© <strong>Barbers</strong>hop Cologne
BÖKER MANUFAKTUR SOLINGEN 3 editorial THE RETURN OF THE BARBER AND THE REAL WET SHAVE Whether in Rotterdam, Amsterdam, London, Cologne, or Dusseldorf, you can find them once again – the hairdressers who specialize in cutting and shaping men's beards and hair. Most barber shops have a special look, which is typical for our times, and has never before existed in this new form. It is a special mix of style elements from the 1920’s to the 1960’s, paired with large tattoos, beards, cuffed jeans, and tweed vests. The technical level is usually top notch and you can get a cool beer at many of them – but all of them seem to have a relaxed atmosphere in which one actually enjoys spending time. Some customers will even wait up to five hours in some of the trendier shops! A few gems can also be found outside of the major cities – the barber from the older generation who has been in business since the 1960’s and has not forgotten the old tools, hair care products, and their use. Paul Kox in Breukelen, the “secret pope” of men's barbers in the Netherlands, is such an original. Maybe such a veteran works behind an old, yellowed shop display in your neighborhood, with opening hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The shaving culture also has a few very unusual salons which are difficult to classify. One such example is the Scheersalon of Jeroen in Bladel, Netherlands, which presents itself in classical, simple elegance. Many men have a strong desire to learn the almost lost art of wet shaving with a forged razor, and to be able to do it themselves. This skill used to be passed on quite naturally from father to son – it was applied on a daily basis. All you needed was a belt, ashes, and machine oil to strop the razor. Today, many look at this way of shaving as a dangerous and awe-inspiring art, which only few have mastered. But actually, you just need a basic but select knowledge about leather, stones, soaps, and a little bit of patience to enjoy your classic morning shave. We have compiled this basic knowledge and the corresponding products in this catalog. YOU MAKE THE CUT - WE MAKE THE RAZOR What the <strong>Boker</strong> manufactory shares with this scene is tradition, the strong will to achieve perfect craftsmanship, and passion for what we do. A vital part of this is the ongoing communication with other experts and aficionados on the subject that connects us. We have been manufacturing straight razors in Solingen, Germany since 1869, and they continue to be 100% produced there. The tree of the <strong>Boker</strong> family has even been registered as a trademark since 1674. The extensive knowledge and skill for producing these unique tools is still alive and well in our manufactory.