicago stands as a testament to a family tradition.

The Caccavella family comes from a long lineage of barbering that can be traced back to Joe Sr.’s father Victor in Italy. Victor’s children were raised in the shop, “when my father and older siblings would get out of school they would go straight to the barber shop to help out before heading home as a family,” says Joe Jr. In 1955 the family came to Chicago although they relocated the barbering craft was not left behind.

Two of Victor’s sons followed in their father’s footsteps and became barbers, the eldest Rocco and Joe Sr. The shop Rocco owned in downtown Chicago had only one chair and was in business for 53 years.

In 1968 at the ripe age of 21 Joe Sr. ended up at Sam’s Barber Shop on the corner of Fullerton & California in the Logan Square Neighborhood. The shop was established in the 1920’s and according to Joe Jr. “(the shop) was heavily involved in the Italian organized crime scene.” The barber shop had been around for 40 years when Joe Sr. came on board. It wasn’t long before Sam the Barber took a liking to Joe Sr. and sold him the shop for the astonishingly low price of $1, “it wasn’t a issue of money for Sam” who hung around the shop “for the last years of his life.” The shop’s name was changed to Joe’s Barber Shop and remained in the same location for 17 more years but in 1985 they moved two blocks east on Fullerton.

Not much has changed in the shop.  The three Paidar barber chairs date from the early 1900’s and the waiting chairs are from the 1940’s with many more authentic items in the shop. The shop is an original and they are not trying to achieve vintage, “the chairs in our shop were purchased used when my grandfather (Victor) opened up his shop when he came from Italy” says Joe Jr.

More importantly the barbering craft and philosophy has remained in the family with second and third generation working side by side. Joe Sr. and Jr. are very much alike but there are many lessons to be learned. One thing that was instilled into Joe Jr. is  “take people for what they are. Treat everyone the same, and favor no-one.” At 67 years young Joe Sr. is living the true barber life and still works 4 days a week.

The family tradition is taken very seriously and is not based in a fad, “the shop’s approach to cutting hair is simple, give the customer a solid/quick/ no B.S. haircut HE wants.” Don’t worry, they will not spin you around after they are done and tell you that you got what you wanted, because they will check with you once or twice to make sure you approve of the progress. Careful attention is paid to the desired cut with decades of knowledge being employed.

Along with haircuts the shop also offers traditional straight razor shaves and grooming products. Recently the shop has made an interesting decision by only carrying small business grooming products, “we being a family owned business, its our job to support other small run/local business the best we can”, says Joe Jr. The decision is calculated and has earned them respect in the community.

The shop is walk in only and has been that way since 1968. If you decide to murmur about the wait keep it to yourself. According to Joe Sr., “It took ya 9 months to be born, and you can wait an hour or so…for a haircut.” Don’t expect to get your hair washed either because “if a customer wants his hair washed after the cut he can take care of that at home.”

The priceless heirloom that exists at Joe’s Barber Shop is not found in the Paidar chairs but resides within the 2nd and 3rd generation barbers that are maintaining a craft and family tradition. Although the tradition started in Italy the Caccavella barbers have followed in their forefather’s footsteps and are making an impact in their community and families. Joe Sr.’s $1 investment has become priceless due to the hard work and dedication instilled in the Caccavella men.

Joe’s Barber Shop

www.facebook.com/pages/Joes-Barber-Shop-Chicago/178010742775

Mr. M

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The Demon Barber Redefined: Sweeney Todd’s Barbershop

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Gents,

In 1846 Thomas Prest wrote a horror story that appeared in The People’s Periodical and spawned a character of great mystery and awe.  The original story, The String of Pearls: A Romance, featured a secondary character named Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street. The Demon Barber has attracted the attention of scholars and historians who debate his existence. According to Prest, the Demon Barber would mangle and disfigure his victims with a straight razor. The name Sweeney Todd has been synonymous with the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, but one modern Gentleman transformed the name and it is now associated with quality barbering and a classic barbershop.

Andy Torres opened a barbershop at 4639 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles, California in 1947. As a testament to longevity, only 3 Gentlemen have had the privilege of owning it in the last 66 years! The original name of the shop “Andy’s” continued until Danny Rivas, the second owner, sold the shop to his employee and mentee Todd “Sween” Lahman. Based on Sween’s love for classic horror movies (1936 adaptation Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street) the name was changed to Sweeney Todd’s Barbershop. The shop was remodeled in the early fifties and according to Sween, “the shop still has the original floors, barber chairs, back bar and some of the original mirrors from the fifties remodel.” The vibe of the shop is classic early 50’s barbershop. All the barbers wear clean white smock’s that have a high “priest” like collar and the letters ST on the left side. The unique smocks are fitting because getting a haircut can be sacred and not something taken lightly at Sweeney Todd.

Not only is the shop home to world-class barbers but two of them are musicians. Rudy G is leader of Rudy G & The Hi-Tones and guitar player for The Wiseguys Big Band Machine. His music is a mix of Rockabilly, Tex-Mex, Mariachi, Swing, Lounge, Rock & Roll, Blues and Soul.  Almon is a straight up rocker who’s band Almon Loos & The Hoop’n’Hollers is best described as “a ultra savage Rock’n’Roll and Rockabilly band of the 50’s Rockin scene”. Both these Gentlemen are skilled barbers and fantastic musicians.

Like all legends, Sweeney Todd’s has been photographed or written about in GQ, Vanity Fair, Men’s Vogue, and Los Angeles Magazine. The notoriety of the shop is not limited to print media. The shop appeared in a scene on Mad Men season 5 and recently American Idol filmed a segment with one of the stars from Glee. The shop is a highly sought after location for filming, “I am asked at an almost weekly rate to have the place used in commercials and tv shows.”

If you walk into Sweeney Todd’s establishment you will find a classic barbershop that remains true to the period in which it was created. The standards are upheld by the barbers and they are not only “skilled in the trade but most importantly they are true gentlemen. I don’t tolerate narrow-mindedness or jockular type behavior” says, Sween. The customers come from all walks of life and don’t be surprised if you run into Giovanni Ribisi (Gangster Squad) or Jon Hamm (Don Draper from Mad Men) to name a few but Sween is “not one to cut and tell. What’s said in the shop stays in the shop.”  All types of haircuts are given and the traditional hot towel shave and neck massage are available to those seeking high-quality barbering services.

The 1950’s is considered the Golden Age in which most people were able to receive images via the television set that depicted global conflicts and the beginning of the Space Race. The musical scene was emanating a cultural shift with Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry and a host of other musicians.  Goods and services were high-quality and carried out with pride. Sweeney Todd’s Barbershop is a beacon of the Golden Age of barbering in America. It is not difficult to see why dignitaries, actors, businessmen, and common folk are attracted to a simple and classic barbershop that epitomizes a great period in history.

The character of Sweeney Todd created by Prest captured the imagination of Londoners during the Victorian Period but playwright George Dibdin Pitt took Sweeney Todd center stage. On March 1, 1847 Pitt’s play titled “The String Of Pearls: The Fiend of Fleet Street” made its debut and catapulted the Demon Barber’s legend and character. It would take 160 years to redefine the name of Sweeney Todd and merge it with Golden Age Barbering in America.

Sweeney Todd on Facebook

www.facebook.com/pages/Sweeney-Todds-Barber-Shop/105781152790257

Sweeney Todd Online

www.sweeneytoddsbarbershopla.com

Mr. M

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The Gentlemen Of Steel: Savills Barbershop

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Gents,

In 1731 a street was built in Mayfair, Central London that became known for its Bespoke and continues to be the golden mile of tailoring; Bespoke is high quality tailored men’s clothing. The street is named after the 3rd Earl of Burlington’s wife, Lady Dorothy Savile and is called Savile Row. About 275 years later, a new high quality service was created for Gentlemen seeking proper haircuts. Joth Davies opened his first shop and paid homage to the principles of the legendary Savile Row with Savills Barbershop located on Devonshire Street in Sheffield, England. For centuries Gentlemen have flocked to Savile Row because of the Bespoke, and modern Gentlemen seek out Savills for high quality cuts, service and products.

It is rare to find an individual who knows their calling in life right after school but Mr. Davies knew the barbering craft was his destiny. It has been 25 years since he began the journey and has established two barbershops with influence beyond Devonshire Street and Chapel Walk. Born in North London and raised in Sheffield, Joth knew he could not sit behind a desk all day long, “I had to do something that would involve the use of my creative side.”

Growing up he was influenced by iconic films like The Godfather, Untouchables, Once Upon A Time In America. According to Joth, “I was always inspired by the clothes, furniture and architecture. It is an eclectic style that combines traditional craft motifs with Machine Age imagery and materials and always seems to stand the test of time and doesn’t look out of place today.” The décor in the barbershops is from the art deco period and gives  a nostalgic but modern feel. Some of the vintage barbering equipment includes barber chairs dating back to the early 1900’s, Campbell 1930’s hot lather machine, 1920’s club chairs and sofas to name a few. The passion for antique barbering was so great that Joth styled a shop around one of the Theo A. Kochs barbers chair!

The two shops have a combined 8 chairs, 9 barbers, 2 apprentices, and are located in Sheffield, which is the 3rd largest district in England. The Devonshire Street shop is “based around shopping areas, known for their small independent tattoo, clothing shops and variety of pubs and bars. One of the largest open areas in central Sheffield. You can find us in the heart of the Devonshire Quarter.” The fourth largest university in the UK is located “on the door step of Devonshire Street.” The Chapel Walk location is only “a narrow walkway away from the central shopping parade (mall) where all the larger retailers are situated, and at the other end is one of Savills patrons the World Famous Crucible and Lyceum Theaters.” Savills also has a contract with the Sheffield Theaters for their services.

The high quality services provided by Savills attracts patrons seeking classic and modern barbering techniques and won them numerous awards (2012 & 2013 The Star & Exposed: Best Barber). According to Joth, “Our ethos is built around traditional values. When a customer sits down in a chair we want them to feel like the only person in the shop. After a consultation we then cut their hair using barbering skills that have been handed down through generations.” Savills is defining the barbering craft in the UK because whether a customers comes in for a haircut, hot towel shave or shape-up, they walk out with the experience of being a Gentleman who is able to get away from the daily grind and take care of their grooming needs by experienced and established barbers.

282 years ago Savile Row began with a passion for distinct architecture and has become known for high quality tailored mens clothing that remains to this day. The shops created by Joth not only focus on barbering, but I believe they are making an impact in men’s grooming style and habits for years to come. Visit their website for images of cuts that transcend time and define modern Gentlemen’s style. While Sheffield is known as the Steel City, these Gentlemen wield steel barbering instruments to create new traditions for modern distinguished Gentlemen.

One thing that impressed me during the interview was that Savills is not only interested in cutting hair but they also provide aftercare for their clients, “There’s no point spending an hour making someone look great if they don’t know how to style their hair when they get home.” The attention to customers defines what high quality grooming services should be and is classic barbering.

Savills Barbershop

www.savillsbarbers.com

www.facebook.com/Savillsbarbers

Mr. M

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LYMLRMBGB!

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Uncovering Barber History: The Waldorf Barbershop & Shaving Saloon

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Gents,

Most modern craftsmen are first generation but a lucky few can claim second generation and there is the rarity of being third generation. William Finnegan started a tradition of barbering that stands at odds with time because his son and granddaughter continue the craft, and in the process uncovered a legendary barbershop in Dublin, Ireland.

The Finnegan barbering craft began at William’s shop in Inchicore, a suburb of Dublin. At the young age of 10, Liam started sweeping, cleaning and running errands at the shop. The barbershop was a mix of working class gentlemen with a laid back atmosphere and story telling. The common topic was the gentlemanly sport of boxing. William, an enthusiast, was enthralled with the combative yet graceful sport and coached for a period. According to Liam his father, “loved to talk boxing in shop. Back then boxing and barbering went hand in hand.” Not only did the working class frequent the shop but also the great Irish playwright Brendan Behan. The shop was a mix of society, culture and life that created fertile soil for the Finnegan tradition to take root.

The relationship between William and Liam was not only centered on barbering skills but many life lessons stemmed from the craft. One piece of advice that was passed on from father to son is, “As a barber you’d always have some money in your pocket, and always to be scrupulously honest in your dealings with everybody.” It is with that philosophy and training that Liam set off on a barbering journey.

After apprenticing for six years in Dublin he moved to London and continued learning the craft. The shops he worked in were from various time periods; the Victorian style had wooden chairs and rounded sinks in Angel Court, on Throgmorton Street and the Queen Anne style at the famous Savoy Hotel. According to Liam, “I liked that these shops were so very different to what was back home in Ireland…these shops were not so much nostalgic back then, ‘Old’ was not that popular then.” During this period customers came from all walks of life, bankers, ordinary folk, Steve McQueen, Rolling Stones and many more notables. Eventually he came home to Dublin and worked at his father’s shop.

If you happen to be in Dublin and walk along Westmoreland Street you just might miss the world famous Waldorf Barbershop and Shaving Saloon. The entrance to the shop is located on the street level but upon entering the historical building, built in 1894, you will find a stairway that goes below the street to a portal to 1946.

The original shop opened in 1929 in the Westin Hotel by Mr. Thomas J. O’Byrne, commonly known as “Tommy Two Guns”. He worked as a journeyman barber aboard Cunard Ocean Steamers in the 1910’s and 20’s and traveled to the United States were he was influenced by the modern decor of New York barbershops. In 1946 Tommy Two Guns opened a second barbershop about one block north in the Adare building. The shop was modern and reminiscent of what he experienced in New York. Essentially, New York barbering was transported to the Emerald Isle.

In 1969 the Waldorf located in the Westin building closed its doors and the Waldorf Adare, as it was called, continued the craft of barbering. The times were changing and so were the hairstyles. Soon after, the shop was transformed into a Spanish Style Café.

Liam was working at his father’s shop when the opportunity to purchase the legendary Waldorf came calling. Liam and his daughter Linda obtained the shop and started the process of uncovering a legend from the grave of linoleum, “The first thing we did when we took over the reins at the Waldorf was to bring it back to exactly the way it was when it first opened in March 1946. There had been some modifications to the shop, back when it was just an old barbershop, and not a vintage shop. But all the changes were just on the surface.” Fortunately most of the modifications done in the 60’s/70’s were only superficial and under the linoleum the beautiful original terrazzo floor waited to be unveiled!

The Waldorf is not a nostalgic themed barbershop because it remains in its original form and contains many barbering artifacts. According to Liam, “There is a barber’s coat hanging in the backroom that is 100 years old. Two of the chairs date from 1908. Let me just say, when I’m at the Waldorf Barbershop, there are always about a half dozen things 100 years old or so within 20 feet of me.” Having the original sinks, fixtures and décor keeps the shop authentic. The backroom serves as a museum of sorts for barbering instruments and memorabilia.

The Waldorf offers world class grooming for men by highly skilled barbers. Liam, a barbering legend, believes the barber chair is an equalizer of ego for the famous and commoner, “Yes, we see them come in to the shop they wait just like everyone else. After all where else would they go? And we treat them just like every other customer. The other way we look at that is that every normal customer gets the movie star treatment. The only time a famous person came in outside of normal hours was when Frank Sinatra was playing Dublin back in ‘86 if I remember correctly. The shop opened a half hour early to accommodate him getting an edge up.”

Not only is Liam continuing the barbering tradition but also Linda, his beautiful daughter, is following in her father and grandfather’s footsteps. She started working in her grandfather’s shop when she was 12 years old.  According to Liam,“She is the other part of the team, who along with Mr. H, drive the business forward. An excellent, word class and competition-winning barber. She brings the old styles to a new level of accuracy.” If you are fortunate to get your hair cut by Liam his approach is open and masterfully honed, “Every one is different – every cut is different, sometimes I don’t know how I’ve done the haircut till I think about it after. But I’ll do whatever is required to get the hair to sit just right.” Liam masterfully feels the cut without giving it too much thought and the craft is like breathing, natural.

The Waldorf is a testament to the tradition of barbering and is propelled by the Finnegan’s and the talented staff of barbers who are influencing barbers world-wide. According to Liam, “People of all ages want to look sharper and more groomed now. This applies especially to younger people. There is a huge interest in the kind of work we do, and a real interest and appreciation for the craft of traditional barbering. For me personally, I am very proud to be a barber. It is a great craft to work at. It wasn’t always seen as such. I believe my legacy will be having been a part of the reappreciation of this old craft.” The Waldorf barbershop, created by Tommy Two Guns has been in continuous business for 84 years, the Waldorf represents the golden age of barbering. Much like William’s shop, the Waldorf is a mix of society, culture and life with roots that are spreading beyond the Finnegan family and Ireland.

Waldorf Barbershop and Shaving Saloon  www.facebook.com/Waldorf.Barbershop

Mr. M

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LYB!

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The Craft Of Straight Razor Shaving, Schorem Haarsnijder En Barbier Part II

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Gentlemen,

The importance of shaving can be traced all the way back to the Pharaohs of Egypt where archeologist have discovered copper and gold razors in their tombs. The razors were placed in the Pharaoh’s tomb to make sure they would be well groomed in the afterlife (sometimes their barbers were also buried with them!). Shaving is one thing that all Gentlemen will have to address, either grow a beard or shave. The craft of straight razor shaving has changed very little in the last few centuries and quality barbers are continuing the tradition.

Master Barber Bertus of Schorem Haarsnijder En Barbier in Rotterdam, Netherlands is well versed in the craft of straight razor shaving and teamed up with Gentlemen’s Avenue to produce this article. The founders of Schorem, Bertus and Leen, are Master Barbers and each have 22 years of experience.

The shop in Rotterdam has a French art deco mirror case that is an absolute eye catcher and dates back to 1890 (image on left). According to Bertus, “We found it in an antique store in Belgium and fell in love right away; all hand crafted drawers, marble plates and a 100 year old mirror in perfect condition.” The mirror case was made for a barbershop in 1890 and found a home at Schorem. The mirror case is not only decorative but serves a function because it stores clients’ shavers.

Schorem not only offers world-class haircuts but also two types of straight razor shaves, “original” and “normal”. The original is done with a shaver that belongs to the client and can stored in the mirror case.  The normal shave is done with replaceable blades or shavettes.

An essential tool for straight razor shaving is a double-sided strop that has a leather and canvas side. The leather side is used to sharpen the straight razor and the canvas side warms up the blade and removes microscopic imperfections. The strop is used before the shave begins and once during the shave.

The towels used by Schorem prepare the patron and skin for shaving and creates a memorable experience. The hot towels serve two functions: 1) soften the hair, 2) open the pores so the hair follicles will “swell” and stick out more. The hot towels are prepped in hot water with a few drops of lavender to relax the patron. Preparing the skin starts with a hot towel followed by massaging some pre-shave into the beard. Hot lather is then applied with a badger brush and held in the right hand and the left hand is placed behind the barbers back to keep it dry. Another hot towel is applied to the patron with additional hot lather. Finally, the barber prepares to shave by adding talc to his hands.

To get the closest shave possible without damaging the skin requires a two-part process. The first shave is done with the 14-step method and each stroke follows the grain of the facial hair. Using the 14-step method allows the barber to remain on one point so both the patron and fellow barbers will always know where they are in the shave.

Once the 14 steps have been completed the face is re-lathered with a badger brush but now the shaving strokes are slightly against the grain.  Schorem does not attempt a BBS (baby butt smooth) but comes as close as possible without causing trauma to the skin. The last hot towel is applied and a final check is performed before massaging after-shave balm into the skin. A cold towel is applied to close the pores, which causes the hair follicles to retreat into the skin, and to clean the face. The cold towels contain a few drops of mint to awaken the senses. The final step is to apply a little after-shave and talcum powder. The shave is now complete and the patron receives a quick shoulder and neck treatment with the Oster massager and a splash of aftershave on the neck. The tonics and aftershaves are kept in the freezer for that extra tingling feel.

A straight razor shave produces the best shave possible and gives you time to relax and enjoy something that Pharaohs, Roman Emperors and working class Gentlemen have prized. The methods used by Schorem may not be the same as your local barber but the key is to embrace the craft of straight razor shaving. Not all barbershops have a mirror case that is 123 years old but with proper training they can perform the craft of straight razor shaving and provide customers with quality grooming services and continue a barbering tradition.

Photos of Schorem courtesy of Jelle Mollema

Master Barber Bertus, Schorem Haarsnijder En Barbier Rotterdam, Netherlands     www.facebook.com/Schorem    www.SchoremBarbier.nl

Mr. M

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LYRMBGB!

 

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An Original Treasure in Utah, Braxton’s Barbershop and Shaving Parlor

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Gentlemen,

As we continue the barber series we are pleased to write about our first U.S. barber in the series, Braxton’s Barbershop and Shaving Parlor.

In the beautiful State of Utah there is a history of hidden and buried treasures. One legend claims the Aztecs took Montezuma’s gold before Cortes arrived and hid it in Southern Utah. A hidden treasure typically begins with one man and one treasure. Braxton’s Barber Shop and Shaving Parlor located in Salt Lake City, Utah has only one barber and one 1930 Koch barber chair.

The barbershop’s setting is unusual because it is located in the Bonnevillains Speed and Hot Rod Shop in a 15 X 15 foot space. It is not uncommon to look out the barbershop window and witness a classic car undergoing restoration or modification. Not only does 1185 S. 300 West Street produce badass custom cars, choppers and restorations but also some of the finest haircuts in Utah. Braxton Brandenburg began the journey of barbering about 5 years ago and had the opportunity to own a shop in the Bonnevillains Speed Shop. The goal was simple “to bring professionalism and tradition back to Salt Lake,” says Braxton.

Although the shop is fairly new it is old because 95% of the items are true vintage and not replicas. Braxton collected antiques before he became a barber and much of it covers the shop walls. Some of the treasures have been passed down through generations. According to Braxton, if you look carefully “the pictures on the wall are relatives that date back to my great, great, great, great grandparents.” A short list of vintage items include an “1800’s old west Naughty Nellie boot jack, 1930s Glo Dial Ever Ready Neon Clock, General Electric refrigerator, 1930s working Philco radio, porcelain Lucky Lager sign, early century milk can used as a cane and umbrella stand…” You get the idea, right? Braxton says, “everything has been done before so I find influence for my shop outside of barbering and what I grew up around.” The shop is an original because it is a reflection of Braxton a mix of tradition, heritage and simplicity.

The shop operates on an appointment only basis due to size constraints and attention to customer needs. Whether they come in for a haircut or hot towel shave Braxton will make sure there is enough time to produce the best results. The appointments ensure that he will not “be rushed and set a consistent daily schedule and allow equal time with everyone” says Braxton. But don’t feel left out because there is a few chairs in the shop and people are more than welcome to hang out. The clientele is a mix of pilots to plumbers, lawyers to welders and everyone in between.  The individuals who come to the shop are friends and customers who will become friends. Braxton describes the shop as a “professional environment with a working class feel” and the people of Utah have spoken and voted him the Best Barber in Salt Lake City. Braxton’s approach to barbering is “take pride in the services here and do my best to make it the best!”

Just when you thought the story was pretty damn good it gets better because Braxton is part of a two man band called the Ugly Valley Boys (watch the video below). The band’s CD is on the Farmageddon Record label and their sound can be described as American Roots music a mix of country, rockabilly, back woods, blues and great story telling lyrics. The voice of guitarist Ryan Eastlyn is earthy and hearty. Being part of UVB allows Braxton to form friendships with many musicians and play at several venues including Viva Las Vegas 15. When bands or Farmageddon family are in the area they stop by to visit the Barber Shop and an impromptu Hootenanny takes place and “it is all for fun” says Braxton.

Amongst all the vintage items in the shop one piece in particular is Braxton’s favorite. It is “an old Old Crow whiskey figurine I got from my friend Danielle from 4 Miles 2 Memphis and Antique Archeology that is probably my favorite, makes me laugh every time I see it!” says Braxton. When I looked at all the pictures of the shop I struggled to find the Old Crow figurine. After closer inspection I found the small figurine on a shelf with larger items. The crow looks extremely dapper with a top hat, walking stick tucked under his wing and a pair of glasses. The crow seems to be a good symbol for Braxton’s shop; original and unique.

The treasure of Braxton’s Barbershop and Shaving Parlor is that it is an original barbershop with an original barber who has not forgotten his heritage. Braxton is undoubtedly inspiring others with his music and barbering craft to create their own paths of originality while bringing tradition and professionalism back to the craft of barbering in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Gentlemen of tradition and distinction should be original regardless of their craft, occupation or profession and heritage should never be abandoned.

Braxton’s on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Braxtons-Barber-Shop-Shaving-Parlor/186540931439583

Ugly Valley Boys

http://www.uglyvalleyboys.com/

Mr. M

www.facebook.com/Gentlemens.Ave

LYRMBGB!

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The Craftsmanship of Barbers

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Gentlemen,

There are very few things in life that can speak volumes about your personality and give a
quality impression without a single word being spoken (read post about Mustache’s www.gentlemensavenue.com/mustache-style-and-personality/). One thing within your control is your hair. The hairstyle and quality of the cut can impress people before you even say a word and display confidence, style, attention to detail, masculinity, and grooming habits etc…. If you really think about it hair is a contrast to your face since the texture and color changes, skin to hair. There are 3 factors that I consider when choosing a barber or shop: 1) Vibe, 2) Personality/Attitude, 3) Quality. So as we get ready and groomed for the holiday pictures or any day of the year choose wisely.  

The vibe of a shop is that feeling you get when you walk in the door and the barbers face is either screaming “oh God, I dont want to cut his hair” or “Welcome!”. The “oh God” is because the barber may feel he is too cool to cut your hair or realizes they may take more time to get your style right or they are A-Holes and they will not get my hard earned money. The “oh God” can also be due to the shop’s focus on another style and elitist mentality. On the other hand, the “welcome” reaction makes me feel at home and ready to trust my hair to a capable barber and give them my business.

Secondly, I consider personality/attitude to be important because if you are going to be sitting in the chair for 30 min to 1 hour you should have a decent conversation. I do not mean that you will spill all your family secrets or dirty laundry but you do want to feel like there is some commonality or friendship. When a barber introduces himself and shakes your hand it is recognition of who you are and courtesy. After some time your barber may just say hello to you when you walk in the door because they are busy on a cut and that is understandable but when you approach the chair a handshake makes a huge difference.

Lastly, the quality of a cut is what keeps you going back to the shop and giving them your business.  When a barber takes the time to ask you the details of the cut that reveals pride in their craft because they want to give you what you ask for. Maybe you will sit in the chair and say, “the usual”, “let’s go a lil shorter this time” because you are on the same page. The mutual understanding does not come on the first cut and sometimes it takes two cuts for the barber to understand your hair and style but if they are making the effort and the vibe and personality is good then stick with them. Before you get out of the chair the barber should let you inspect the work to see if you approve and make any adjustments where necessary. Never be afraid to ask questions or bring a picture of your desired style.

I consider barbering to be a craft because there is a tremendous amount of skill required to produce a quality cut. Moreover, the term craft signifies a profession and dedication, not merely a job. Not everyone who cuts hair is a barber. The difference is training and pride in their work not just maximizing the amount of cuts per hour. You may spend time hanging out at the shop shooting the breeze after your cut and have a few drinks while you are there. The barber shop is not only a place for grooming but also a hang out for Gentlemen.

A friend of mine recently said “I love being the town barber! I am: therapist, lobbyist, lawyer, teacher, parent, growchy ol man all in one day” and that is true. A true barber understands that each client is a representation of his craft and a walking business card. If the barber’s craft is worth your money dont ever cheat them on a tip and be generous. 

Gentlemen of tradition and distinction need barbers that are craftsmen and if you are fortunate you will have the same one for years to come. Stay tuned because I will be profiling a few barber craftsmen on future posts.

Mr. M

LYRMBGB!

 

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Mustache: Style and Personality

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Gentlemen,

As  we approach the last week of Movember some Gentlemen are contemplating growing a Mustache after watching their friends mold one for the last three weeks. Or maybe you want a new look. Either way a Mustache is revealing more about your personality and style than you can imagine because it is a visual statement.

As a young boy I dreamed of the day when the peach fuzz that was gathering above my upper lip would fill with a strong and masculine Mustache. A Mustache is a declaration, it can be revolutionary and fierce like Pancho Villa or elegant and sophisticated like the King of Hollywood Clark Gable, it is the ultimate symbol of manliness. Each Mustache type reflects a distinct personality and style.

Not every style will work for you. Some men have rebellious and wayward facial hair that will never settle to the desired style no matter how many ounces of wax is applied. Also, some men lack facial hair and will not be able to grow a substantial and moldable Mustache. Take a look at the Movember and Sons Mustache Style Guide and read about what each styles typifies (click on the picture in the left handcorner). The guide Movember and Sons created is not the Mustache Bible but it is informative and knowledge should never be rejected.

In my experience of growing a Mustache there is 5 phases of Mustache-Molding. Keep in mind that not every man will experience all or some of the phases. The initial phase, stubs of facial hair will be noticeable and the five o’ clock shadow may appear. Phase 2, the facial hair makes its presence known and is sticking out above the skin. Phase 3 is the untamable facial hair that is turning in different angles. At this point you may be discouraged but stick with it because your effort and perseverance will pay off. Phase 4, you can begin to shave and trim as you Mold your Mustache to the desired style. This phase may be repeated until the Mustache hair lays down and fills in. Lastly, phase 5 requires maintenance of your new Mustache to sustain the desired style. A good razor and trimming scissors will be required and make sure there is good lighting in the bathroom with a clean mirror.

Gentlemen, choose wisely and be realistic about your desired Mustache style and like all things it takes patience and a solid will to accomplish. Some styles will look ridiculous on me but for others it suits them perfectly. No man can have the desired Mustache style at the moment they decide to stop shaving. Mustache-Molding has a long tradition and will help define your personality and can be an advertisement to the world of who and what you are without speaking a single word.

Be a Gentleman of tradition and distinction and let the Mustache-Molding begin.

Mr. M

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LYB!

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