A Gentleman's Lesson: Interview with Craig Martin of The Quinntessential Gentleman
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A few months ago, I was in Baltimore for a wedding and during a walk around the city I discovered my own personal barbershop heaven, The Quinntessential Gentleman. For an individual like myself who is obsessed with having the life of a true gentleman, this establishment is an adult male playground. After your classic shave or haircut, play a game of billiards on the second floor. Or perhaps you want to practice your swing on the putting green? Bring a bottle of your favorite scotch and keep it in the shop's Beverage Reserve, they'll even provide the ice. Can't get away from the office? Bring your work with you. The QG has wireless internet and a cappuccino bar to keep you willing and wired. The Quinntessential Gentleman has everything to offer and more for the hardworking gentleman who needs a little TLC.
The mastermind behind this classic barbershop is Craig Martin who has certainly redefined the phrase "attention to detail." This Half Pint certainly cannot boast enough about this establishment, as I urge every gentleman who reads this humble blog to take a trip to the QG. You won't regret it. Recently, Mr. Martin took the time out of his busy schedule to answer a few gentlemanly questions about shaving rules, those unruly eyebrows, and products that should be in every man's cabinet.
1) The idea behind The Quinntessential Gentleman is extremely unique, what inspired you to start it?
My father is from New York and he gave me an affliction for finer things. I also inherited a nostalgic yearning from him and my grandfather Jim Quinn (Yes, that is why Quinntessential has two n's)
One day I tried to convince my father that a “professional barber” should be hired at his golf club as part of the membership. He laughed at the idea, but I thought this idea might have legs minus the golf club.
2) What is your favorite combination of services that The Quinntessential Gentleman offers? Having someone take care of you while you are laying back and relaxing is why the shave and pedicure are my favorites.
3) You've been open since 2005 with an extreme amount of success, any chance there could ever be a DC franchise?
9) My favorite barber as a punk kid used to tell me a joke during each cut, give me a staple Craig Martin joke:
A few months ago, I was in Baltimore for a wedding and during a walk around the city I discovered my own personal barbershop heaven, The Quinntessential Gentleman. For an individual like myself who is obsessed with having the life of a true gentleman, this establishment is an adult male playground. After your classic shave or haircut, play a game of billiards on the second floor. Or perhaps you want to practice your swing on the putting green? Bring a bottle of your favorite scotch and keep it in the shop's Beverage Reserve, they'll even provide the ice. Can't get away from the office? Bring your work with you. The QG has wireless internet and a cappuccino bar to keep you willing and wired. The Quinntessential Gentleman has everything to offer and more for the hardworking gentleman who needs a little TLC.
The mastermind behind this classic barbershop is Craig Martin who has certainly redefined the phrase "attention to detail." This Half Pint certainly cannot boast enough about this establishment, as I urge every gentleman who reads this humble blog to take a trip to the QG. You won't regret it. Recently, Mr. Martin took the time out of his busy schedule to answer a few gentlemanly questions about shaving rules, those unruly eyebrows, and products that should be in every man's cabinet.
1) The idea behind The Quinntessential Gentleman is extremely unique, what inspired you to start it?
My father is from New York and he gave me an affliction for finer things. I also inherited a nostalgic yearning from him and my grandfather Jim Quinn (Yes, that is why Quinntessential has two n's)
One day I tried to convince my father that a “professional barber” should be hired at his golf club as part of the membership. He laughed at the idea, but I thought this idea might have legs minus the golf club.
2) What is your favorite combination of services that The Quinntessential Gentleman offers? Having someone take care of you while you are laying back and relaxing is why the shave and pedicure are my favorites.
3) You've been open since 2005 with an extreme amount of success, any chance there could ever be a DC franchise?
DC is a neat city. I used to row on the Potomac during my days in college, and we would always try to make a weekend out of it. Although, I think it would be well received to open a shop there, I currently have no plans.
4) Since you are the expert, how can I get the best shave possible on a daily basis?
4) Since you are the expert, how can I get the best shave possible on a daily basis?
First use a safety razor. Second, buy a cream out of a jar. Next, always shave with the grain. For a still better shave, physically lift your beard (draw it away from your skin) with you hand or a brush. Finally, splash you face with cold water and use a non-alcoholic-aftershave. For a close shave, shave a second time against the grain. Sometimes this allows me to go an extra day without shaving.
5) How often should men get a haircut? A manicure?
5) How often should men get a haircut? A manicure?
Between 3 and 4 weeks for both.
6) Should men tweeze their eyebrows? What are the rules for these commonly unruly features?
6) Should men tweeze their eyebrows? What are the rules for these commonly unruly features?
The goal for eyebrows is that they should exist only over the eyes, not over the nose, onto the forehead or close to your eyelids. Any exit strategy for unruly eyebrow hair is acceptable. No extreme shaping allowed.
7) Should men ever really dye their hair, when the salt-n-pepper attacks?
7) Should men ever really dye their hair, when the salt-n-pepper attacks?
Dyeing is a personal decision. Some men can look more distinguished with gray and some men just look old.
8) Many of the guys I know are fearful of buying skin or hair products, what are a few of your favorite brands for men?
Start with a good shave cream. You will find that premium products are more expensive but can actually save you money because the product goes a long way. My favorite cream is Truefitt & Hill Ultimate Comfort. Jack Black makes an awesome hand cream that will come in handy for the winter. I hate moisturizers that don’t penetrate the skin. The Art of Shaving makes a great peppermint face wash and Sandalwood aftershave. Baxter of California aces exfoliation with their sand paper like scrub. Dermalogica’s Active Moist is my favorite face moisturizer.
8) Many of the guys I know are fearful of buying skin or hair products, what are a few of your favorite brands for men?
Start with a good shave cream. You will find that premium products are more expensive but can actually save you money because the product goes a long way. My favorite cream is Truefitt & Hill Ultimate Comfort. Jack Black makes an awesome hand cream that will come in handy for the winter. I hate moisturizers that don’t penetrate the skin. The Art of Shaving makes a great peppermint face wash and Sandalwood aftershave. Baxter of California aces exfoliation with their sand paper like scrub. Dermalogica’s Active Moist is my favorite face moisturizer.
9) My favorite barber as a punk kid used to tell me a joke during each cut, give me a staple Craig Martin joke:
As a kid, I would always avoid the barber that tried to tell jokes.
(Truly, words to live by.)
Major congratulations to the Martin family for the arrival of their newest addition to the clan!
(Truly, words to live by.)
Major congratulations to the Martin family for the arrival of their newest addition to the clan!
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