Tag Archives: dapper

Geo F. Trumper Soft Shaving Cream

April 17, 2014 By in REVIEWS Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

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Geo F. Trumper is “The finest traditional gentlemen’s barber in London” Recently we have seen many of the Geo F, Trumper shaving creams leave the warehouse. It seems to be a trend this month. So, we spent a little time testing and trying the shaving creams out understanding which scent is best for your skin and what each shaving cream consists of. Take a read below to find out about the different shaving cream scents and see what our customers have to say about it.

Scents:

Lime (Normal to oily skin) – Hints of tangy sharpness of tropical limes and vibrant citrus flashes.

Sandalwood (Normal skin) – Exotic aroma with a woody, yet peppery scent.

Rose (Sensitive to normal skin) – Warm and uplifting rose scent with natural therapeutic properties.

Violet (Sensitive skin) – Subtle tones of violet for a crisp, clean, and fresh scent.

Almond (Dry or normal skin) – Refreshingly nutty aroma which is soothing and softening.

GFT ( All skin types) – Woody scent of cypress and tarragon with mandarin, bergamot, and lemon.

Coconut Oil (Sensitive to normal skin) – Contains natural moisturizing properties extracted from fresh coconut pulp.

Customer Reviews:

Jason ( Georgia, GA)

“I have been wet shaving for just a few months now, but being new to this, I have tried several shaving creams already. I come back to my Trumper Coconut Cream every time. This is my favorite shaving cream of all. And I have somewhat sensitive skin, but since I started using the coconut on a regular basis I have almost no irritation. Love it! Trying a couple of the other scents I got in a sampler pack, but coconut is still my favorite.”

Chris (Richmond, Virginia)

“I have tried many different creams, foams, gels and everything under the sun for my face, but this product has me sold. I use the Violet shave cream in conjunction with Trumper’s Sandalwood skin food for post shave and have seen nothing but great results. For someone has extremely sensitive skin like mine, I would highly recommend using this product. A little goes along way and the scent is fresh without being overpowering. I would be interested to try the coconut scent next.”

Michael (Naples, FL)

“I’ve been wet shaving for about 2 years now and have tried a wide variety of creams and have to say that Geo F. Trumper’s is one of the best. So far I’ve used Lime and Coconut, you don’t need to use a lot, great lather, and subtle smell. On the high end price-wise but worth every penny!”

James (Huber Heights, OH)

“I have to shave almost everyday because of my job and its rough on my face. I used this shaving cream and I won’t buy anything else. I have used the lime, lavender, and sandalwood, all smell great but not over powering.”

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Proraso Shave Cream Products

April 8, 2014 By in HISTORY Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

“An impeccable line for every kind of beard”

Proraso has been around for 65 years and are always striving to do better. Their designs have changed but their content still remains the same. We want to distinguish the difference between the scents of the Proraso shaving creams and which scent would be best with your shave.

 Green –  Proraso Shaving Cream, Menthol and Eucalyptus

This is the line that gave birth to Proraso. The new formulation is now paraben-free and contains eucalyptus oil, coconut oil and natural glycerin. The menthol adds a sensational tinging effect which allows the razor to pass cleanly through stubble. The shaving cream can be used with or without a shaving brush. Works great for all skin types.
HR_423-019-00_proraso-green-shaving-cream-menthol-eucalyptusRed – Proraso Nourishing Shave Cream in Tube

Proraso Shaving Cream is made by a hot soap-making process which enriches the ingredients and turns them into a creamy soft soap. The cream is vegetable based and contains natural ingredients that nourishes and regenerates dry skin and softens even rough and tough beards. This cream contains shea butter and sandalwood oil for their calming and anti-inflammatory effects. The nourishing shave cream contains no parabens, silicons, mineral oils or artificial colors. This is great for dry skin and coarse beards. 

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Blue – Proraso Blue Shaving Cream, Aloe and Vitamin E

Proraso Blue Shaving Cream is the newest addition to the Proraso family of products. The shaving cream adds a slick cushion to the skin and allows the razor to glide comfortably, protecting the skin from shaving irritations. The formula contains added Aloe and Vitamin E to help regenerate damaged skin cells. It has more of a classic barbershop scent with a hint of licorice.

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Shop for these product at www.royalshave.com

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V’s Barbershop

April 3, 2014 By in BARBERSHOPS Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 3 Comments

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We were lucky enough to get an interview with the master behind V’s Barbershop, Jim CEO and Founder, V’s Barbershop shared with us his experience owning a barbershop.

1. Where are you located?

We were founded and still headquartered in Phoenix, AZ.  We currently have 20 V’s opened in 9 states.

2. When did you start this business?

1999

3. When did you realize you wanted to be a barber?

I am not a barber.  However, I realized in 1998 that I could not find an authentic, upscale barbershop anywhere in the United States, so I started V’s.

4. Describe a few steps you took to become a barber.

We get asked all the time on the best way to become a barber.  We suggest that they research barber schools in their area and make sure that the school they choose has a good reputation and is well thought of by the state Barber Board for graduating well trained barbers.  We also suggest that if they do not like to communicate with others then not to bother with barber school.  Lastly, we have found that those with artistic ability make the best barbers, so we always ask if they can draw and if they can, we encourage them to look into barbering as a profession.

5. How would you deal with a customer who didn’t know what they wanted? 

We train our barbers at V’s to make sure that they and the patron fully understand the cut before they begin.  Since we are not a “quick cut” or “chop shop”, we always take as much time as is needed to fully understand the patron’s wishes.

6. Are woman allowed in your barbershop? 

Yes, and we have many come in with their sons and wait while his hair is cut.  Kids are a big part of any successful barbershop and we do our best to make sure that not only do we give our kids our best effort, but also try to make sure that his mom enjoys he wait as well.

7. What are some of your accomplishments as a Barber? 

We have won literally hundreds of awards through the years.  I am most proud of being named “Best Barbershop” by Phoenix Magazine 10 times.  This is “the” list to be named to in Phoenix and we have fortunate to have been named so many times.

8. Who are some of your favorite barbers? 

We have well over 100 barbers throughout all of our shops and many are my favorites.  We employ some of the best barbers in the United States and I am proud that any of them can cut my hair.  We also perform over 20,000 shaves a year at V’s and with kind of volume and experience, I would put the V’s barbers up against anyone in the world at straight-edge shaving.

9. What do you believe makes a quality hairstyle, cut and groom? 

Attention to detail and the ability to execute the patron’s desire.  In the end, all barbers are the same – the ones that care the most, make the most.

10. What makes your barbershop different to others? 

V’s started the resurgence of the authentic barbershop in 1999.  Almost all of the shops that have popped up since have been influenced by our attention to detail, execution and success.  Throughout our existence, we have been well served by never straying from the authenticity of our shops, services or mission.

11. Where do you get your inspiration? 

Going to the barbershop with my dad when I was a kid and then bringing my son to the barbershop when he was young.

12. What advice do you have for aspiring barbers? 

Learn that cleanliness, sanitary practice, quality services and saying thank you are key to success.  Also, the successful barber realizes that the other barbers in the shop have rent to pay and mouths to feed, so encouraging their success will lead to a better functioning shop and more money for all.

13. Explain what a barbershop means to you. 

It is a community place for guys where a little show is put on every day and the experience stays with you after you leave the shop.

14. Where can readers find out more about you and your work?  

www.vbarbershop.com  

Facebook

Google V’s Barbershop.

V’s Barbershop Locations

44 43 15 The-Works-(2)

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Tips & Facts: Razor Sharpening

March 28, 2014 By in TIPS & FACTS Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

slumiGood honing and good stropping are both absolutely necessary for a good straight razor shave. In order to get a clean and sharp razor blade we start off with honing which sharpens your razor. Then we move onto the stropping. The strop doesn’t sharpen the edge of the razor at all, but simply aligns the edge keeping the very thin metal all pointing in the same direction.

Types of hones:

Natural: Natural sharpening stones can be a lot more difficult to come across due to the inconsistency of their origin. Because they are quarried (mined) from the earth, it becomes more difficult to find an ideal shape or texture in the stone. The use of natural stones require using slurry stones to create a slurry (paste-like consistency) to sharpen the razor. A natural sharpening stone is often less aggressive and consequently gives the razor a smoother shave.

Synthetic: Manmade stones offer the consistency that natural stones can not. Often made of a ceramic base for leverage and abrasive powder to form grits, the stone are carefully constructed and often give a sharper, crisper edge. The grits follow a number system which allows for customers to select the level of coarseness they prefer.

 

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Naniwa 12,000 Grit Super Stone in Stand

 

Types of strops:

The types of sharpening strops depend on how they are set and the method used while stropping.

Hanging – These are the only style strops that need to be attached to an immovable object which holds the strop stable while stropping. They often have a hook or loop which affixes to an object and a loop or handle at the opposite end of the strop to hold it steady while stropping. These are the most common sharpening strops.

 

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30 Degree Thin Latigo Natural Leather Strop with Handle, 3″

 

Paddle/Loom – Paddle/Loom strops are relatively uncommon, but are convenient for travelers. The leather strop is affixed to a paddle with an extended handle. These types of strops are as equally as effective as hanging strops, but can be harder to use due to their average size and angle at which the strop must be performed.

 

HR-430-036-00-bison-paddle-strop-case002_2Bison Paddle Strop Razor Case

Types of Materials used:

Materials: Most strops are comprised of a leather component and a reverse fabric component. The fabric aspect is used to thoroughly clean the razor before using the leather component to actually realign the blade’s edge. There are very many different leathers and fabrics used for razor stropping, below are among the most common:

  • Latigo – Typically, this refers to a special process used to treat cowhide leather during the tanning process. It is generally treated with aluminum salts/oil and leaves the strop slightly flexible, oily and strong.
  • Russian Leather (Juchten) – Russian leather is also comprised of cowhide leather, but has been treated with birch oil during it’s tanning process. The birch oil gives the leather a distinct texture, smell and reddish color. The Russian Leather strop requires less time to break in and even allows for a gentle bare hand massage to prepare it for stropping
  • Fabric – The most common materials used to clean the strop are cotton, linen and hemp.

Take a look at the diagram below from Gentleman’s Shop to see how you strop and what direction you move the blade.
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