THCS.INFO - REVIEWS PAGE 2

MISSOURI

Luigi's Barber Hairstyles
5406 Magnolia Ave, Saint Louis, MO
Phone: (314) 647-6010

(Everyone reading this review must take into consideration what happened to me here. I have a right to be angry.) I saw a guy ahead of me that was getting a cut and it was all uneven, and plus, the barber can't taper! So I get in the chair and he asks "what'll it be?" I reply, "headshave" he asks "with a razor?" I reply "yes." He says "headshave is $2 extra ($12)" and has the nerve to ask "Do you have enough?" Haha. I was really pissed by then but I said to my self "let it go." So he starts putting the lather in my hair (ITS ABOUT #3 LONG) and i'm thinkin' "why isn't he buzzing it first?" He starts shaving and it hurts ... finally, its over, but wait, thats not it, there is stubs everywhere, it looks like a messed up buzz cut ... Oh shit, thats when I got pissed off to the highest level of piss-tivity. THE WOMEN AT THE BEAUTY SALON COULD HAVE DONE A BETTER JOB WITH THE CLIPPERS!!!!!! I pay him $17 ($3 tip, dont know why though) But I decide to show off my wallet because he pissed me off to the max (I had 5 $20's, 2 visa checking cards).. he glanced and I made him sure that I had money... the nerve of some people! UGH HE PISSED ME OFF SO BAD ... AT FIRST HE SEEMED NICE ... Ok, seems like I hate him but this is about the haircuts only. I recommend that no one go there... I'm not saying that you don't because you might like people who mess up haircuts. (And to think Wyatt said no one could mess up on headshaves!!!) (Review by J)

NEW HAMPSHIRE

The Clipper Ship
52 Main Street, Durham, NH
Phone: (603) 868-5385
Shop hours: Tues. - Fri. 8am - 4:30pm; Sat. 8am - Noon

This barber just moved into Durham from a neighboring town. A one man shop, Charles, is the only barber in the town of Durham. When I went to him for the first time I asked for a high & tight flattop, skin on the sides. In turn he showed me both the "0" & "00000" blades. if it wasn't February in New Hampshire I would have gone with the "00000." Charles says he gets police officers on their way to appear at court or even on their way to or from duty. Good haircuts for $8.00. (Review by NH flat)

The International Barber Shop
26 Manchester Square, Portsmouth, NH
Phone: (603) 431-4153
Shop hours: Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00, Saturday 09:00-13:00

This is a barber shop on the former Pease Air Force Base at Portsmouth, New Hampshire staffed by former Air Force Barbers and now open to the public. The best flattop I ever got. Ask for Sal or Mr Bill. Haircuts are $9.00, and you might get some good conversation about the Pease Tradeport too. (Review by NH flat)

NEW JERSEY

Celeste's Barber Shop
614 Whit e Horse Pike, Atco, NJ 08004
Phone: (609) 809-0770

This is a one "lady" shop, al day who calls herself the "FLAT TOP QUEEN." She's been cutting state troopers and local police hair for over 20 years. My first visit to her shop was to get my business man taper cleaned up (I wasn't ready for my summer cut at the time). She had a hand written sign saying that she specialized in flat tops, so I inquired about her experience. She told me she used to have a shop in Mays Landing, the Atlantic County seat, and only cops or troopers came in because she was across the street
from the courthouse. Since she moved, she keeps cutting the same customers.

By the time I sat down and she put the cape on me, I had decided to go for it. I asked her for a trooper style flat top and she nodded and got started. The back and sides were shaved with an edger. The top had a great landing strip right down to the skin and the horseshoe was completely symmetrical. I have been back twice since my first cut and each time the cut looks better than the last time. A trooper friend has even recognized her style of flat top. He asked me if I had been to Celeste.

Price is $9.00 and don't let haircut prejudices get in the way when it comes to female barbers; Celeste is an old fashioned barber not a "stylist". (Review by Majorbru)

Crazy Johnny's (since 1993)
183 Main Street, Port Monmouth, NJ
Phone: (732) 495-2662

Had one haircut experience at Crazy Johnny's while on an extended visit to NJ some years ago. Am originally from the area. Received a very good short cut. Barber may have been Johnny, not sure. First chair inside the door to the left. Appear to have both sides of shop open now. Anyway as I say I was on an extended visit and usually cut my own hair at home. Did not have equipment with me and messed up my hair trying to trim it down. Barber was very capable and kind, said 'he'd even that up for me'. Asked how short I wanted my hair, demonstrated with a blade (not sure of #) and proceeded with the haircut accordingly. A very nice cut and experience. Anytime I have been by the shop it always seems to be busy. Open on Sundays too. If I lived there now and wanted to use a barbershop, I'd recommend them highly! Have never noticed any female barbers there. And I feel sure they will be happy to go as short as you like.

Joe's Barber Shop
50 West Bay Avenue, Manahawkin, NJ
Phone: (609) 597-8341

I'd often meant to check out this shop, near Long Beach Island — and about 25 miles north of Atlantic City. I was in the area recently, and I'm glad I did! There are two good barbers, and they specialize in short hair. (The view is incredible, by the way: the shop is located right on a lake, with walls of glass overlooking it!) A request for a high and tight flattop brought on the edgers well up the sides, and the cut was done to perfection! I didn't specifically ask for the razor on the sides, but I noticed a recently-used lather machine, and had the feeling that they might have used it had I been a "regular." The cost was a bit pricey at $12, but I felt I got my money's worth. All in all, a very good experience at the New Jersey Shore. (A good side trip - close to the Garden State Parkway, Exit 63 - before you blow all your money in Atlantic City!) (Review by BuzzCT)

NEW YORK

Burns Barber Shop
Southgate Plaza, 1030 Union Road, West Seneca, NY
716-674-1651

The original shop was closed Wednesdays, don't know about the Union Road location. Note: The Original Burns closed in January and went to Don's other shop in West Seneca. I assume that the other barbers moved as well, as I can only speak to my experiences with them. If you're a flattop fan in Western New York, these guys are worth the pilgrimage. Wayne and Mike are both perfectionists, and cut the best cuts I've ever had. Mike will regularly spend 20 minutes on a regular all over buzzcut. He goes over it several times to make sure it's perfect every time. They will razor shave - your whole head. I've had razor HnTs from them, and a head shave. I have NEVER been disappointed. They have a regular base of clientele that come in weekly, the waits can be long but worth every minute. The place is always crowded on the weekends. You face the mirror for these cuts. Mike has a scarred face, Wayne wears a flat himself. Both are excellent, I prefer Mike. Cuts I believe are $14, flattops are more. STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.

The Classic Barbershop
6215 Goodrich Road, Clarence Center, NY
(716) 741-5887
Hours: Mon-Sat, unsure of specific hours, he is open late some days

While the name of the shop is slightly misleading, it is a great place to get a cut. Dustin is a younger barber, who is very good at his craft. He took over his brother's business and has done a nice job remodeling a house into a shop. Many classic barber chairs fill the shop, two in the waiting room with a flatscreen. I've only gotten buzzes and high and tights, but they have been very good, and inexpensive for weekly maintenance. With the recent remodeling you generally face away from the mirror. *Note - to the diehards - he does have salon services as well and is planning on adding several women to cater to that side of the business. But don't worry, the Osters still are wielded.
I recently was in to have my week old buzz refreshed, and told him just to tighten it up, thinking he'd rebuzz my 1.5. Only to be surprised to be turned around to a newly bald 0 buzz.. a welcome surprise. I pay $5 for a buzzcut, and usually leave 5-10 for a tip. More complex cuts run $15 I believe. No razor shaving, to my knowledge. Great shop, highly recommended.

Crestwood Barber Shop
Opposite train station, Crestwood, NY

THE place to go for a buzzcut in Westchester county! Two young, good looking barbers who don't blink an eye when told to buzz it down to the skin. You will never hear "Do you really want it THAT short?!?!" here! They don't do shaves, but they can buzz with the best of them, and they do better short buzzes than any other barbershop in all of Westchester. The shop tends to get pretty crowded with young guys looking for tight ening-up on Friday nights and all day Saturday, so you MAY want to go during the week if you're in a hurry. (Review by Brad)

Julio's
Post Avenue, Westbury, Long Island
Phone: (516) 338-5241

While visiting Westbury on Long Island, I discovered this new barber shop. When I arrived on a Wednesday in the early afternoon, there were three barbers there, including Julio, the owner. Hector gave me an excellent buzz cut and I found him to be a perfectionist. The buzz cut and beard trim, along with the straight-razor trim, took about 45 minutes--and as I said the buzz cut and goattee trim were excellent. Got lots of compliments on the cut. The shop is ultra clean, spanking brand new; it boasts 10 barbers, (probably) on weekends, I'd imagine. The shop is located in downtown Westbury on Post Avenue, about 3 blocks north of the LIRR station on the west side of Post Avenue, just south of Maple Avenue. (Reviewed by John)

The New Barber Shop
124 Ninth Avenue (between 17th and 18th Streets), NY, NY
Phone: (212) 243-0334

This shop was recommended on The Buzz Board as the shop where "everyone comes out looking like they were at a military barber." Wrong!!! I went to watch the haircut action and get a cut myself. Of the six or seven other cuts in progress while I was there (before, during and after my cut – there are only 3 chairs), only one was a short buzz. The rest were standard boring not-very-short men’s cuts. I went to Manuel, the barber recommended and asked for A High&Tight&Brutal with a landing strip. He asked me how short I wanted the sides! I explained that I wanted the sides shaved. He never did understand the landing strip, so I didn’t get one. I didn’t bring a picture because I was sure that this at this shop I wouldn’t need it. Also, English is definitely NOT the language of choice at this shop. In fact even while Manuel had the razor to my head he was chatting away in Spanish with a man who was obviously not in for a cut, just to chat with the barbers. Admittedly the shave on the sides and back was the closest I have ever had, but the hair in the middle is far from flat even though I asked him to flatten it out when he was allegedly finished. On a scale of one to four clippers, I give the New Barber Shop 3 clippers for the finished cut and 1 clipper for the haircut experience for a total score of 2 clippers. There’s got to be a better place for a High&Tight&Brutal with a landing strip in New York City. (Review by HairLover)

Nick's Hair Stylists
5 Horatio St, New York City NY
Phone: (212) 979-7559

Probably everybody has heard of Astor Place Hairstylists in NYC. They ARE good, if inconsistent, but a lot of people are put off by the huge size of the place and the number of barbers. Nick's, in nearby Greenwich Village, is similar to Astor - but, I think, better. Nick himself actually took over the shop from the original owner a good many years ago. In the 50's, I'm told it was THE shop in NYC for the flattop boogies, Chicago's, and other famous haircuts of the time. Nick learned those then, and has passed the tradition to his staff. (He cut Matt Dillon's flattop for "The Flamingo Kid," and has done many other famous celebrity short cuts.) He and his staff will do just about any cut, and all seem to enjoy their work. It can be pricey, but the cost isn't as bad if you have one of the assistants cut your hair. (Review by BuzzCT )

ANOTHER VIEWPOINT ON NICK'S:

Though Nick and his staff advertise 40's & 50's styles of haircuts they do not give anything close. I've been there twice. The first time, it wasn't cut by Nick but by his co-worker. I went in with a short pomp and was given a Ceasar. All the while I was telling him "I comb my hair back not foward" while I was pushing my hair back, but he wouldn't listen! Yes! Nick fixed it himself by giving me a Marine style crew-cut which one of my friends called "The worst haircut he ever saw." I waited a year and a half for it to grow back. Of course I wanted the slick & sleek look of the 40s and 50s so this time I went straight to Nick. Nick listened said he knew just what I wanted and proceeded to thin it and layer it and while I protested he started to blow-dry it! The final result was a cross between Jay Leno & Kenny Rodgers. Not at all retro! After 3 days of it looking like dry messy straw I went back to get it repaired. Nick was polite but he only made it worst. That was Nov. 1999 and as of now I am still trying to get rid of the feathering by slowly having parts of my head cut. Maybe it'll look OK in another six months! I know this is long by the short version is DON'T GO TO NICKS if you are looking for the retro look! Even tho' Nick talks about it, I think he has forgotten how to do it well! Nick's is the worst ever! Maybe they were good once but not now. Now, Nick now likes to "feather" and blow-dry, and his assistant may turn your "pomp" into bangs! Warning: STAY AWAY. (Review by a recruit)

Royal Unisex Hair Style
16 Saint Marks Place, New York, NY
Phone: (212) 473-8791

I went to this East Village barber shop when I was in New York for vacation. It is a few blocks east of Astor Place Hair Designers and much better! I can highly recommend it! It is long and narrow with around 7 or 8 barbers. It was busy on Thursday afternoon and everyone there was getting nice, short haircuts. They are not afraid of using razors. They do face shaves for $5.00 and when I walked in, the hunky, young barber with a shaved head himself (second chair) was just finishing a razor head shave on a customer. Every barber seemed to be good. I went to Danny or Donny, I forget exactly what his name was. He had the next to the last chair. He gave me a great shaved taper - shaved with a razor one inch above the ears and tapered up from there. He did a great job - the taper was so gradual that there was no line whatsoever where the shave ended and the hair began. The top was left about an inch long which he slicked back with gel. Don't let the words, "unisex hair style," keep you away. I don't know why they call it that. There was not a female in sight and every guy walked out with a very, short, masculine haircut. (Review by Short-N-Slick)

Tony's Barber Shop
Jefferson Plaza, 376 Jefferson Road, Henrietta, NY
Hours: Tues-Fri 10(?) - 6:00 pm (last known)

Tony has reduced his hours as he is going on, but this is a GREAT shop if you want to walk out with a LOT less hair than you walk in with. He is not afraid to go short by any means. He charges extra for a scissor cut, just to show you how much he likes the clippers. He is a retired Vet of the Army - so he knows and appreciates a good short cut. This shop is TRULY no frill s, very 70s, nothing fancy at all, no phone. You face away from the mirror until the final stages of the cut. Cape is usually old and tattered, uses the old vacuum to suck any loose hairs off your freshly buzzed head. Tony will always ask at the end "well, short enough for ya?" and if not, he will make darn sure it is before you leave. Price is a little expsnsive for the area, I believe $14.75 if I recall. Great place to hit up if you're in the Rochester, NY area, very close to the Henrietta Mall. This is one of the best kept secrets in the Rochester, NY area, specifically for ultra short cuts. Does not do any razor shaving.

World of Beauty
(DO NOT BE PUT OFF BY THE NAME!)
203 West 23rd Street, New York, New York
Phone: (212) 741-8121

Do not be put off by the name! My barber of choice, Mike, just recently joined this shop from a regular barbershop. For those of you into the intensity of the actual haircut, Mike is awesome. He cuts primarily (75%) African American men's hair but uses the same technique on everyone. A simple taper cut (even a non-skin fade) can take 45 minutes because Mike uses each clipper attachment for several minutes, just fading and fading and fading. A 3-2-1 traditional fade can take 45 minutes, and a skin fade almost an hour. Very intense. His prices are very reasonable, but you should make an appointment. UNBELIEVABLE fading action! (Reviewed by TUFFBOYNE)

NORTH CAROLINA

Fort Dobbs Barber Shop
261 Clearview Road, Statesville, NC
Hours: 8am to 6pm Wed - Fri
Price: $8 for a Haircut $5 for a beard trim
Phone: (704) 876-0880

This is a one-chair barbershop out in the county. The barber, Larry, is very good with the clippers and will give you whatever haircut you want. I get a taper cut, and it is always precisely tapered with the clippers (he doesnt use guards, only clipper over comb). The barber chair is very traditional and has a lot of wear on it. Unfortunately, he doesn't use a pinstriped cape, but that is as far away from traditional as he gets! Haircuts are a good deal at 8 dollars, and I hope more people start using him since he delivers a mean haircut at a great price. Larry never hesitates to give any cut that is asked for. His shop is the most traditional in the Statesville area. (Review by TaperDude)

OHIO

"Barber Shop"
East Johnson Street (at Beardsley St. intersection, just east of Grant Street)
Akron, OH
Open weekdays and Saturdays

This shop has no name, no telephone listing, and no apparent street number. What it does have is great, CHEAP, haircuts. I stumbled across this unassuming little place years ago after getting lost looking for a friend's house in the University of Akron area. It is located in a tiny stand-alone brick building in a rundown neighborhood, with interstate 76 whooshing by in the background, but it is a great little shop. The place is tiny: two barber chairs, 4 waiting chairs and that's about it. There is usually one barber, chair next to the window, but his brother mans the second chair during peak hours.

There is barely room for two people to stand up at the same time. If you're not careful you may hit your head on the overhead light fixture. The small quarters make for good conversation, and usually when I've been there, the place has been packed with lots of easy banter among regular patrons and the barber(s). Lots of high school-aged guys and guys in their twenties have started going there, in addition to kids, retirees and workers of all kinds. Part of the appeal is the price: $5.00 for a great haircut. I guess that's possible because of the no-frills interior and what has to be cheap rent in a sketchy neighborhood.

The inside hasn't changed since the 1950s, I'd guess. There are vintage barber chairs and equipment. My first haircut there, I waited as a father and his two young sons got haircuts and watched two young guys get their already short crewcuts tightened. I had a grown out generic medium-length haircut that I'd been getting trimmed at a chain-place because I couldn't find a regular barbershop that was open during my off-hours. Glad to be back in a regular barber shop, when it was finally my turn I asked the barber for a short taper, close around the edges and short all over.

He went to work with the clippers and proceeded to give me the best haircut I'd had in a long time. When he says taper, he means TAPER and the sides and back were a perfect gradual blending from no hair around the edges to just barely enough to comb down on top (about an inch and a half at the longest). And I mean the edges were SMOOTH, shaved down to nothing with an outliner for about the first inch of the hairline and rising evenly above that. He cleaned up the edges with a straight razor a slicked the top into place. All cutting was done with clippers and various attachments, no scissors were used.

I've since been back for several flattops, which were done well to specification. And they'll go to skin if you specify. If you're into short hair and a real barbershop experience, check this place out. (Review by HenryZ)

Gene Hill's Barber Shop
2278 Manchester Rd, Akron, Ohio
Phone: (330)753-1952

Classic old time barber shop. No frills, but got a great flat top here. High in back, tight all around. What more can I say? (Review by henryZ)

Harry's Barber Shop
2970 6th Street #4 (Oakwood Shopping Center) Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Phone: (330) 929-2272

Gotta love a barber shop called Harry's (For the record, I have never had a bad haircut by any Barber named Bob, Frank, or Harry). This is a sentimental favorite. A few years ago, when I re-discovered short hair, this is where I went. Just your classic neighborhood shop, no frills, no trends, just solid haircutting. For some strange reason, one rarely sees any customer under 50 here. (Maybe that's changed with the recent re-surgence in short hair amongst the young.) That's too bad, because they give a GOOD haircut. I was a bit nervous the first time, wasn't sure how they'd react to a request for skin, but was no problem. Took me to a TIGHT taper, and finished with a neck shave, of course. (Review by HenryZ)

Korner Barbershop
101 Main Street, Milford, Ohio
Phone: (513) 248-1153

The Korner Barbershop is in downtown Milford ("Old Milford") on the east side of Cincinnati along Route 50. The barbershop anchors downtown Milford (it's in the largest building there--3 whole stories) and visiting it is like stepping into the past. Red striped awnings, two barber poles, tin ceiling inside, four chairs, old fashioned cash register...a real retro experience, although that description would make the owner laugh, since I gather it hasn't changed much since 1963.

All this would be for nothing if they didn't give a good haircut, but I'm glad to report that they do. I started going there about 4 years ago...first for just a regular businessman's haircut, but about a year ago I took the plunge and got a flattop. The shop has four regular barbers, but Doug is the guy to go to for a flat...he's really precise on top, several passes with the clippers to get every hair. He also does a great freehand fade along the sides. The haircuts I get there are always razor sharp and seem to inspire people to want to give me a headrub. The last time I was in I went shorter and Doug gave me a great landing strip. He once also "fixed" a badly-done flat that I got on a trip.

The shop draws guys of all ages, and though they don't specialize in short cuts, there's plenty who go there to get them. One drawback is they don't seem to do razor shaves (they might if you ask, though). All in all, the Korner Barbershop is an awesome experience, and if you're from Milford, a great place to run into people and check up on local doings. (Review by CA)

Longview Barbershop
3325 North High St., Columbus, Ohio
Hours: Tuesday thru Friday 9am - 6pm, Saturday 8am-4pm, closed Sunday and Monday.

One of the great barbershops in Columbus. There are three barbers at this shop: Chris, Dave and Josh. Chris has the chair closest to the front door, Dave has the middle one and Josh has the chair in the back of the shop. They all give excellent clipper cuts, skilled at long or sort cuts, and work with you to get the cut you want. The shop was remodeled recently, and looks great. One goal they have done well was keeping an old-time barbershop environment. The shop is a walk-in only shop. (Review by a recruit)

Phil & Vernon's Barber Styling
West Turkeyfoot Road (just west of Turkeyfoot Elementary School)
Akron (Portage Lakes), Ohio
Phone: (330) 645-9929
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! Mon & Wed: open LATE, 3:00 to 8:00PM Tues, Thurs, Fri: 9:30 to 6:30 Sat: 9:30 to 3:00 Sun: 11:00-4:00

It's Sunday afternoon. You're jones-ing for a haircut. What to do? You may be tempted to hit your nearest mall chop shop. No need, barber fans! Phil and Vernon are open 7 days a week. As indicated by the extended hours, this is an extremely customer-friendly barber shop. They go out of their way to serve YOU. Another unusual perk: each haircut is finished by an (optional) complimentary shampoo (to get rid of those itchy hairs, Vernon says), followed by some styling. A nice touch...

The shop is filled with local high school football and Cleveland Browns memorabilia (Vernon is a former Massillon Tiger...). Phil and Vernon are youngish guys, maybe around thirty and generally sport flattops themselves. Vernon cut my hair, was very careful about asking what I wanted. His flattop method is slightly different from most barbers I've been too. I suspect his training may be more as a stylist, but he seems to have adopted the technique to flattops pretty well. Flattops and short hair are a specialty here, lots of local high school athletes get sheared here. My only complaint is that as I recall he finished the back off in a block, but I'm sure he would have tapered it if I'd asked (I was sporting a longer flattop at the time and not particularly close around the edges).

I've only had the one haircut here (I'm no longer in the area), so I can't go into detail about their haircutting ability, but I know and support good customer service when I see it, and this somewhat unusual shop has it in spades. Highly recommended. (Review by HenryZ)

Ted's Kleen Kut Barber Shop
3023 Tuscarawrus St., W Canton, OH 44708
Phone: (330) 455-5870

The name drew me in. A great haircut and a good barber brought me back. Ted's is kind of a scruffy older shop along busy Tuscararus Aveneue, but he does excellent cuts, short and not so short. Ted is a Greek immigrant and has been cutting hair for years. He started in the Merchant Marine. He is very knowledgable about the barber trade, and has interesting things to say about how it has changed over the years.

Ted does an extremely thorough job. He wants to give you the cut you want, and once he knows you want it SHORT, he'll go as close as you want. He gets busy on Saturday mornings and sometimes late in the afternoon, but during weekdays and mornings, you can often walk right up to the chair. A lot of younger guys and cops have started going there in the past few years. I got a short taper, but I've seen him do excellent crewcuts, flattops, buzzcuts, and close all over with an outliner, in addition to regular businessman's cuts.

Retiree's haicuts are $5, and i'ts either $7 or $8 for everyone else (I forget exactly). Flattops are a bit more.

Ted is an excellent barber and also a great guy to talk to. This unpretentious little shop is the kind of no-nonsense neighborhood shop that it's getting harder and harder to find. (Review by HenryZ)

Uncle Buck's Barber Shop
119 W. Main Street (In the Alley), Hillsboro, OH
(937) 393-2264

Bill, (aka Uncle Buck) is a truly talented young barber and just one heck of a great guy. Bill worked for several years at Banana Joe's in Joliet, Illinois until moving to Ohio to set up his own shop. Sporting a shaved head himself, Bill is willing to do anything to your head that you ask him to. Bill was a big favorite of the high and tight crowd in Illinois but also a favorite of all the young people because of his willingness to do graphics or any kind of crazy haircut you can imagine for sporting events and the like. Bill gives absolutely perfect flattops and high and tights and will "take it down to the wood" if you ask him to. Although he is very busy, if you ask nicely (translate that as "plead") Bill will razor shave the back and sides of your h igh and tight as smooth as a baby's bottom. The last time I visited Bill haircuts were still only $9.00. (Review by Chicago Cop)

Vandalia Barber Shop
124 E. National Road, Vandalia, Ohio
Phone: (937) 898-6421
Hours: Mon-Fri. 8-6, Sat: 8-4

A GREAT barbershop with 3 barbers who all cut really precise flat-tops. I found out about this shop by asking several different guys on campus where they got there haircut. I was informed that "Dick" (I swear I'm not making it up) was the best. Because the shop was busy, I got Tony. Tony is in his 50's and wears a really sharp-looking flat-top. He cut one of the best haircuts/flat-tops I've ever had. Tony is a no-nonsense kind of barber; expect a lot of conversation and a lot less hair! He started as soon as I sat down. After he cut a huge chunk of my hair off, he said, "Oh yeah, what kind of cut do you want." The conversation was good, and his hands tell your head where to go. If you're into that kind of barber, this is the place for you! It's always busy. On Friday afternoons and all day Saturday, expect to wait at least an hour — but the quality is well worth the wait! (The shop is about a 10 minute drive Northbound from Dayton, Ohio on I-75. Take the Vandalia exit, go west about 4/10 of a mile. The shop is on the left hand side in a very small shopping center. Blink your eyes and you might miss it!) (Review by a recruit)

Vince's Barber Shop
106 N. Prospect Ravenna, Ohio

Went here on the recommendation of a local Marine recruiter. 2 barbers, in their 30s or maybe 40s. The dark haired guy on the left (Vince?) cut my hair and did a great job. I went in with a crewcut, somewhat scruffy, and asked for a high and tight flattop. Vince didn't hesitate. "Skin?" he asked. Yep, I replied and he went to work, metal to scalp.He took his time sculpting the top, took it down low, just this side of a landing strip (I didn't ask him to go lower.) On top of that, he was a super nice guy, pleasant to talk to and a real barber pro. (Review by HenryZ)

OREGON

Ron's Barber Shop
7817 NE Prescott Portland, Oregon
Phone: (503) 255 8596
Open until 9 pm even on weekdays

Literally the absolute BEST barbershop I've ever been to. It's a one man shop run by a former Navy barber who took over the place fairly recently. There's crude signs outside that says he specializes in military cuts, which (for once) is the truth.

I walked in and immediately noticed the military decorations strewn around the shop. A look in the showcase across from the waiting area revealed Krew Komb for sale...a sure sign of the "right" kind of place (at least for me). As I was waiting, the guy getting his hair cut asked Ron the barber if he was still going down to the local Marine base to cut hair. My heart practically jumped into my throat. It was like I had suddenly jumped into one of the Haircut Site's fictional stories or something!

So, my turn comes. He's eyeing my short-ish buzz and asks what I'd like. I decide to go for broke: I tell him I want a real short flattop. He runs the comb through my hair and I think he's going to tell me that it's too short or whatever. Instead he says "I guess it'll have to be a horseshoe. That okay?" I could barely contain myself, but as cooly as I could I said "Yeah, that'll be fine."

He turns the chair away from the mirror (another favorite thing of mine that almost never happens) and puts shaving cream in my hair and then works it through with one of those flattop/massage brushes. Now, I don't think any barber has done that to me since I was 6 years old. I hadn't even remembered that they used to do that until that moment--I guess it's to make it stand up or something? He blowdries it, picks up his clippers and begins cutting.

After what seems like a long time, he spins the chair around to face the mirror and says "Is this what you had in mind?" Staring back at me was a guy with the most perfect Marine Corps high and tight flat I had ever seen: beautiful landing strip, sides and back pretty much gone. Still trying to be cool, I was like "Yup. That's perfect." He proceeded to fine tune everything, running the clippers over the landing strip again even.

He asks me (get this) if I want the sides and back shaved with the razor! Okay, maybe this happens where some of you live, but where I live (NYC) no one EVER asks that. Obviously, I said yes. While he was shaving me, he asked if I was from out of town. When I told him I was, he mentioned that he could tell: none of the locals let him cut their hair like this. "Their loss," I thought.

I was only there for 7 days, but couldn't resist going back later in the week for a face shave, which took a good 30 minutes and had to be (I hope I can say this without offending anyone) one of the most quasi-erotic experiences I've ever had. This guy is not gay in the slightest--he mentioned a wife and kids--he seems to just like to do a great job. He apologized for the "rush job" on the shave, apparently it usually takes 45 minutes! While I was there, and without being asked, he fine tuned the haircut again as well.

The bill for each visit was something insanely cheap--10 bucks or something. It could have been 100 for all I cared. Both times, I think I gave him a $5-$8 tip and both times he seemed convinced that I was giving him too much money.

Even though I found the rest of Portland pretty much a wasteland, I'd go back again in a second for another cut from Ron. (From the BuzzBoard, review by a recruit)

Ron's Barber Shop (Second review. See above for first review)
7817 NE Prescott Portland, Oregon
Phone: (503) 255 8596
Open until 9 pm even on weekdays

Ron specializes in shaves. He seems to really enjoy doing shaves and takes his time. Hot lather, towels, straight razor, various lotions and creams for the facial massage, all add up to a very relaxing experience. He treated me to a shave on my first visit, I only wanted him to trim my goatee but since he wanted to outline it he threw in the shave at no extra charge. He also specializes in flat tops and military cuts, he'll go as short as you want without any hesitation and the results are excellent. Any haircut is $8.00, shaves are $9.00, beard trims $5.00, shampoo $3.00, tonic massage $3.00. He also sells an assortment of grooming products including Sandahls Butch Wax. He does shaves, Flat Top s, Military Cuts, Regular Cuts, Razor Cuts, Styles, Long Hair Cuts Children's Cuts, and Beard Trims. (Reviewed by mcg)

Lake Grove Barber Shop
16045 Boones Ferry Road, Lake Oswego, OR
Phone: (503) 635-2509
Hours: M-F 9 to 6, Sat: 9-5

Probably the best barber shop in the area. It's the only place in the area that will shave with a razor (call in advance though). I found the place when my usual barber was on vacation. Lucky me, because I have never been to a place where my haircut has been so perfect. The work these guys do is well worth the 15$ for adults. (Reviewed by davy)

PENNSYLVANIA

Dominic Anthony's Hair Stylist
9 N Chester Pike, Glenolden, PA 19036
Phone: (610) 583-9751

I NEVER go any place that presents itself as a "stylist" shop, but this place had a sign in the window advertising fades and flattops, so I figured it was worth a try. There's a middle aged guy and a lady, as well as lots of Matrix type products displayed, so if the traditional barber scene is your thing, this may not be the place.

But despite the stylist trappings, I got a great fade here--he was able to fix a grown out, scraggly botched flattop. The dude has skill. Took his time and did it right. Super nice guy, too. And very versatile--seems he'd be capable of doing just about whatever you want. Price was around $10. Highly recommended--one of the best cuts I've had in a whle. If it was more traditionally a "barber" shop, I'd be a regular. (Review by henryZ)

Frank's Barbershop
8140 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Phone: (215) 247-1400
Hours: Thurs. - Sat., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Frank is quite a man! 60 years in the same shop (except for two active Marine stints in the Pacific theatre and Korea) and still vital. Loves to go shorter - just think it and his 00000's are on. Specializes in high n' tights and any other military cuts. Knows the difference between a fade and a taper - but you'd best be getting one or the other. Outline shaves and "slaps" on the aftershave, laughs and says "nobody else uses this stuff - bay rum, four bucks a bottle - smells good, huh?" Old fashioned shop in tony Chestnut Hills - face mirror and he'll make suggestions - always for shorter. Showed me pics of his boat, his dog, his place in the mountains, and, of course, his "star" and his ROK button. Passes on his memories, yet is in no way a bore - proud to be a Marine and VERY charming. Finds a "girlie" magazine for you while you're waiting - "but there's "Leatherneck"s over there if you wanna read." Picks up a clump of your hair off the cape and with gusto says "look how much a' that hair came off! - feels better, huh? - ya look good, too!" Removes the cape, whacks the back of your head with the palm of his hand and says "Now you're lookin' like you should! - Glad you stopped in!" Asked him if he could cut a good flat - told me it "depends on whether your head can take it - most guys look better high n' tight, but yeah, sure, I can fix ya' up." This generation of barbers won't long be with us - go while you have the chance. Your hair will be shorter and cut well. The shop feels masculine and warm - the kind of place where you could sit around, b.s. for hours with Frank and the guys - a man's refuge in an androgynous world. $12 to feel "Right" about life, and "Sure, hang around- take your time!" Small wonder that Frank's is a long-haul survivor! (Review by Tom)

Gary's Barber Shop
500 E Providence Rd # 13, Clifton Heights, PA
Phone: (610) 622-6550

Not for everyone. But this elder barber, tucked away in a fading vintage shop in the back of an old shopping plaza, has the attachments and will go CLOSE if you like. Wouldn't necessarily go here for a super precison job, but for a basic buzz in a vintage setting, Gary's is a decent choice.

Gary does it by the number--he wants you to specify the attachment #. I asked for just a regular short crew, and he proceeded to bring out his attachments, starting at a #0 and working down to a #0000, and explained to me the difference. So clearly he has no fear of going close if that's what you want.

A "regular" crewcut from Gary turned out to be a #0 on the sides and back and a 1 1/2 on the top. Cost was $9. A good place to go for an old timey experience, but as I mentioned, may not be everyone's cup 'o tea. (Review by henryZ)

Lincoln Barber Shop
514 Lincoln Ave., (Bellevue)
Pittsburgh, PA
Phone: (412) 766-1668

This is a terrific shop on the main street of a close-in Pittsburgh Suburb (about 5 miles from downtown, about two miles from the popular Eagle bar). There are three chairs and three barbers. There are two women barbers who alternate days, and are pretty good although they require coaxing to go very short. However, Aaron, the Twenty-Something son of one of the women barbers, is the man to see for a superior buzzcut. On my first visit, I asked for a high and tight; without blinking an eye, Aaron asked if I wanted the sides and back with the 000 clippers. He spent a good twenty minutes taking the sides down tight, and carefully fading the top into the sides. All the work was done with clippers, except for the front, which he scissored. (I like to have just enough in front to lay over with a comb.) Not only did Aaron readily go very short, when he was finished and the top combed, he asked me if I wanted the top any shorter. After many half-hearted high and tights, several of which I had to correct by shaving my head, I was very pleased to find this young man who is already well on his way to being an expert with clippers. Ten bucks for a clipper cut. Shop is open Tues-Sat., Aaron is there from10AM to closing most days. (Review by Max)

Mark Anthony's Barber Shop
7943 Frankford Ave (corner Frankford Ave. and Rhawn St.), Philadelphia, PA
Phone: (215) 338-7442

The art and science of traditional barbering-with a rad millenial edge--is alive and well under the capable clippers of the three twenty-something barbers at this busy neighborhood shop in the working c lass Holmesburg neighborhood of Norteast Philly (Not too far from I-95 Cottman Ave. exit).

Each of these guys sports a super sharp taper of some sort themselves, so you know they appreciate the craft. And not only that, they are resurrecting the vanishing practice of neighborhood-barbershop-as-hangout. There's a cooler of green-bottled Cokes, ice cream to be purchased, and a general vibe of just chillin' going on here.

In the mornings and weekdays, retirees and working guys are the stock in trade, but after school and weekends, the kidz--high school and younger--take over. The place is generally pretty busy, but very well run. They even give out coupons w/each cut--collect twelve and the next haircut is free. (Also discounts for retirees and "clean ups").

Anyway, fades and tight tapers are the specialty here. Done with great precision and skill. I've had everthng from a plan old #0 buzz to a regular tapered 'du here, and all are done with the same degree of skill and attention. They'll do a great classic crew or a modern faded thing with funky burns and shaved parts--you just gotta ask. Also a good selection of various products to be purchased. Highly recommended. Cuts are $11, and worth every bit. (Review by henryZ)

Peter Calcara's (Pete's)
Manor Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603
Shop Hours: Tuesday-Friday 7-5; Saturday 7-3.

This is a one man, face-the-mirror shop, run by Pete, who is about 55 years old. He doesn't talk much, except to keep checking with you about how your haircut is progressing and learn what you want. His specialty is flat tops and crews, though he does a full range of styles. I told him I wanted # 2 sides and back, tapered down to # 0 around the ears and neck, with a stand-up crew-cut for the top. He then proceeded to tell me that if I'm going to wear my hair short in a real man's style, I'd need to let him take it down shorter on the sides and leave the top to him. He didn't wait for an answer, but instead just started buzzing short with firm metal. This guy is not afraid to go short in any way — he's about as old fashioned as his powder blue barber's smock that buttons at the shoulder. Every cut I saw there was cut extremely tight around the ears and neck, then finished with a generous lather and shave of a high arc around the ears. He waxed my top up stiff, and proceeded to do a freehand crew, constantly wetting and brushing my hair to ensure it stood perfectly at attention. He left the front about an inch long for a slick look (might go shorter next time), yet perfectly blended it to the rest of the top so that my receding hairline at the temples is no longer noticeable. I'm no fashion model material, but I look great - a very masculine look that feels great, too.. This is a no nonsense barber, concerned that men should look like men, and that you get precisely what you want within reason (his reason that the fifties are still here and you either get cut good and short or you get a perfect taper that's low and very tight. Best haircut I've had in years, and every other cut I saw looked very, very clean cut and sharp. Highly recommended. $8, and you'll want to tip generously when you see his work. (Review by a recruit)

Another recruit adds:
I happened to be in Lancaster, PA on business Wednesday, prior to Thanksgiving and remembered a recruits recommendation for Peter Calcara's Barber Shop. An excellent shop for a perfect flattop. A little shorter on top than I like, but I'm getting used to it! The assessment of the shop above is right on. Pete's is a great place for any short cut, with the old nostaligic feel of a real Barber Shop! (Review by Flats)

RHODE ISLAND

In Pawtucket:
— Jose's on Central Avenue. Latino flavor. High school crowd. LOTS of buzzing. Three barbers.
— Gene's on Benefit Street (off Newport Avenue) Recommended by a client who wears a shaved h&t. Caters to cops/military reservists. Not afraid to shave it down with lather, razor or clippers. Under $10.00 for a cut.

In Providence:
— Nino's on Chaulkstone (near the hospital). Small, one chair shop. Odd business hours. Nino must be about 60. Gets some PC students. Went to him when I wore a business cut. Gave me a good taper. Does neck shaves. Have seen him give some shorter cuts. If I remember correctly, he'll shave the sides and back with straight razor.

In Cranston:
— Andy's on Cranston Street. Tiny place at a busy intersection. Also recommended by a friend who wears a brush cut. Did try him earlier this summer for a tapered flat. Has one of those chairs with the clippers plugged into the back. Does a good job. I think if you push him, he'll lather shave a H&T. Haven't tried him for that yet. He's open till 6:00 p.m. which is good for those of us stuck in an office until 5:00 most nights. Again under $10.00.

In North Providence:
— Dave's on Smith near Fruit Hill Ave. Saw this place yesterday. Hasn't been at this location very long. Looks very promising. Old-fashioned chairs, big windows. Seemed like one barber, although there were two chairs. Was giving a tight buzz to a construction worker type when I drove by. From the looks of that cut, he's certainly not afraid of skin. Will check it out.
— Also on Smith across from a defunct strip mall is another shop. Didn't get the name. Had a BIG sign out front announcing cuts: fades, crewcuts, military, regular cuts. Couldn't see inside. Will investigate further. (Reviews by TightinProv)

TENNESSEE

Oxford Barber Shop
1313 21st Ave. S # 103. Nashville, TN
Phone: (615) 327-4680

A busy 4 or 5 chair shop near Vanderbilt. Several of the barbers were young dudes, and one had a shaved head, as I recall. They do everything from short buzzes to standard businessman's cuts. I got a pretty damn respectible short flattop, and my bro got his bleached ivy league tightened up. (He wasn't thrilled with his cut, but he's picky that way). We both agreed mine was pretty rad (mine barber was the heavyset guy at the middle chair). I'd advise that you go on a busy day, and scope out the dude who's skills you like best, then wait for him. If you want a short brutal milirary shearing, drive up the road to Clarksville. There are any number of shops on the outskirts of the Army base where you can get a regulation cut for 4 or 5 bucks...if yer picky, go to a bar or wal-mart or somewhere and ask someone with a sharp flattop where they went. Lots of these soldier-types are pretty proud of their 'do's.

TEXAS

Bellaire's Original Barber Shop
5400 Bissonnet St., Bellaire, Texas
Phone: (713) 665-9374

I discovered Matt, a barber at this shop, a few months ago — not by searching the internet, but by asking guys with great short haircuts where they went and almost every time, the answer was Matt Wright. I should say to your readers that this guy is so popular ( he is in his mid-thirties) that he has clients that come from Dallas for haircuts on a regular basis. His popularity is such that he is now by appointment only (with a few exceptions who he will work in if you are a regular) and he is booked 6 days a week until his closes at 7:00PM.

Although Matt is young, he is the VERY BEST I have ever tried and takes his time. Yes he knows how to use a straight razor and uses it will on both the head and face. His flat tops, high and tights are perfection and he does not quit until he is satisfied. He left a lucrative career to bring back the Ole Fashioned Service oriented barber profession and his clients reflect his success. To top it all off, when he is through, you get a super neck massage as well. I can not say enough about Matt and neither can his other clients, some of who drive 1 hour each week for a haircut.

It's an old-fashioned with a friendly atmosphere, jammed with young Marines, ROTC, and other short haired guys like myself. I have found my shop right in my own backdoor and would not think of getting a haircut elsewhere. There may be other locals that are good barbers, but Matt is at the very top in my book so I hope you will give him a try. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED! (Review by JHB)

UPDATE (5/06): Matt now has his nephew Derick as his side-kick. Derick is young and fresh out of barber school, but has been trained by Matt to cut perfect VERY short haircuts. He also has mastered the art of shaving! Try him!

Ben's Barber Shop
3823 Dunlavy St., Houston,Texas
Phone (713-528-8898)

This is the best shop in Houston for short hair cuts. I give Ben's 5 stars, so if you're looking for a very good shop for Flat tops, Hight & Tights ,Crewcuts , Buzzcuts and short cuts, go see Alex . He's the 3rd chair from the door. All the barbers at Ben do OK on short cuts, but the best is Alex. (Review By RD)

Casa View Barber Shop
10334 Ferguson Rd., SE corner of Ferguson Rd. & Gus Thomasson, Dallas, TX
Phone: (214) 327-9629
Shop Hours: M-F, 9:00 - 6:00, Saturdays 9:00 - 5:00

OK, guys, this shop has been around since I was a kindergarten-kid in the late 60s. It has changed ownership only a couple times that I know of, and is still an EXCELLENT proper Barber Shop -- 4 chairs, 4 barbers, all doing what they do best -- and they all do it great! I began going here regularly about 5 years ago when I started wearing flattops. And if you're looking for the PERFECT flattop, the guy to see is Tony (2nd chair from the window). He's my age (early 30s) and is a great conversationalist to boot! He cuts anything from regulation military tapers to high & tight flattops, with the precision of an architect! And he does it in excellent time -- high & tight flattop, approximately 20 minutes!

Tony doesn't work on Thursdays, and on Saturdays you can forget it -- the neighborhood high school kids LINE UP starting when the shop opens at 9:00am, and unless you get there before noon, you probably won't get a haircut from Tony on Saturday. I don't think they take appointments, but you can call to find out. The other 3 barbers are also excellent, each doing PERFECT tapers, burrs and crewcuts; they usually give the flattops to Tony. Haircut prices range from $6.00 for senior citizens and pre-school-aged kids to $9.00 for Flattops ("long" flattops, $11.00). Again, it's a great proper Barber Shop, and in the years I've been a regular here, the barbers have all given top-quality service, at an excellent price. (Review by M.W.)

Crockett's Barbershop
Pasadena, Texas

Crockett's is a sight to behold. Not only was it busy, but the day I went everyone in there was getting super short haircuts. Honestly, there were guys there who looked as though they just had a haircut and were waiting for another! Three of the guys were Pasadena motorcycle cops and the barbers went to the skin on them. PERFECT horseshoe flats with landing strips. I kid you not! Advice to anyone living within 100 miles of Houston, or anyone going there on business: If you appreciate short haircuts, enjoy watching them, have always wanted one, or simply need a haircut fix, Crockett's barbershop in Pasadena is THE place to go. No, I don't own stock in the place. I'm just a very satisfied customer. (Review by Jack)

Eastgate Barbershop
302 North Fort Hood Street, Killeen, Texas

The city of Killeen, Texas is the home to Fort Hood, the free world's largest military base, and home to the famous 1st Cavalry Division. Because of that fact, there are approximately 40 barbershops in the Killeen/Copperas Cove area that give military cuts. Cove Barbershop in Copperas Cove is good, but without a doubt the best shop in the area is Eastgate barbers. There are ten chairs, and the shop is just about always fully staffed. They specialize in all kinds of Army haircuts, but their specialty is the high and tight. They do whatever length you want, and will use shaving cream and a straight razor if you want on the side of the head. The staff, mostly Korean women, are well skilled and unbelievably fast! The price is only $6, and when they finish the haircut they give you a scalp/shoulder/back massage to boot! In all the times I have gone there since 1995, I have NEVER had to wait! If you are at Hood, or in the area, check them out. (Review by PW)

J. Medina's Aggieland BarberShop
403 University Drive #A, College Station, Texas

There are 2,000 cadets in the Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets, so there are about 10 barbers near the campus that give military haircuts. But there are none better than the Aggieland barbershop, which is located in the Northgate area above the University Book Store. I have been going there since I was a "fish" or freshman cadet in 1983, to this very day when I am back on campus. Even though Mr. Medina is the only barber there, and there are always cadets waiting in line, it is without a doubt the best shop in town. Jesse gives either 4 or 5 finger high and tights, and get as close on the sides as you want it. He is about the only one of the shops that will "bleed it" or use the lather and razor. He is very meticulous when he works, and when he is done you have a perfect high ant tight, shaved to the bone, and blended well on top. (Review by PW)

Simon's Barber Shop
I-45 in The Woodlands

I recommend this shop. They give some good short cuts, but appointments are necessary and the chairs are like Supercuts chairs. Barber Kevin at the first chair is young, ex-Navy, and tattooed. Appointments necessary. (Review by JA)

Spring Barber Shop
Hwy. 2920 in Spring, right off I-45

A "Redneck" shop. The barbers are all older, and make fun of customers with short hair.
They don't like to go too short. They'll tell you a #1 is the shortest they can go and you have to beg for that. (Review by JA)

T & J Barber Shop
22616 Aldine-Westfield Road, Spring, Texas
Phone: (281) 288-8445

They have a sign in the window that says "Best flat tops in Spring" with a big picture of Bart Simpson in a high and tight flat top. The man to ask for is Dave at the first chair. (The other two barbers are Terry and Joanna, hence the "T&J.") I asked for "skin tight on the sides and back, and flat on top." Dave said he could do a "pretty good" job on me. Actually, it was PERFECT!! Cost: $11 plus tip, about the going rate in these parts. (Review by JA)

VERMONT

Clay's Barbershop
1174 Williston Road
Located next to Bernie's Auto, behind College Tuxedos
Burlington Vermont
Open tuesday-friday 8am-6pm, Saturday 8am-3pm

A one chair shop. Clay is a young guy who gave me the best high & tight flattop I have ever had. Lots of college guys from UVM go there, as well as the recuiters, and myself, a marine reservist. Clay does a great job with razor shave cleanup. At only $10.00, It's a great deal. (Reviewed by MCBUZ)

VIRGINIA

Izalco Barbershop,
Adams Square Mall, Arlington, Virginia.
Open 7 days a week.

The shop has 8 barbers, 2 are female. Because they are only a short distance from Ft. Myer, HQUSMC, Navy Annex, they get a lot of military guys in for cuts, and since this is Washington, DC, a lot of guys in The Old Guard (Arlington Cemetary/Tomb of the Unknowns), Marines, Honor Guard, etc. They are used to doing all types of cuts, but specialize in military type cuts — especially high and tights, which they finish off with a straight razor shave if you ask. I particularly like Agustin or Ho (names are on the mirrors). You face the waiting seats, with mirrors behind them so you can watch yourself and the guys waiting. Cuts are $8 for military w/ID, $10 civilians. Go on an afternoon after 4:30 (military off work then) or on Saturday to watch lots of good cuts. I've tried other 'military' shops in the DC/Northern VA area, including Quantico, and think these guys do a better job, as they are used to more 'high profile' like the Honor Guard, and officers. (review by MajorDad)

Quantico Barber
To get there; take I-95 to exit 150 and go directly through the main gate of Quantico Marine Base (the town is completely surrounded by the base so tell the sentry that you're going into the town and he'll waive you through). You'll drive 7 miles past the golf course and right after you go around a sharp curve and start seeing buildings; take the next left on Potomac Ave. Barber shop is 2 blocks down on the Right (don't get confused with "city" barber shop on the corner; go down one more block and it'll be there.)

See Charlie. He's in the first chair on the left. This shop is a Marine Barber shop at it's best; and Charlie is the best of the best. You can count on being in the chair for at least a half an hour as Charlie is meticulous. While I was stationed here, I alternated between an "extreme" high and tight horseshoe and a skinhead and Charlie does what ever you want with perfection. I got more comments while I was stationed there about my horseshoe and have referred many Marines there and was glad to do it. Charlie is a master barber. The shop has mirrors on all walls so you can watch your hair fall to the floor strip by strip. and once he's done with the clippers, the hot lather is slapped on and the razor comes out; this is not optional or extra; the shave is included for your $6.50) and you're bald as a baby's butt.
While the shop was remodeled right before I transferred (jan 99); it still retains the old time barber shop feel. God; I miss that place. I'm stationed in California now and if I had the cash and the leave; I'd hop a plane every so often just to fly back for a Charlie haircut. Believe me, he's that good. If I ever get a scanner; I'll post some pictures of a myself in a Charlie cut. I'm sure if I did, everyone who reads this board would trek out to Quantico. The only thing I ask is that you tip Charlie well; he deserves it. While there, You need to go to Blackie's nightclub in Springfield and Trackks; in DC. (Review by Jake)

WASHINGTON (DC)

8th & I Barbershop (aka "Sneeds")
749 8th St. SE; Ph.
Phone: (202) 544-2541

The premier address for a great high and tight in D.C. They're across the street from the USMC barracks, and know how to give proper military haircuts. (Review by HTH)

WASHINGTON (STATE)

Patrick Bear Salon
808 East Roy St, Seattle, Washington
Phone: (206) 325-6565

OK, It IS a SALON! But... Patrick (shaved head, goateed, tattooed and pierced), give some of the best flattops, H&T's and headshaves in all of Seattle. He services almost all of the Bear and Leather community here. (Review by SG)

The Shamrock Barbershop
3905 Washington St., Vancouver, WA

On the corner of 39th street and Washington Ave. in Vancouver is a "Beauty and Barber" Styling Salon. Right next door in back of it there is a real barbershop, The Shamrock Barbershop. The tiny shop barely has room for the two chairs, one a traditional barber chair where the cutting takes place and the other a salon type chair which serves as overflow seating when the three seats for waiting customers are taken. The walls have mostly police pictures, posters and memoriabilia with a little martial arts and military stuff as well, a collection of shaving mugs graces a window sill and a few sadly unused antique straight razors are displayed in a frame on the wall.

The barber, W. B. McCluskey is a no nonsense kind of guy. Large white signs with red lettering list haircuts and policies. They show his prices for regular haircuts, flattops, and headshaves as well as a cut listed as "leatherneck", and his policy for senior citizen discounts and children (he does not barber very small children and badly behaved children are not welcome in the shop). Despite the prices listed on the sign, he has always charged me less than the listed price every time I've been in (I've more than made it up with tips).

I get the impression that Mr. McCluskey is a retired police officer. He closes shop early at 4:00 pm and seems to cater to senior citizens. He doesn't shy away from cutting your hair a short as you ask for, he does however make sure he understands exactly what you want before he starts. He does an excellent job on high and tight flattops, telling you how he's going to "make you look like a marine" as he carves out a landing strip. The last time I was in I went for a head shave which actually just a 0000 buzz "down to the bone" cleaned up further with an edger and topped off with clubman aftershave. He told me how great a shaved head feels as he buzzed away my flattop and gave me advice on taking care of my bare scalp. He is bald himself and usually keeps the fringe around the sides and back clipped very close. (Review by a recruit)

WISCONSIN

Austin's Barbershop
Rod Gottfredsen, prop.
316 State Street, Beloit, WI
Phone: (608) 365-0006

After several e-mail's back and forth, I finally drove an hour north to meet the man behind the clippers. When you walk into Rod's shop, you feel like you've gone back in time. You are greeted with an original Coca-Cola machine as you walk in the door, and you can't help but notice his large collection of Coca-Cola products. When foreign college students go home for the summer and come back for the next school year, his customers bring back collectables from their country. Also, Rod has an extensive collection of barbershop memoribilia. Everything from old shaving mugs, to manual clippers and antique blade sharpeners...and believe me he has several unusual tools! Even the old safe from the former jewelry store has been converted into a restroom and is uniquely decorated with nostalgia (with help from Rod's wife). He has been at his current location for about 4 years. His prior location was demolished to put in a parking lot. Ask Rod about the history of his shop and he'll have plenty to tell.

Rod has been a barber for over 20 years and is a master with his Andis and Oster clippers. When I shook his hand for the first time, I sensed that he is a genuine person. When I sat in the chair he asked what I wanted and I told him a flattop. Thru the entire process he asked for my opinion and told me what he was doing. He's very precise with the clippers and will cut your hair anyway you want, short of a total headshave. I had the honor of sitting and watching him cut a couple of other customers hair and he did the same thing with every customer, he explained everything and wanted input from the customer. To me, a customer leaving the shop satisfied, will tell his friends and will return for another great cut. And that's exactly what my plans are. I'm telling all my cyber friends about his great shop and talents and if you're ever in Southern Wisconsin, do stop by ... it's an experience! (Review by Wyatt)

Southwest Barbering Center
3022 W.Lincoln Ave, Milwaukee, WI
Hours: M-F: 8am-5pm M-F, Sat: 8am-12 Noon
Phone: (414) 647-9456

Great flattops,crewcuts, buzzes,etc. Ask for Scott, a good looking 35-year-old barber. This shop has 5 chairs, so there's always lots of cutting action. Haircuts cost $8.00, and I always give a $2.00 tip. Tell Scott Rich sent you. (Review by RichW)

— BARBERSHOPS OUTSIDE THE USA —

CANADA

Gentry Barber Stylists
Coquitlam, BC, Canada

This is a nice little 4-chair shop in a Vancouver suburb. I used to live about 10 minutes away and went to this shop for most of 4 years. It's still very much the traditional barber shop. The ownership changed hands in 2001 but the original owner still works in the shop. In 2002 they started doing ladies' haircuts as well, but the clientele is still 95% men & boys. All the barbers there are women except for Roy, the owner.

Terez, one of the lady barbers, has cut my hair most of the time that I went there, and she gives a good clipper cut to the back & sides. Marjatta, the former owner, tends to stick to the old scissor-comb method of haircuts but also gives a neck shave to her clients afterward. She is the only one who does. At about $15 (for men), it's reasonably priced. (Reviewed by AnonCDN)

Johns Barbershop
Dundas & Parliament
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

This a very old fashion barbershop that has been there for 34 years. John is the barber and has 3 classic vintage chairs, even though he works alone. I would recommend this place for anyone looking of a classic cut. I just came back from getting my Horseshoe flattop taken to a full recon cut with shaved sides and back and shaved landing strip. John is good at asking what you want and will spend lots of time getting the cut right, and is not afraid to take it high over the sides and shave over the crown. He has no problem running a 00000 down your landing strip and will be happy to straight razor the sides clean with a a brush and old fashion soap applied. He will go over the sides with the straight razor till they are gleaming smooth. This is a straight forward shop and knows all the terms of cuts, ie landing strip, shaved sides and back, Horseshoe flattops and Recons, High & tights. Lots of old school barber stuff and a crazy amount of model posters of women. And all for $12.00 bucks.

Dennis Barbershop
Danforth and Victoria Park
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

This is a small little shop run by a very nice friendly barberette. Make know mistake she was trained in the US under a old school barber, near a military base. She is fully up to speed on the cut terms, Horseshoe landing strip recons etc. She is happy to clean shave the landing strip and will do a great job on the straight razor for the sides and back. Not a close as Johns but a great job and takes her time. Worth checking out and a cheap cut at $12 bucks.

Lancaster Barber Shop
23 Main Street West, Saint John, N.B., Canada
Phone: (506) 672-7953

This past week I was looking for a barber shop that could do flattops, taper cuts etc. in Saint John, Canada. I came across a shop in Saint John that has been in operation for almost100 years, it is an old shop with hardwood floors, old style barber chairs, old barber poles outside, and LOTS of clippers. These guys are masters at their work, only two barbers both young guys late 20's earily 30's. They do High & Tights, Flats, Buzz's, Shaves, and are FAST -- about 15 minutes per customer -- but no shoddy cuts in the result. The owner is ex-military and proud of his haircutting skills. If you are in Saint John look up the shop, prices are best in the City. ($5.00-Students, $7.00-Adults, $7.00-Face shave). (Review by Barber1)

ENGLAND

Bank Street Barbers
34 Bank Street, Ashford, United Kingdom
Phone 01 233 643 660
Shop hours: Monday-Sat 9:15-5:15, closed Wed.

You'll know you're in for a good experience when you see the welcoming sign inside the shop which reads "Bald is Beautiful." This inexpensive and cheerful shop in Ashford is run by two young guys (early 30's) who do masterful Flat Tops. I walked in with a botched flat top I got earlier in the day at another shop in Ashford. My hair still stank of hair tonic the other barbershop used. Anyway, the Bank Street Barber noticed the smell, and recounted the story that it was this smell that lured him to be a barber. He looked at my botched flat and with confidence, advised he could flatten it up, but it was going real short. He proceeded to clip my 1/2 inch hair down to 1/16 on the sides, and took the top down to 1/8 with a 3/8 fringe, creating a nice landing strip. I've rarely experienced such an enjoyable cut as I had at Bank Street. During the 30 minute cut, the barber went over the back and sides agressively and repeatably, with a firm grip digging in to the skin as hard as he could push. He must have mowed each square inch of my head a hundred times. Also, the barber was masterful with the edger, generously creating an unnatural edge along the back and over the ears, about 1/2 above where my hairline actually is. All this for 5 pounds makes Bank Street Barbers worth a detour. (Review by Highntight98)

Parting of the Waves
127 Oxford Road, Manchester, England

This shop, located in the trendy student district of Manchester, is well known for it's flattops and ivy leagues. It has two chairs, one of which is men only, and the other, used by a younger woman, is unisex, technically, though I've never seen a woman in the shop. the man is more no-nonsense, expect your cut to be done however HE likes it, not to your instructions - though his eye is good, and the cut is always OK, he tends to ignore little suggestions like "leave a little more length on top," or "short at the back." Plus, he seems to have something against goatees - at the least, expect asking "could you trim my beard?" to result in no LONGER than a #1 blade. The woman, however, is much better - her flats and ivy's are JUST as good, and she takes much more care. Expect a good discussion about options for changes to your style, and she tapers magnificently. She also is an expert on beards and the like, expect HER trim to leave you with a perfectly shaped goatee. The shop also contains an excellent Tattoo Artist - who is responsible for both of mine, a Body-Piercing studio (which I've never visited!), an aromatherapists, and a reflexologist. (Review by a recruit)

The Town Barber
Swaffham Norfolk England

This is a small barbershop, taken over by Richard a few months ago and a real jewel amongst Barbershops and barbers. A one man shop, tucked away in the centre of the town, it was previously operated and owned by an old guy who recently retired. In came Richard and the clients and styles have totally changed. Don't expect a quick buzz job with this guy. He seems to care about what he's doing, and is as keen to get the ideas you have of your image as he is to give you the best cut he can. Being a small shop, recently purchased, it still looks like a real old establishment where style was less important than getting your hair cut, but that's where the past ends. American Crew products lie next to the Oster guide combs. It all feels right. Richard is planning to redecorate soon, so get in quick, to experience the old fashioned barbershop with an up to the minute style. Most people come out having experienced the Osters somewhere along the line, but all styles are catered for and at a reasonable cost. I would never have entered before he took over, but now am a regular. And that's from a guy who cuts all his friends hair, has a list of regular clients (although I'm only an amateur), and who until this guy opened his shop, always took the clippers to his own head. (Review by BuzzboyUK)