Gold Dachs: Excellence Wrapped in Mystery

With luxurious products, a slogan underlining superiority and a website where pictures compensate for words, Gold Dachs has made it big as an European classic in the world of shaving. Focusing on the precision and quality of their goods, the German brand has left its clientele wondering when it comes to the manufacturing company. Digging for answers, the puzzle remains: will we ever know who hides behind the symbol of the "golden badger" or should we just enjoy the finest grooming leaving the detailed story in the fog?

 There is no doubt that Gold Dachs has German roots. When it comes to the brilliant mind behind this story of success, confusion arises. Some label it as a masterpiece range under Dittmar GmbH, others individualize it as a separate company. Question also abound when it comes to the bestseller Gold Dachs shaving soap: formerly sold under the name "Rivivage", its pleasant lather has not made things any clearer with most buyers asking themselves if there are two distinct products or just one with two names.

Enchanted or puzzled by the mystery of Gold Dachs, one thing remains constant: their products are excellent! The 100% organic shaving soap softens the beard easily and has a clean, fresh smell. The after shave, apparently produced since 1971 works on both sensitive and normal skin, reinvigorating it without dehydration or burning. The shaving sets with wood/aluminum finish remind you of true German precision, not lacking on elegance in design.

Great quality outshines uncertainty; Gold Dachs is the perfect example for an excellent brand wrapped in a long lasting mystery.

Muhle: shave with all senses

Muhle products get engraved with their iconic windmill logo

Excelling in all their 65 years of shaving culture, the trend-setters of the 21^st century, Muhle understand the constant strive for perfection. The German ''brush people'' nicknamed as such because of their legendary badger hair brush developed the ''shaving with all senses'' philosophy. Revolutionizing a job into a joy starts with handcrafted, unique accessories, which focus on both beauty and durability. The sharp creations crafted in the Erz Mountains expanded the ''miracle of precision'' on the global market and have been seen as flawless no matter the era. From the classic badger hair shaving brush, the mill logo has been engraved on razors, fine blades, fragrant accessories, shaving kits and skin care products. 

Muhle's traditional safety razors with replaceable blades have made shaving history with their distinction as the 1^st mechanical accessories for self-shaving. The gentleman of today will not only feel proud to own such a distinctive lifestyle object but will also manage to adapt this classic piece to his own personality. For vintage inspiration, he can choose the double edge razor with chrome plating, limited edition colors if he treasures the one of a kind or modern new designs for a leap into the future. With tooth, open or closed comb Muhle's innovative safety razors fit the sensitive skin or the thicker beard in need for a more aggressive shave.

Make a great first impression no matter the situation! Adopt the Muhle “shave with all senses'' philosophy and see the well groomed gentleman reflecting in the mirror. 

For more see Muhle turns 65. Shop for Muhle products in Canada.

Heinrich L. Thater Shaving Brushes: Artisan-Made to Perfection

In constant metamorphosis when it comes to their logos, the German company Heinrich L. Thater relies on one attribute which could never alter their image: the quality of their products. Following the slogan ''times and tastes may change but quality always remains constant'', the shaving brush guru has put Nurenberg on the wet-shaving map. The secret of traditional manufacturing has been well maintained ''in the family'' by artisans who transform the pivotal tool used in wet-shaving into an effective, flexible, rare gem made of the very best materials.

The silver-tip highlight of 1913 has grown to be regarded as one of the finest manufacturers, a title obtained in terms of both performance and appearance. ''Small but beautiful'' the Thater pieces embody their slogan with their stunning allure. The brush masters at H. L. Thater excel at carefully selecting only the best badger hair and carefully shaping each strand by hand. As if the soft silver-tips do not provide enough value, the handle polished in a minimalist design, in bold, eye-catching shades augments the irreproachable arrangement of their masterpieces.

Still wondering why some would describe the Heinrich Thater shaving gems as completely different? Here are some of the main reasons which will make you look forward to your next shave. The silver-tip brushes are known to be denser, softer, more flexible, with better water-retention qualities than the ones using alternative hair sources like boar or horse. By choosing the best grade of rare natural bulbs and shaping them so that shaving can have a phenomenal flow-through, these well-thought products explain why they are a synonym to quality. No matter what your preference may be in the arty line-up, you will be happy to know that the Heinrich L. Thater wet-shaving brushes can last up to 20 years! Handle things your way: when it comes to design, the silver-tip knot contrasts best sellers handles like the ones made of ebony wood, faux tortoise, the clear or the two-tone ones.

Choose a testament of dedication which maintained quality no matter the changes in time. Settle only for the very best wet-shaving with the ''small but beautiful'' Heinrich L. Thater shaving brushes.

Alt Innsbruck: A Genuine Austrian Tradition

Born in the capital of Tirol, surrounded by gigantic snow covered mountains, the refined products of Alt Innsbruck contain the freshness and purity that the Alps are most famous for. With Pre- and After Shaving Emulsions, Colognes/Aftershaves, the Austrian brand using the Golden Roof landmark as its logo quickly turned top-notch. The natural ingredients used by the grooming ''idol'' of the 1950s worked wonders on every skin type and the masculine scent of Virginia-Tobacco iced by a touch of Menthol proved to be irresistible.

A rare gem, the Alt Innsbruck brand follows the traditional recipe of a professional in the domain. The special formula has been developed between 1946 and 1953 by a teacher of the Innsbrucker druggist school, Franz Gatterer. Using his knowledge in dermatology, Gatterer created natural, practical, hygienic products which guaranteed a smooth, healthy skin and an elegant look. The super product from Tirol incorporating the nostalgic smell of the Alps has traveled all over the world and is highly appreciated especially throughout Europe.

The Alt Innsbruck line can be characterized as ideal because it fits every skin type. A total  opposite to artificial products,  the emulsions as well as the colognes will soften your skin bringing in the royal treatment right out of nature. A peak moment in the joyful act of shaving would be the cooling effect of menthol as icy as a crystalline mountain spring.

If you want to follow Gatterer's advice, start by using the Alt Innsbruck Pre- Shaving Emulsion, appreciate its smell and allow it to work its magic for about one minute after which you can start shaving. Even though your skin will already feel smooth and gentle, apply the After Shave emulsion for the perfect finishing. Whether you are a cigar lover or not, the intense smell of Virginia Tobacco individualizes these masculine colognes, its fascinating aroma lasting all day long. For the ones who treasure elegance even when it comes to a bottle of ''magic potion'', the design of the Aftershave with Atomizer is most eye-catching.

Smell as fresh as the gigantic Austrian Alps! Have faith in an expert who has turned Alt Innsbruck into a highly appreciated tradition and spoil your skin with natural shaving products.

A Binding Ritual

This moving essay from Globe and Mail's Colin Perkel, employs the shaving ritual to convey the passage of time, the unfolding in the relationship between son and father as their family dynamics reshape, and that bond that may change but not break.