Sunday, January 22, 2017

Truefitt & Hill: A Shave That’s Pure Silk




Truefitt & Hill has been a British institution since 1805, or at least the Truefitt part.  That’s when Francis Truefitt opened his shop. The date ring a bell?  Admiral Lord Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar?  Yep, same year.  This barbershop, the world’s oldest according to The Guinness Book of World Records, has served British royalty since the time of George III.  Remember that name?  He was the British sovereign during the American War For Independence (1776-83).  Didn’t know it lasted that long, did ya!

Long time to be in business.  They must be good.  Better than good.  They must be special. Yes, they are.  I’ve never sprung for a $50 (approx.) haircut, but I do use all their shaving products.  Just for the name?  No way.



If it’s good enough for Queen Elizabeth’s husband, The Duke of Edinburgh  (T & H go to Buckingham Palace) and all the other royals (They come to T & H), then it’s good enough for the lowly likes of yours truly.

So, what’s the deal with the Royal Family? I asked.  What happens when one of the royals comes in?  Are the streets a mess?  A dozen bodyguards?  No, said the person I asked.  Usually a bodyguard or two come in, along with the royal personage, but if you look out to St Jame’s Street, you’ll see cars parked here and there that are not usually there.

Without mentioning names, how nice are the royals who come to you?  Doesn’t matter what name you mention, came the reply.  They are one and all sincerely polite.  True gentlemen.



Now let’s move on to shaving. You may wonder why I bother to use these fairly expensive Brit products when there are dozens of perfectly good shaving creams and aftershave balms and men’s scents on the market, most of which cost much less.  Let’s not dwell on the initial cost. With a T & H product, you don’t have to use much.  Unlike a palm full of foaming cream, you only use an amount of T & H cream that would barely cover a dime.  No telling how many shaves I get from one tube.  You can easily get 4 shaves from one sample.  Perfect for that weekend surprise trip you promised the missus.  Scents are the same way, so are the shaving balms.  Couple of dabs and you’re good for the day.



Believe me, I’ve tried a lot of shaving products, including everything from Wal-Mart selections, to higher end products from department stores. I live and die by results.  No matter how much or how little you pay, there is no comparison. These T & H shaving creams let the razor glide as if it’s on soft satin.  You have to feel it to believe it.  And such a variety of scents:  Trafalgar (spicy wood), Grafton (warm and spicy), West Indian Limes, Number 10 (a gel with several oils), Sandalwood, Almond, 1805 (fresh sea breeze, and Ultimate Comfort.

My suggestion is, if you can’t walk in the door at 71 St Jame’s Street and get a few samples, order a sample pack.  Must you go all the way to London?  Heavens no.  T & H has shops across the globe, from Europe to Asia, to Chicago, but personally, I’d go to London!  The beer is the best in the world and the theatre is superb, also you get to chat with the very helpful staff on St. Jame’s Street.

If you’re lucky enough, or plan well enough, and are in London on 21 October, drop into Truefitt & Hill and help them celebrate Trafalgar Day, with champagne and 25% off on all products bearing the Trafalgar name.

While you’re there, ask about the other celebrities who have dropped in for the royal treatment.  Winston Churchill, Charles Dickens. Oscar Wilde. Fred Astaire. Alfred Hitchcock. Frank Sinatra. John Wayne.


Next time I’m letting my hair grow long enough to sit in the chair and get treated like royalty.  If you’re going for a night at the theatre, you might as well look the part.


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