Two passes. Done right.
First pass goes with the grain to take down the bulk. Second pass goes against the grain for closeness. Cool finish to close the pores. Thirty-five minutes from chair to handshake.
I work with a single-blade straight razor — the same tool barbers have used for a hundred years. Sharper than a multi-blade cartridge, less irritation when it's done right, closer than anything you'll get out of a tube.
Closer. Cleaner. Older than us.
A multi-blade razor lifts and cuts, which is fast and fine for daily home use but pulls hairs below the skin and gives you the bumps. A straight razor cuts at the surface — closer shave, less ingrown trouble. Done well, you can stretch the shave to four, five days before stubble shows.
Done badly, a straight razor draws blood. That's why this isn't a thing you find at every shop. I've been doing it for twelve years.
Honesty before the chair.
If you have very sensitive skin, active acne, or a recent retinoid prescription, tell me — we'll skip the second pass or push the appointment a week. I'd rather you walked out happy than fast.
If you have a beard you want to keep, this isn't the service. Book the beard trim ($25) instead. The shave is for taking it all off.