For many gentlemen, the daily shave is a chore: a quick pass with an electric razor or a disposable cartridge. But the traditional wet shave, performed by a master barber, is another experience entirely. It’s a ritual of relaxation, precision, and old-world luxury.

To explore this lost art, Sven Raphael Schneider, CEO & Founder of Gentleman’s Gazette, visited Heimie’s Haberdashery in St. Paul. He sat down with Michael Sierra, a Master Barber with over 22 years of experience, to get the full treatment. We filmed the entire process, from the hot towels to the final splash of bay rum aftershave, to document exactly what goes into a professional cut-throat shave.

Watch the full, relaxing experience below, then scroll down for a complete breakdown of the tools, techniques, and steps involved.

Inside the Experience: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

While the full video captures the relaxing atmosphere, here is a detailed guide to the process, tools, and philosophy behind the perfect shave.

1. Meet The Barber (0:17)

The experience begins with an introduction to Michael, a master barber at Haime’s Haberdashery. With 22 years under his belt, he explains how he learned the craft and why it’s still such a valued service.

2. Tools Of The Trade (0:51)

Raphael and Michael discuss the primary tool: the razor. While a traditional straight razor may have been used historically, modern hygiene standards (and laws) require a different approach. Michael uses a shavette-style razor with high-quality, single-use Derby disposable blades, ensuring every client gets a perfectly clean and sharp edge.

3. What To Expect: The Process (1:26)

Before the razor ever touches the skin, preparation is key. Michael outlines his meticulous, multi-step process designed to soften the beard and protect the skin:

• Lather (Round 1): The face is lathered with St. James of London (Mandarin & Patchouli) shaving cream.
• Steam Towel (Round 1): A hot steam towel is placed over the lather to open the pores and raise the hairs.
• Pre-Shave Oil: After the first towel, HighGrove pre-shave oil is massaged into the skin for an extra layer of protection and glide.
• Steam Towel (Round 2): A second steam towel is applied to lock in the moisture and get the beard “ready to come off just like butter.”
• The Shave: Michael explains that every face is different, and he adapts his technique (with the grain, against the grain) based on the client’s hair thickness and growth pattern.
• Cool Down: A cool towel is applied to close the pores.
• Aftershave: The service is finished with a classic Bay Rum aftershave, chosen specifically to evoke the nostalgic, traditional barbershop scent.

4. The Shave: From Prep to Finish (5:20)

This section captures the full, uninterrupted experience. Raphael is reclined as Michael executes the process exactly as described. The focus is on the methodical application of lather, the two-towel treatment, the precise passes of the blade, and the final cooling and aftershave steps.

5. The Results & Final Thoughts (10:28)

After the shave, Raphael’s verdict is immediate: “very smooth… like a baby’s butt.” He and Michael discuss the experience, noting how relaxing and “almost meditative” it was.

They discuss the efficiency of the single, sharp blade compared to a multi-pass shave at home, as well as the importance of nostalgic details, like the Bay Rum scent, in completing the luxury experience.

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