A Nostalgic Pomade That Your Grandad Would Use

Posted on March 19, 2015 by admin

Gents,

We are pleased to feature Grandad’s Heavyweight Hair Pomade that will remind you of a golden age of hair products and if your fortunate will remind you of your grandfather. The pomade is made in the U.S.A and contains petroleum, lanolin, beeswax, almond oil and fragrance in a amber glass jar with a black plastic lid. All Grandad’s products are made in small batches by hand in San Diego, CA.

The product has high quality performance that will appease any oil/grease based enthusiasts seeking another option to expand their pomade collection. The one thing that really stands out to me is the fragrance because they remained true to their name, Grandad’s! Here is my feeble attempt to explain it, smells like my grandfather just showered, shaved and combed his hair and splashed a lil something extra to get the ladies buzzing. It DOES NOT smell like some old crusty old man, just wanted to clear that up.

Don’t hesitate to check out Grandad’s and travel back in time to old school men’s grooming products and if your lucky it will remind you of a special elderly gent, possibly your Grandad. You can find them on Facebook and Etsy

Mr. M

The Oldest Straight Razor Strop Company In The U.S.A

Posted on September 5, 2014 by admin

Gents,

I set out to find the oldest straight razor strop maker in the U.S.A and I am honored to, in part, write about them. It was no easy feat because Google was short on leads so I employed my Grad school research determination to dig through forums and blogs to discover the Illinois Razor Strop Company founded in 1907. The goal was within reach but after more research I discovered there was no website or social media, I was frustrated. But I kept looking and found Fromm!

I contacted Fromm but wasn’t sure what the nature of their relationship was and Emmi Barrett was soon to provide me with all the missing links with extreme courtesy and professionalism that I discovered was a lasting trait of Illinois Razor Strop Co.

Here is the story told by Fromm:
In 1907, our founder James Simon started the Illinois Razor Strop Company. At that time, leather was crafted by hand in a Chicago warehouse to create razor stops that men depended upon to keep their straight razors sharp. After more than 100 years, we are the only razor strop manufacturer in the United States. 1907 offers a pristine straight razor to compliment these classic and quality razor strops.

In 1949, James Simon’s son, Edwin, joined the company and is soon dispatched to work in a tannery to learn about how leather strops are made. He returned to the Illinois Razor Strop Co. to continue to learn and grow the business. Once we expanded from barber supplies and added salon tools, the Illinois Razor Strop Co. was able to use Chicago’s rise as an industrial hub to connect nationally. As the company grew and added product categories, it began selling Fromm Shears-known for high quality German-made shears. Fromm quickly rose by offering bestselling products, and in 1984 the decision was made to rename the company to Fromm.

In recent years, there’s been a resurgence of appreciation and interest into the art of straight razor shaving and its health benefits. Razors with multiple blades directly contribute to razor burn and ingrown hairs. More blades mean more irritation. It’s time to abandon the cheap, fast dulling, mutli-blades and invest in a straight razor with unfaltering edge sharpness.

The 1907 Razor Strop is hand crafted with top grain cowhide and comes complete with sharpening canvas and swivel. Stropping should occur before every shave to align the edge of the blade for the straightest and sharpest clean edge. To strop, attach the 1907 Razor Strop against an anchored object (like a towel bar) and pull the other end with your hand. Make sure that the strop is tight.

We received the #206 model and right away you can feel and smell the crafted leather work. A firm leather side is complemented with the “Fine Weave Linen Finish” side. The swivel is solid and sturdy. One feature of the swivel that caught my attention is the “pin” used to swivel the strop looks like a nail that has been bent! This feature must be part of the original design in 1907 and a homage to tradition. The graphics on the strop are really exciting because not only is this strop made by the OLDEST straight razor strop company in the U.S.A but it is also made in the U.S.A! A reminder that you are not holding some low-grade start up product. The #206 straight razor strop is grade A++.

Men are in constant search for grooming products that are authentic and traditional, based upon the belief that quality and craftsmanship have transcended time and technology. The Illinois Razor Strop Co. fits the criteria and has not only existed for 107 years but is unwavering in their barber products and worthy of the finest barbershops or straight razor enthusiast. A statement that best encapsulates the Illinois Straight Razor Strop Co. is, “a heritage of authentic quality passed down by generations.”

Mr. M
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How To Look And Be Tip-Top Pt. II: Tip of Your Shoes

Posted on July 23, 2014 by admin

Gents,
Continuing our discussion about the life philosophy of Tip-Top, we begin to discuss the particular elements of those things that are within your control. As we previously said, the basis for being and looking Tip-Top (How To Look and Be Tip-Top) is style, grooming and life. With the framework of looking good from the Tip of your shoes to the Top of your head, we begin at the Tip of your shoes.

I have written several articles about shoes in the past (Allen Edmonds Broadstreet, Shoes Are Essential) and strongly believe that they are one of the most powerful essentials to style that can speak volumes without ever saying a word.

The process for choosing the best shoe for the right occasion can be bewildering to some but there are a few rules of thumb that can eliminate faux pas. Rule #1, let the occasion highly influence your choice of shoe. A formal or informal occasions may require you to up the ante and select a classic/elegant or tennis shoe. Rule #2, make an impression with your shoes and let the shoes speak for themselves. Although, making an impression with your shoes cannot be the overriding factor. Going to a picnic in wingtips and trying to play volleyball in them may not be the best choice. Rule #3, know your style and clothing because you may not be able to pull off the desired look. Not everyone can rock penny loafers or Harley boots and a pair of 501’s so be cognizant of what your personal style.

More importantly, know who and what you are before you venture out to the wild blue yonder. The best impression you can make is that which comes natural to you. No shoe, hair style, or article of clothing can ever substitute for the type of person you truly are and that will either attract or repel others.

Starting from the bottom, Tip of your shoes, and working our way to the Top will help you not only understand your style but also portray it effectively to others. Regardless of your choice of shoes remain passionate and confident in who and what you are and only then can you achieve a state of being Tip-Top.

Mr. M
Founder/Editor
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The Avenue Men’s Magazine FREE Digital Copies!

Posted on May 6, 2014 by admin

We now have FREE digital copies available of The Avenue Men’s Magazine inaugural Fall 2013 issue featuring the Scumbag (Schorem) Barbers from the Netherlands! Also, great articles about custom made leather works, craft beer, tattoos and much more!

The magazine is gritty, classy, independent and attitude!

Click the image below to download, follow these directions!
1. Click “ADD TO DIGITAL LIBRARY” or it may say “BUY DIGITAL:FREE”
(ONLY THE DIGITAL COPY IS FREE)
2. You need to REGISTER on Magcloud to view on their reader, IOS for ipad, PDF
3. Then go to your account and click “MY DIGITAL LIBRARY”
4. Either select “DOWNLOAD PDF” or “READ NOW”

This is our gift to you!!!

The Avenue Men’s Magazine Spring 2014 Now Available!

Posted on April 1, 2014 by admin

We are proud to announce that The Avenue Men’s Magazine Spring 2014 is now available to purchase! Here is a Sneak Peek! Hard and digital copies are available http://www.magcloud.com/browse/magazine/695127

Spring 2014 available now

Blades Of A Feather Flock Together, Case & Sons Cutlery: The Avenue Men’s Magazine Winter 2014

Posted on February 7, 2014 by admin

Since the beginning of time mankind has needed a sharpened instrument for survival. In fact, knives are considered to be the oldest human tools. With the development of technology and the digital age this tradition has lost some of its luster.

Many companies sought cheaper production costs and exported manufacturing that resulted in inferior blades. The quality and craftsmanship suffered. The age of the decline of quality and custom cutlery began.

Mankind must not forget the ancient and modern traditions. It may have been a caveman skinning their latest accomplishment or a barber slapping the straight razor against the strop preparing for the closest shave possible but a sharpened instrument made it possible.

We are fortunate to have finely crafted blades from Case & Sons Cutlery that capture tradition and exemplary workmanship. The blades not only represent traditional knives but also capture a stylistic edge that is forged by Case.

Both Case knives have an elegant and rustic styling coupled with a technological edge with Tru-Sharp Stainless Steel blades. The blade material is not ordinary stainless steel because it is special high-carbon steel that will prolong the sharp edge. The advanced material produces a blade with amazing strength and resistant to corrosion.

The combination of unique blade style, handle, and advanced Tru-Sharp blade creates a knife worthy of Case & Sons brand……………………..

GENTLEMEN'S AVENUE

Modern Men of Tradition and Distinction

Tag Archives: Made in USA