Visiting Giesen & Forsthoff – Solingen craftsmanship for our assortment

Seeing a straight razor in a product photo is one thing. Experiencing how it is machined and sharpened gives you a different perspective on the finished tool.

That is exactly why I visited Giesen & Forsthoff in Solingen. I wanted to meet the people behind the products, gain insight into the manufacturing process, and select a range for The Gentleman’s Shave.

The work behind the finished razor

During the factory tour, I was able to observe various stages of razor machining and sharpening. This was the most important part of the visit for me: learning about the work that goes into a finished straight razor.

In the shop, we talk about blades, handle materials, and handling. On-site, this description takes on a concrete background. You will see the tool with different eyes afterward because you have experienced part of its creation.

The Solingen craftsmanship convinced me. The visit was therefore an important step toward adding Giesen & Forsthoff to our range.

Personal contact is part of what we do

The visit also included meeting people in person. For us as a specialist retailer, direct contact with the manufacturer is valuable. If questions about a product arise, we have a contact person and can ask targeted questions.

This also benefits our advice. We want to be able to explain to you what you are selecting, how the models differ, and what care is involved. Exchanging ideas with the manufacturer helps us further develop our knowledge of the products.

Our selection of straight razors

For our start, we deliberately focused on straight razors with a blade width of 5/8 inch. Within this selection, you will find different versions: from the classic black handle to blue steel, olive wood, ebony, and the hammer-finished version with curly birch.

This way, we show different aspects of the classic wet shave. Perhaps you like a simple appearance. Perhaps a wooden handle with a unique grain is part of your shaving ritual.

Appearance is part of the decision. Just as important is that you want to engage with the application and care. Shaving with a classic straight razor requires practice, patience, and careful handling of the exposed blade.

TIMOR safety razors as a complement

In addition to the straight razors, we have selected TIMOR safety razors for our range. In the 1920 series, we focus on variants with olive wood, ebony, and horn-look finishes.

They complement our range with different handle materials and a unique design. This way, you can also consider which material you like and which handling you prefer when making your selection.

A safety razor uses replaceable blades. A classic straight razor, on the other hand, is maintained, stropped, and sharpened when necessary. Both belong to the traditional wet shave, but they come with different requirements.

Care is part of the selection

A straight razor alone does not make the equipment complete. That is why strops and suitable care accessories are also part of our selection.

Before shaving, a classic straight razor is stropped on the strop. This is part of ongoing maintenance; a necessary sharpening does not replace it. Anyone who wants to get into razor shaving should therefore learn about care and the proper handling of the tool from the very beginning.

It is important to us to explain these connections clearly. You should know what you need for your shaving ritual and what you are getting into when making your selection.

What we took away from Solingen

The visit to Giesen & Forsthoff deepened our perspective on the products. We met the people behind the brand, gained insight into razor machining, and put together our selection from this.

This is exactly the background we want to give you at The Gentleman’s Shave. When you select a straight razor or a TIMOR safety razor from us, you can also ask us your questions about it.

Discover our selection of Giesen & Forsthoff and TIMOR – or contact us if you would like support with your decision.