Tag Archives: Schorem

The First Cover of Our Magazine, The Avenue. A New Standard in Men’s Magazines

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Friends,

Here is the cover of our first magazine cover, The Avenue! Our friends Schorem from Rotterdam, Netherlands will grace the inaugural issue. We have many new articles and features! Dont miss out on the new standard in Men’s Magazines.

The magazine will be available for purchase on 9.9.13 but pre-order is available. Each printing will contain one special feature! To purchase email sales@gentlemensavenue.com

****Barbers, resellers, distributors, stores, etc… great men’s publication that is available at wholesale pricing.**** If you would like to sell The Avenue please contact, sales@gentlemensavenue.com for more information. International distributors encouraged.

To advertise please contact,  advertising@gentlemensavenue.com space is limited,

 

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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

www.facebook.com/Gentlemens.Ave

LYRMBGB!

 

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What Is The Difference Between History and Tradition?

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Gentlemen,

Recently I met with my old professor and mentor for a cup of coffee that lasted over 5 hours. We stayed much longer than either of us anticipated discussing family, life and the future. During our conversation he pulled out a pocketknife that had a wood grain handle and began to talk about it. He told me “I really wanted this knife because it belongs to my father (90 years strong).” The knife is worn and over sharpened but he looked at it as if he had seen a precious piece of cutlery for the first time and said, “this is a banana knife and people in the packing house need it to make sure they have the right tool for the job.” His family owns one of the oldest grower/packing houses in central California (96 years).  I quietly thought, a Gentleman with a PH.D that carries his father’s pocketknife around, “you are a badass!” The knife is not a showpiece and he uses it often, noticeable in the wear, but it is a rich part of his tradition. Tradition is often confused with history and they are worlds apart.

History is the past and exists in events, memories and stories. Maybe you sit around with family/friends and the stories typically beginning with, “When I was younger we used to…” or “I remember…” At times there is distance and disconnect with the facts and genuine feelings can be associated with the memories. History is at the mercy of being able to recall the details with accuracy and often times family members or friends say, “No, it happened like this…” The saying, history is HIS-Story has some element of truth.

Tradition may begin in history but instead of being a memory it exists in the present. The origin of the word “tradition” comes from the Latin tradere, trans=across + dare=give (Macbook dictionary). The root word means to pass along beliefs and customs. Tradition can be created and developed during the present and continue into the future. In other words, tradition is active compared to history that is inactive. The tradition can be as simple as cooking breakfast for your loved ones every Sunday morning, playing poker two times a month with a group of friends or caring for your elderly parents. Either way, it is a repeated behavior based in your beliefs.

The only way history can be transformed into a tradition is by creating and teaching in the present. It can be something that you learned as a child and no longer practice and by taking action you create tradition. I have never heard anyone speak fondly of letting traditions die out and those that are established and rekindled can live on.

We at Gentlemen’s Avenue believe that part of being a Gentleman is being able to teach and create traditions with friends, family and the community because only then can we tradere, “pass along”, beliefs and customs to others. We believe in tradition so strongly that our motto is “Modern Men of Tradition & Distinction”. Everyone has different traditions, whether it is going to a traditional barber that practices the craft of barbering for a quality cut or preserving your fathers pocketknife. It is important to create and teach traditions to younger generations your children, nieces/nephews or apprentices.

Photo Courtesy of Master Barber Bertus with Jens (Father & Son)

www.schorembarbier.nl/

www.facebook.com/Schorem

Mr. M

www.facebook.com/Gentlemens.Ave

Modern Men of Tradition & Distinction

LYRMBGB!

 

 

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