Continuing the series of posts about barber shaves and what to expect (Part 1 , Part 2, Part 3, Part 4) with a post I’ve termed “the loyal opposition.” The vast majority of barbershop customers seem to expect a straight razor (or straight razor-like tool with replaceable blades). But some barbershops and barber spa’s have consciously decided to use a pivoted cartridge razor for their shaves. I asked Michael Gilman, founder of Grooming Lounge (a high-end grooming business with stores and spa’s in Virginia and Washington, DC) to explain their point of view for using triple-blade pivot cartridge razors with their spa shaves:

“While we are big supporters of shaving with cut throat or double-edged razors, we use the triple-blade method in our shops because ‘it simply provides the closest and most irritation-free shave possible.’ Prior to our opening more than a decade ago, Grooming Lounge’s Founders literally travelled the globe to ID the premiere shaving method out there. After experiencing several pleasant, but unremarkable shaves, the company Founders decided there had to be a ‘better way.’ That’s when they partnered up with the amazing Aidan Gill, a legendary gentleman and barber from New Orleans, to create a shave utilizing equal parts tradition and technology. The tradition comes in the form of several applications of hot lather, 7 steaming towels and a finish with an ice cold towel. The technology comes via a modern blade and soothing shaving formulas.

While using the triple blade may on first blush make straight-edge enthusiasts squirm, it’s the results that matter ultimately. And… we think mixing the old and the new provides both the “experience” and closeness men want. We’ve done more than 27,000 of this type shaves in our shop and could count the complaints on one hand. It would take hundreds of other hands to count the compliments.”