What you should know about your razor

Once upon a time, men could only get a reasonable close shave by visiting a barber. Achieving a close shave at home was challenging due to the lack of razor technology.

The invention of the stainless steel razor blade with the rechargeable safety razor was a great tool that could be used effectively at home. With the development of the safety razor, and due to a straight razor requiring multiple sharpening sessions during a shave, it could have been thought that a straight razor would never be able to meet the sharpness of a razor blade.

However, despite this new way of thinking, the safety razor still didn't prevent nicks and razor burn, especially for an inexperienced shaver. While it's worth it, practice was and still remains the only way to achieve an amazingly close shave.

In an effort to reduce the problems of shaving at home and to capitalize on razor sales, developers realized that they could create a plastic disposable safety razor that controlled the pressure and the angle of the blade. It was far more convenient and safe. It was so safe that it eliminated most problems to the skin as well as the constant blade changing. Unfortunately, it was impossible to have it both ways and still achieve a close shave.

It worked very well for a while, but over time steel became over-recycled which diminished the quality and sharpness of the blades. People also realized that not all razor blades were equally as sharp.

Since this could only be known at the time of use, it made common sense to add more blades to the razor knowing that only one blade had to be sharp. The downside was the extra cost to the consumer.

Imperial Barber Shop sells safety razors similar to the ones used long ago. Not only do we understand the value of a close shave, but it is also economical and encourages us to be environmentally responsible. With some practice, the closest shave at home is possible requiring only one razor blade. It's easy...if you find that the blade isn't sharp, simply replace it for another.

The history of our iconic "Scully"

Commissioned at a young age in Her Majesty's Royal Navy at the height of British Imperial reign, "Scully" served with distinction as an apprentice surgeon. He traveled the world, immersed himself in local cultures, befriended officers and enlisted men, gentlemen and rogues.

He had a surgeons steady hand and an eye for detail but he could not stand the sight of blood and was discharged. By fate or circumstance, Scully was posted to Bytown (Ottawa) and forced to work as a digger during the construction of the Rideau Canal.

During this time he was surrounded by disheveled men with unruly hair and beards. Children were accustomed to their mothers placing porridge bowls on their heads and trimming around them. There had to be a better way. Determined to make a difference and improve the lives of his fellows, Scully set up a humble chair and diligently worked days and evenings. He did not rest until every last man looked his best. Having secured his reputation as an excellent Barber, confidante, and upstanding member of the community Scully retired at an old age. Today his legacy lives on with our new generation of Barbers at Imperial.


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What is the difference between The Traditional Shave and The Imperial Shave?

Imperial Barber Shop is recognized as one of the best quality shaving destinations with our quality and care is second to none. Weddings, graduations, a father and son outing, are more memorable when sharing the experience of a professional shave.

In keeping things simple, we specialize in two types of shaves:

The Traditional Shave is a very popular shave that takes under an hour to complete.
We allow the time to prepare the face with professional shaving products and steaming hot towels.
Advanced shaving skills performed by the Barber promotes amazing results with closeness while preserving the skin.

The Imperial Shave is the ultimate luxury of shaves. Often considered as a spa treatment experience, this shave usually takes a little longer so that extra preparation enables our Barbers to perform the closest and relaxing shave experience possible. Multiple steamed hot towels, colognes and high-end professional shaving products combined with plenty of care is the essential focus for making this service exceptional.

The best part is the 5 o'clock shadow won't be back for a very long time since our shaves finish so close.

The History of the Barber Pole

If you’re interested in reading about the origins of that whimsical red and white pole fastened to the outside your favourite barber shop, be warned: It’s bloody. REALLY bloody.

During medieval times, bloodletting — the practice of drawing blood from a patient to cure an illness — was prescribed widely by surgeons, and barbers were often responsible for carrying out the procedure.

While the barber pole looks pretty simple, it’s actually a combination of four separate medical implements used to treat someone suspected of having weakened, or bad blood.

The basin at the top represents the brass vessel barbers would use to keep leeches; dark, ugly, segmented worms with a talent for sucking human blood.

The red and white pole is equally as unpleasant. Although it was only gripped by patients to increase blood flow, its red and white colours represent bandages — red for (you guessed it) blood, and white for clean bandages.

If you can get past having leeches clamp onto your skin, bloodletting was actually pretty clean. But leeches weren’t used all the time … and that meant the blood had to drain somewhere. Enter the brass basin at the bottom of the barber pole; used specifically to keep barbershops from looking like the set of Johnny Depp’s 2007 horror flick, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

Thankfully, medicine has changed, and so has your barber’s range of talents. Now the only thing you lose at the barber shop is your hair.