When Tradition Has Style

Straight razor shaving certainly hasn't lost its charm even today.

When you say straight razor shaving, we picture an English barber who with stylish movements grooms a gentleman in a coat, with his cane set aside nearby. But if we follow the traces of this tradition, we'll have to go back much further.

Beard care - as old as humanity itself

Would you believe that men have been taking care of their appearance for 100,000 years BC? It probably wasn't about being the most trendy, but some rituals included shaving, for which, according to preserved paintings, shells were used. 30,000 years BC, with flint tools, a new way of shaving using sharp flints also came about. However, big changes in shaving came only when man learned to work with metals.

The advent of metal and a boom in shaving

The first straight razors (if we can call them that) were made of copper. In the area of today's India and Egypt, around the 3rd millennium, a culture developed that already required thorough care of one's appearance. Hair and beard care was part of the culture, which is why we also find the first mentions of barber schools in this period. Barber schools were responsible for refining the population, especially those who were part of the upper classes.

Shaving as part of social life

In ancient Greece, more modern iron razors appear, but they dull very quickly, so it was not uncommon for men to leave after shaving with a nick or two. However, everyone gladly endured this small inconvenience, because barber salons had primarily a social function. Gossip was discussed there, but also politics and business.

Breakthrough in manufacturing - hard steel

To not take away from England's significant role, the first folding straight razors were made there in the 18th century. It was Benjamin Huntsman who was responsible for the first hard steel used for razors. Yet initially he did not meet with success, because precisely due to its hardness, blacksmiths refused to take the steel. At that time, most production was headed to France.

British innovation

In the 19th century, Britain came up with an improvement in the form of a folding handle. We owe this change to William Hanson. At the same time, the quality of the material kept improving, so over time we encounter razors as we know them today. By the 20th century, the straight razor was an essential tool for a proper gentleman, and besides barbering, they weren't afraid to use it from the comfort of home either.

Demand for traditions is growing again

The invention of the clipper pushed classic straight razor shaving into the background for a while. Today's era again demands the style and habits of a gentleman, where a man doesn't lose his masculinity and, on the contrary, his virtues are cultivated. And because we support style and tradition, on our e-shop you will find everything you need for straight razor shaving - straight razors, luxurious men's cosmetics, and other accessories to achieve not only a perfect shave, but also a great feeling from the care. Come choose from our diverse offer, and we'll be happy to advise you with the selection.