Truefitt & Hill Chicago

**Zeni** · 02-14-2007, 09:50 PM

As a V-D gift from my wife I entered the realm of wet shaving, she got me
a shave and a haircut at T&H Chicago. For years I've been using Mach3 and being unsatisfied. SWMBO decreed that straight razors are verboten, so fast forward a few years, I stumble upon the safety razor. Oh yeah, I remember Dad's DE as a little kid in the '70's. There is a picture of me somewhere with a toy DE razor (Red IIRC) and a face full a lather 'shaving'. Heh I'll have to dig that up. Yesterday I got an excellent shave and haircut by Tomas, a Merkur Progress, and T&H Spanish Leather cologne. A resounding thumbs up! Now I can't wait to try out shaving with the Progress.

T&H Chicago's website is at www.truefittchicago.com

**Kyle** · 02-15-2007, 05:57 AM

Very cool.

**Stecacio** · 02-15-2007, 07:49 AM

This is excellent information! just yesterday I stumbled upon the fact that Truefitt & Hill had a location in Chicago. I'll be visiting in a couple weeks and wanted to check it out.

I was particularly interested about whether or not they carried a substantial line of products in the store or if it was simply more of a barber shop. I was milling about the general Truefitt & Hill page, but I didn't stumble upon that link for the specific Chicago branch. It looks like they carry a great deal of products that I'm very much interested in. Thanks for the great info!

**galpman** · 02-15-2007, 08:01 AM

I was at the Chicago T&H last week. Great store. Picked up some "goodies". Going next week again, perhaps for a shave this time. They carry pretty much all of their products, also carry a Murker razor line. (those tend to be somewhat pricey-markup wise). The customer service there is off the hook.

**mantic** · 02-15-2007, 08:05 AM

Zeni-- Glad to hear you had a good experience! I was there a couple years ago and my shave was ghastly. Interesting they used a Progress.

Stecacio-- When I was there they carried pretty much the whole T&H line plus some others (Coates and Castle Forbes spring to mind). Did you see anything Zeni?

--Mark

**Zeni** · 02-15-2007, 04:34 PM

Originally Posted by mantic

Zeni-- Glad to hear you had a good experience! I was there a couple years ago and my shave was ghastly. Interesting they used a Progress.

I was shaved with a straight, I bought the Progress. My wife insisted on buying a razor, instead of online so I wouldn't have to wait. There were a couple of rough spots, but the shave was BBS everywhere else. I was expecting the lather to brushed on instead of applied by hand.

Originally Posted by mantic

Stecacio-- When I was there they carried pretty much the whole T&H line plus some others (Coates and Castle Forbes spring to mind). Did you see anything Zeni?

They had those and Royall, Floris, and Casswell Massey, Edwin Jagger IIRC, I also got a pack of Wilkerson blades.

Later on tonight I'm going to try to shave my self with the Progress.

**JakAHearts** · 02-15-2007, 05:59 PM

I dont believe barbers are permitted to use brushes any longer. That and since the lather is coming out of a machine they probably would waste a lot if applied by brush. I also had a shave by Tomas a while back. Wonder if he is aware that he is being talked about on a shaving forum?

Anyway, he did a great job on the shave, just wish he was a bit more lively in the personality department. Then again, others may like his quiet disposition.

They also seem to have a really good selection of colognes and edt from other vendors like Floris and Penhaligons.

Shane

**Zeni** · 02-15-2007, 07:48 PM

I can understand the liveliness, it is in the Mag Mile... If you can speak abit of spanish, topics can get more interesting. :)

**Stecacio** · 03-14-2007, 07:48 AM

I was going to start a new thread, but thought it made sense to continue on this one.

I'm heading to Chicago this weekend and will be swinging by the T&H on Michigan Ave. I'm not planning on getting a shave this time around, but would like to pick up a couple products.

I already own T&H West Indian Limes and really enjoy it. Are there any other items that I really should have? In other words, any suggestions for products that really stand out? I'm looking to add one shave cream for sure, but would be interested in any aftershaves, balms, colognes, etc that people highly regard.

From what I hear, the store carries the entire T&H line, but also a variety of other product lines. Those who've been there would know better than I would for sure.

All suggestions of your personal favorites are welcome! Thanks!

**mantic** · 03-14-2007, 08:49 AM

Originally Posted by Stecacio

...In other words, any suggestions for products that really stand out?...From what I hear, the store carries the entire T&H line, but also a variety of other product lines. Those who've been there would know better than I would for sure.

YMMV but I really like the Trafalgar shave cream. Grafton is good too. Its been a couple years now since I was there but at that time they carried Coates (RIP

) and Castle Forbes (

) so its at least worth asking what they have.

--Mark

**Doc4** · 03-14-2007, 01:07 PM

Sounds like a great chance to try sniffing the various products. They should have testers there, so you can see which ones you like. & DOn't forrget to ask for samples!!

**Stecacio** · 03-15-2007, 06:31 PM

Originally Posted by mantic

YMMV but I really like the Trafalgar shave cream. Grafton is good too. Its been a couple years now since I was there but at that time they carried Coates (RIP

) and Castle Forbes (

) so its at least worth asking what they have.

--Mark

I've tried a sample of the Trafalgar shave cream and love the scent, but I find that after a bit of time I get a slight headache, something I find is more and more common for me during my exploration of new shaving creams/soaps. Wonderful scent though, in my opinon.

If they have Castle Forbes it will be worth the trip all on it's own. I've been itching to try the Lime

**Juaquin** · 03-15-2007, 07:00 PM

I just got my samples from them today. I would say I'm dissapointed, but they were free and they were kind enough to send them so I can't. I got a little jar each of Ultimate Comfort shave cream and aftershave balm, and a little packet thing of 1805 cream. I was hoping to get a sample of a cologne or two, but alas, no luck.