Since being patented in the late 1800s, the first safety razor has greatly evolved with brands adding their own signature touches. One brand that has done this exceptionally well is Germany company Merkur. They have continuously built upon their original model, improved engineering, and created an exceptional line of innovative shaving designs in a variety of finishes, styles, and materials. In 2013 DOVO put the Merkur brand name through a revival that included an expanded shaving line, an offering of premium…
Category: Brand Profiles
This is the place to go to find more about the history of those brands that have captured our imagination for centuries and those new ground-breaking ones. The unifying theme is their drive for quality in producing the finest grooming products and accessories for men.
Product Spotlight: The Campomaggi Bag
“Time does not deprive, it enriches.” -Marco Campomaggi, Founder, Campomaggi This is the philosophy behind the unique and luxurious Italian Campomaggi brand. Founded in 1990, the brand has made a significant impact in the fashion world thanks to its trademark distressed leather bag collection. Inspired by the past and used items, its founder wanted to create something that was not only original and authentic, but that also told a story. He saw perfection in the imperfect thus creating the trademark of…
Made in Italy; A Look Into Italian Shave Culture
There’s more to Italy than fashion, food and wine. Italy’s shaving culture is deeply rooted in history and is among the best in the world. Walking into any Italian barbershop is just as much about the experience as it is the shave itself. A daily ritual for most Italian men, it’s where friends meet to catch up, watch their favourite soccer team or just hang out. Peak inside any shop and you’ll find the best Italian made shaving products from…
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Ruitertassen Bags: Designing Perfection
Synonymous with quality and longevity, a Ruitertassen is the bag of choice for professionals. Established by Jacob de Ruiter of Belgium in 1925, and initially designed for teachers, Ruitertassen bags cater to professionals of all ages who seek functionality and efficiency over fashion. The company’s “Buy it for Life” philosophy ensures classic pieces are crafted to perfection and endure every day wear-and-tear. The making of the bag The care and precision that goes into making a Ruitertassen bag is like…
Invest in Ikeuchi
In today’s world of mass production, it’s challenging to find quality products that are made using only pure materials, and natural processes. Japan’s Ikeuchi Organic Inc. has been doing both and has redefined the traditional manufacturing process. Established in 1953 by Tadao Ikeuchi, the company began production in a bonded factory and slowly began to export to Europe in the late 1960’s. Today, Ikeuchi products can be found across Europe, North America and Asia thanks to independent and major retailers which…
Scaramouche + Fandango Lookbook
Scaramouche + Fandango is putting simplicity back into male grooming. Full of the minerals and vitamins that your body needs, they’re more than just pretty packaging. Their Hair Cream was shortlisted for the Best Male Hair Product in the Pure Beauty awards. Travel-friendly and compact, these high-performance products are all made in the United Kingdom. (See more Scaramouche + Fandango products here)
Kent Celebrates 240-Year Anniversary
Kent celebrates 240 years of excellence! Renowned family-owned British business, Kent, is celebrating their 240th year, officially making them the world’s oldest hairbrush manufacturer. Known for their handmade and professional line of brushes, the company continues to dominate the world’s beauty industry thanks to their impeccable reputation and highly sought after quality products. Heightening their reputation is the inclusion of the royal coat of arms on their luxury products as a result of the Royal Warrant given to them by…
How They’re Made: Suwada Nail Clippers
Most guys have a set of nail clippers in their bathrooms. There’s nothing more off-putting than long, gross, yellow nails. But are you caring for your nails properly? The traditional compound-lever clippers are cheap and easy, but the mechanism smashes down your nail, tearing it and leading to uneven growth. Nail nippers work like scissors, cutting in a straight line. This keeps your nails clean and even, and helps prevent nasty ingrown hairs down the road. If you’ve got thicker…
Brickell: An Innovative Men’s Skincare Company
Down in Miami, where bright, clear days abound, it takes a special strength of the will to resist becoming an avid sun-worshipper. Brickell company founder, Josh Meyer, who grew up under the golden Miami sun, was shocked the first time his girlfriend pointed to fine wrinkles forming on his face. At the time, he was in his late twenties, and it was a strong wake-up call, realizing that he, an active young man, would have to start monitoring how much sun exposure he…
Brand Spotlight: Iris Hantverk
With a history dating back to 1870, Iris Hantverk is a company that has immersed itself in community betterment ever since its beginnings. In Stockholm, Dr. Axel Beskov founded the Manilla School, which was a workhouse for visually impaired craftsmen, most of whom lived at the workhouse, and this group slowly evolved into what would become Iris Hantverk. Around 20 years later, a congregation of visually impaired craftsmen founded their own organization with the incentive to further integrate the blind…
Marco Finardi Crafts Artisan Brushes for Marfin
In a mechanized, modern world, where commodities are rarely made by hand, let alone by the hands of one person, it can be refreshing to see someone step forward and make his livelihood by his craft. There’s a unique charm to something roughly hewn from raw materials, none of which can be mass replicated; each one bears a personal touch that lends special value to the fruit of one’s hard labour. Marco Finardi, an artist from Cremona, Italy, worked…
Speick Grooming Products: A Force of Nature
Every year during the autumn months, high up in the Austrian Alps, you’ll see local farmers. They are gathering delicate, yet discreet little plants in an annual harvest known as the Speick Sting. These mountain farmers are workers from Speick Natural Cosmetics Company, gathering the Alpine valerian plant in the Nock Mountain region of Carinthia, Austria. This is the only place in the world where the Speick plant grows, and Speick is the only company that has the rights to…