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Editor proves journalism is a cut-throat business

A business editor on a weekly newspaper has proved journalism is a cut-throat profession after putting his neck on the line with a trip a local barber’s shop.

Basingstoke Gazette journalist Richard Garfield was offered a traditional cut-throat shave at Taylor Made Men’s Grooming in Hampshire from barber Luke Ruffell who is competing for a place in the Barber Connect 2014 competition.

The 24-year-old hairdresser is up against 14 other barbers from the South East and was happy to give Richard an insight into the process of cut-throat shaving.

So having been brave enough to step forward for the feature after a request from his boss, Richard sat down for the closest shave of his life.

Richard's close shave with barber Luke Ruffell

“Having examined my three day’s worth of growth, he ascertained how he was to tackle my visage, noting that I had a few hair whorls in my beard, much like you would see on the crown of some people’s heads,” he told the paper.

“The initial process involved the application of a facial cleaner and the first in a series of hot towels, to open the pores of the skin.

Actually, this proved to be very pleasant – it was as though I was secure in my own warm cocoon, as my whole face was covered, saved for a little hole for my nose to poke through. When Luke applied the shaving lather, it felt like it was double cream.”

Richard was told the shaving process takes off about five or six of around 13 layers of skin.

“The shave itself was very smooth, expertly done with gentle swipes, with special attention around my septum and lips. This was followed up with a aftershave balm, a gentle facial massage, and moisturiser,” he added.

“I left the Top of The Town barber shop feeling incredibly relaxed, invigorated and ready to tackle the rest of the day.”

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  • February 24, 2014 at 12:15 pm
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    ‘Man has shave’.
    What’s next week’s headline? ‘Bear sh*ts in wood’?

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