I promised I would return to Stark's to sample their straight razor shaves and today I did. Following my last review the owners of Starks had reached out and thanked me for my previous review and added that they would like to invite me back to experience the shave I had mentioned before.
With mild hesitation I agreed and ventured back to Unionville to get my recently shaved (and now stubbly) baby-face worked on by the professionals. And professionals is what they were! Getting a shave is something that has been around for years but as a service has been dying here in the GTA for quite some time. It's a luxury for a man to have done and is epitome of relaxation. So to find a place that handles the service with poise, grace and extreme attention to detail was simply outstanding.
I was given the shave by the shop manager (who I might add is the first female to give me a straight shave) and she did not disappoint . I'm used to the older European gentlemen with shaky hands, smelling of Porasso and cured meats who tells you that if he hasn't nicked you at least once that he hasn't gone close enough. Well I learned today that school of thought is a fallacy because with an expert steady hand she shaved me closer that I've ever had before - and with NO nicks!
The pre and post shave treatments were exquisite as well and I left my chair more relaxed than I had been when I sat down.
My new final word: Gentlemen, if you're looking for a place where a man can be a man, I would say Starks is the place to be. The extra touches they add to each service make the entire visit worth while. This is the ONLY place I will go to get my shaves done from now on - Highly recommend you give them a try!