Here’s a new book from Allan Peterkin and Nick Burns on the art of shaving, entitled, The Bearded Gentleman: The Style Guide to Shaving Face. “For centuries, men have been growing and styling their facial hair, wheth- er for the sake of vanity, religion, or cultural considerations, but most of us don’t give it a second thought. The Bearded Gentleman is an authoritative yet lighthearted guide that offers detailed information on some fifty specific facial hair styles: where they come from, how to grow them, and how to maintain them.”

Pre-order is now from Amazon.

Located at 22 East Washington Street, Red’s Classic Barber Shop in Indianapolis has been in operation since February, 2007. The place’s feel, however, evokes an earlier time. Dark woods, dixie jazz, and straight razor shaves are a speciality. Red’s is one of those rare spots where men’s grooming is given correct direction. Stocked with a beautiful array of hats and shaving product, the Barber Shop is a favorite of local politicians (including the State’s Governor) and the odd Colt.

At $19 for a haircut, the Red’s experience is worth twice it’s weight in gold. A special thanks to Mr. William Hogg for shifting his schedule this morning.

Interior images after the jump.

Our friends at Valet have a feature on man’s favorite of facial weapons – the razor. “The average American male will shave his face more than 14,000 times in his life…But shaving needn’t be drudgery. All it takes is a little mindfulness about the task—as well as an assist from the full month Valet spent risking razor burn by testing some of the countless blade and cream combinations from which a modern man has to choose.” Valet hits the mark with their look at razors ranging from disposables to the old school, not for pussies, straight razor.

Shave on at Valet.

While Hackett is respected and viewed as a heritage brand (which it is) outside of the UK, those on UK soil have know that it’s had a slight image problem for a few years now. Usually being worn by ‘chavs’ (google it if you don’t know the term) would kill off most brands, as it nearly did Burberry, but Hackett have managed to drive a wedge between the Hackett polo wearing cab driver and the man who’d buy items like this shaving kit from their upcoming Autumn/Winter 2009 collection. Aside from being well made and classy, we can’t help but notice how similar the logo on top of the shaving arm is to our own – it’s clear they have great taste.

We’ll be previewing Hackett’s A/W09 collection throughout the week, so watch out for further exclusive drops.

Straight razors may not be for everyone, but if you have ever been on the other end of one, the closeness is incredible. So, for starters, consider this straight razor shaving kit from DOVO of Germany. It has it all – from two straight edges, brush, mixing bowl and even razor strop to keep those razors, well, razor sharp (good luck learning how to use it though. Consider asking your gramps or the barber down the block with the decades old facade). A very classic kit for the hardcore of shavers.

A more detailed view of the DOVO Straight Edge Shaver Travel Kit after the jump

The Mach 3 blade system really did change the commercial shaving market when it was released in 1998. It’s three blade design is still one of the most popular shaving system in use. While we change razor blade heads often, the arm itself never gets an upgrade. Not unless you want to step up your shave game with this great looking Shaving Brush and Bowl Kit from Merkur for the Mach 3.

Featuring a bowl, brush, and upgraded shaving arm, the Merkur Kit for the Mach 3 razor comes in two metal finishes; our favorite being the shiny chrome one. Upgrade now without losing the use of your favorite 3 blade system.

More views of the Merkur Mach 3 Shaving Brush and Bowl