The Art of Shaving

I’d had an interest in straight razor shaving for a few years now. I happened to be downtown killing a little time when I saw the shop and popped in to see if they had any straight razors.
I’d fully expected to be greeted and then ignored (I wasn’t dressed very well, and I’m not exactly a hot towel shave’s target customer) but Darrin was happy to answer all my questions! He showed me how to remove and replace the blade on the beginner model straight razor, how to prepare the skin, lather up, and some techniques. I was so pleased that he took me seriously, making the purchase was a no brainer.
Once I get a little more proficient with my razor I’ll be back in for some of that amazing shave cream and a good brush!
Thanks again!

My brother and I had our first experience with a straight razor shave at The Art of Shaving. It was an amazing experience, as everyone that works there was very friendly and provided great customer service. The barber is new at the store but seemed very knowledgable, while making the experience very personable. Will be going back.

I came in here with no expectations. Have never had a straight razor shave before. Hanif did an amazing job giving me a traditional shave. Show up on time to your appointment as there is no where to sit and wait for your turn in the store.

Went in to the Washington Square Mall store today and the customer service there was horrible. He didn’t greet me when I walked in or even tell me that he would be with me soon. There was a lady that walked in about the same time as I did and we were the only 2 in the store. Didn’t seem to be very knowledgeable about straight razors. I got the impression that if I had been in a suit or tie I would have been treated better. This company has lost a sale and I will never go back in this store.
Look elsewhere for your shaving needs.

My first experience with a straight-​razor shave and I was pleased.
Aside from the important aspect of actually being happy with the shave and the experience, Hanif was a pretty awesome guy to get to know. Great conversation beats awkward silence while getting more handsome. I appreciated that he explained the process as it was happening (i.e. what products he was using on me and what their purpose was).

The barber they have now is great and does a great job trimming up beards. Whenever I visit Portland, I always visit for a beard trim. If you need a beard trim or a great shave, I recommend their current barber.

A friend of mine recommended that I knock a straight razor shave off of my bucket list at The Art Of Shaving. Let me just say for the record, I couldn’t have enjoyed the experience more.
First of all, I hate shaving. So I am perpetually in a «dirty face» look because I just let ‘er go until my other hatred of facial hair, forces me to confront my lesser hatred of shaving.
The Master Barber asked me a bunch of questions about my skin, face, how I normally shave (with or against the grain) and a few more. More questions than I have ever been asked about my face. Ever.
He assured me, no cuts, no bumps, no razor burn, and he was right. You get the full experience there. A series of hot towels and balms, hot lather shave with a Mr. Blonde type razor, a straight up facial mask, sandalwood scent I believe (all I needed was two cucumber slices for my eyes), and then a cold towel to close your pores up. It was amazing! The whole thing took about 45 (heavenly) minutes.
No matter which way a rubbed my face, I could feel no hair. It took days for hair to re-​emerge, that how deep and clean of a shave you get. I walked into the joint as a harry beast, and walked out cashing checks and snappin’ necks.
I asked my barber for his card on the way out and he gave it to me, but it ended up just being a generic one. I was totally going to give him a shout out too. Epic fail on my part.
Just go. Once. You’ll love it.

My husband recently began using a straight razor purchased elsewhere but wasn’t able to buy a honing block. We thought The Art of Shaving might have one but no such luck. They only have a recommendation for a knife sharpener on Hawthorne.
The salesgirl was friendly and we ended up spending around $ 80 on preshave oil, shaving cream and an aftershave balm.
I didn’t see any products for women, unfortunately. I’ve been eyeing a straight razor designed for women’s skin and shaving needs on the website where we purchased my husband’s straight razor but they didn’t appear to have anything for women.
The products are expensive but seem to be good quality. My husband has been using the cream and preferring it to other bar soaps.

I’ve never liked shaving… Ever. I always get really irritated and red, and I get pretty bad razor burn. Very sexy. Because of the irritation, I pretty much quit shaving 6 years ago, and in that time, I’ve shaved twice. Seriously. Once for my wedding and once for a job interview. Instead of shaving, I’d «trim» my facial hair with a dull bladed beard trimmer. It never got that short, and I don’t have great facial hair to begin with, so I was always rocking this weird, inconsistent, mid-​length stubble, complete with a spotty, weird mustache that had a molester like flare. Again, VERY sexy.
I had the desire for a while to start actually shaving again and looking like an adult, but I never gotten around to it. I’d walked by The Art of Shaving at a mall here in Scottsdale, but I’d never gone in. I’ve read the recommendations in GQ and knew it was a place I should check out. Luckily, while on vacation in Portland, my friend (who is currently rocking a very hipster handlebar mustache) wanted to stop by, and my friend’s wife was hoping that he would get his mustache shaved off in the process…
While his mustache is still in glorious effect, I learned a ton while at The Art of Shaving. Turns out when you use crappy shave gels, they’re loaded with alcohol and chemicals that can irritate your skin. The Art of Shaving has specifically designed shaving products that are geared for different skin types. It’s also a four step process, rather than the one step process I had abandoned long ago. These steps hep get a closer shave, and helps avoid irritation and razor burn.
I went with the shaving line for people with sensitive skin, and the woman working there gave me an overview of how to use everything. I now have a shaving set up built for sensitive skin (complete with an old school, badger shaving brush), and it’s like night and day. No irritation, no razor burn and a much better shave overall.
The people that work there are very helpful, and the products are second to none. The only issue is the price… The stuff is crazy expensive, but it lasts a long time and it’s worth it. For a starter kit, you’re looking at $ 50 minimum. If you go full size, a set will run you $ 150. They make custom shaving handles and sell straight razors that start at $ 80 and go up to about $ 200. Well worth it though if you want to get serious about shaving.

Was in Portland for just a few days and saw the store when walking around. Ended up stopping in and booking an appointment for a Royal shave from Elijah Mack.
Ended up getting a great shave from a great guy, then bought a lot of great products (silvertip badger brush, shaving cream, etc). Highly recommended.

Very good place for an awesome straight shave. Be sure to have enough in your bank account before going though.

I have to review this place because the best barber in Portland works here. ELIJAH MACK! !!!
Eli is the best barber that i have ever been to.
OK first off before knowing Eli i searched and searched for a barber that was down and capable of doing urban cuts. I had a real hard time finding some one that just had that gift of knowing how to cut some ones hair and make the cut really fit them.
Then i heard about a barber named Eli Mack. At this time he worked at a shop called Electric Ocean.
The first time i meet him he was totally down. He was so nice and chill and made me feel so comfortable. The first cut i got by him i was hooked i just did not want any one else to cut my hair.
So then Eli took some time off from cutting hair to raise his family, At this time i had to look again for another barber and still could not find any one like Eli period…
So I heard he was at The art of Shaving and i had to follow him there.
So yes the art of shaving is a bit more spendy than other barber shops but it is well worth it. Eli is like no other barber. For me he is so well worth spending the extra money to go to. I am spoiled by his skill in making my hair look perfect and just chillin and talking to him as he cuts my hair…
Now i will review the shop in general also. Every time i have been there the girls that work there have been so cool and nice and friendly. All and all the shop is great…
Ow and for the reviewer Scott F. I guess u have never been to a great barber before or just really have bad taste because there is no barber like Eli in this state!!!
I will follow Eli to whatever shop he works at in the Portland area!!!

I walked into The Art of Shaving this afternoon and the staff took about 3 minutes debating whose time it was to help the next customer, which was me. Once this was decided, the woman whose turn it was answered my question — but the initial experience of no one wanting to work put me off.

Expect to pay a fortune… Service is the worst! For a $ 50.00 haircut you do not get a full head shampoo it is the worst head massage and wash I have ever received. My neckline was supposed to be razor shaved instead the Barber decided to do what he was in the mood for. «The Art of Shaving» is «Proctor and Gamble» owned. If I knew this before walking in-​I would have never gave them my money. Another «Corporate» reason to support «Local»… Try other barbershops downtown! Service is better and worth the money!