A Boulder Mantle Displays Elegance in a Cup: The Forgotten Art of the Shaving Mug
As time marches forward, many relics of the past are left behind, and some are best forgotten – like pre-novacaine dentistry.
Some things, however, are symbols of the elegance of a bygone age. The shaving mug is a perfect example of a piece of elegance from the past, lost to electric shavers and to Harry’s blades. Barbers with straight razors once ruled the faces of men.
Looking back at barbershop shaves and the traditional tools like straight razors and shaving mugs is a fascinating subject. The straight razor, also known as a “cut-throat” razor, is one of the oldest shaving tools, requiring skill and precision to use. Shaving mugs often held a puck of shaving soap, and barbers would use a shaving brush to whip up a rich lather, providing both lubrication and comfort during the shave.
Straight Razors Could Get Quite Fancy. Sharpening Them Was A True Art!
Going to the barbershop for a first shave was a ritual of growing up, like a facial Bar Mitzvah. I never experienced a barbershop shave beyond a ritual shaving of what would otherwise have been sideburns. The barber would lather up the edge, strop the straight-razor blade, and in a single hair-raising slice, deftly cut a straight line at the edge of my ear. I think I probably checked to see if the ear still remained when the barber was done. I still remember the odor of whatever the barber splashed in my face when he was done.
Although I think I am ancient at times, I am not old enough to have ever experienced a real barbershop shave. I never had my own shaving mug living on a shelf in the barbershop.
My Wife’s Ancestor F.A.Cejka (pronounced Cháka) Was A Farrier, As Illustrated On His Personal Shaving Mug.
The era when barbershops kept personal shaving mugs for their regular clients was primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During this time, it was common for patrons to have their own personal mug stored at the barbershop. These mugs would typically have the client’s name or initials engraved on them, adding a personal touch.
Barbershops during this period were centers of social interaction, and having a personal mug was a sign of being a valued, regular customer. The mugs themselves often featured fine materials like porcelain, and some were even decorated with elaborate designs or symbols reflecting the client’s profession or personality. This era also saw the peak of craftsmanship in straight razors, with many being made by renowned companies and featuring fine materials like ivory, bone, or mother-of-pearl handles.
I am very lucky to have this piece of history sharing the house with us. I can stare at it and feel nostalgia for an age I never experienced. There is simply no modern equivalent.
Shared Knowledge Is Power!
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