The Hot Towel Shave.
Eighty minutes. Two towels. One razor.
The Hot Towel Shave is the cut Forge was opened around. It is slow, it is precise, and it is the only service in the shop that ends with the man in the chair forgetting what time it is.
We do four of these a day, no more. Marcus and Dilan are the only two barbers on the floor cleared to do it, and the chair is held for ninety minutes because the work is never rushed. If you have a meeting at the top of the next hour, do not book this service. Book the classic cut and come back another day for the ritual.
What happens in the chair.
- 015 minutes
Consultation
We look at the grain of the beard, the contours of the face, and the way the skin sits at the jaw. The cut is shaped here, before any blade comes near the skin.
- 026 minutes
Steam towel, first pass
A single hot towel, just under boiling, wrapped from chin to hairline. The pores open, the beard softens. This is the first place most men fall asleep.
- 033 minutes
Pre-shave oil
A blend we make in the shop, oils only, no preservatives. It goes on warm with the fingers, worked into the grain.
- 046 minutes
Brushed lather, stand mixed
The lather is whipped at the chair with a Sheffield brush from a fresh tablet of soap. It goes on in two passes, against the grain, then with it. Never canned.
- 0520 minutes
Single-pass straight razor, against the grain
The first pass with the straight razor takes off the bulk of the beard. We re-strop the razor between every two strokes.
- 0620 minutes
Re-lather, second pass with the grain
The second pass is the close one. With the grain, this time. We re-warm a small towel between the two passes to stay ahead of the skin.
- 0720 minutes
Cool towel, balm, finish
The pores close with a cold towel. Balm goes on. The chair reclines. We do not rush this step. When you sit up, you should not remember the last time you sat down for an hour.
$80 · eighty minutes
Booked chairs only. Available with Marcus or Dilan. Plan the rest of your day around it. Tipping is optional and never expected.
Sensitive skin? Tell us at the consultation. We will single-pass with the grain instead of against it. The shave is just as close, and you walk out without razor burn.
Beard kept long? The ritual is for clean shaves and partial shaves (chin work, neck shave, line work). If you want a beard sculpt with the hot towel finish, book The Beard at $38 instead.
Gift card? The ritual at $80 is the most-given gift card we sell. Pick one up at the front desk or book over the phone with the recipient's name.