The shave-and-shoot-out scene in the barbershop is as much a part of classic Western films as revolvers, whiskey, Winchester rifles, and dynamite. Pullman City Harz—a historically accurate and meticulously reconstructed Western town spanning 200,000 square meters and brimming with vibrant life—naturally features such a barbershop. Its worthy owner and proprietor is Ulrich Junga, the only authentic Western barber this side of the Atlantic. He knows the shaving products of the era, their now-defunct manufacturers and wholesalers, and the techniques of their use like no other.
Ulrich, how did you get into historical barbering?
It all started when I was selling things at medieval markets. During tournament breaks, I was able to attract customers to my stall by shaving myself. It made an impression. Immediately, visitors and other merchants also wanted to be shaved. So there was a demand. I checked the legalities to see if it was permissible and started doing it at the next market.
Now you have a barbershop in a Western town. What's the difference between that and barbering at historical markets?
Essentially, it's the clothing. The common thread is that I work entirely historically. That means I don't use any machine-driven or electric shearing tools. I use straight razors and hand clippers. That's it.
What is special about your barbershop?
My barbershop is both a working barbershop and a barber museum. Some historical pieces are purely for display, while others I still use. For example, I have the two oldest hydraulic barber chairs in Germany in use. They're still made of wood, and I restored them myself. One dates from 1898, the other from 1900, both from the Koken company in St. Louis. And chairs of this type only existed from 1895 onwards.
What is important for working with and for customers?
The only principle is that there are no rules. You have to adapt to each customer individually. Some customers fall asleep in my chair because the shave is so relaxing. Others aren't in the mood at first and are put in my chair by their partners. I have to calm them down first. Besides that, I have regular customers who hand over their ID at the checkout and don't pay for park entry if they go directly to my shop and back to the exit. Once, a woman and her daughter started crying in my shop because the scent of a soap reminded her of her deceased husband and father.
What is important when handling a knife?
Here too, everyone needs the knife that suits them best. Someone with large hands will need a larger knife with a sturdier tang. Personally, I get along well with 5/8 and 6/8 tangs.
Please tell us something about the razor you designed.
Of course, it was important to me that the knife be historically accurate. The knife corresponds to Böker models from around the turn of the 19th century. Artificial ivory is also documented for this period through surviving catalogs. The barber's notch, common at the time, was an absolute must for me.
Can you solve the mystery for our readers: what was the Barber's Notch actually intended for?
I, too, don't know which of the relevant theories is the only true one. However, from professional experience, I can say that the blade is easier and safer to open with soapy fingers. Working on the upper lip around the nostrils is also significantly easier this way.
We thank you and wish you friendly and satisfied customers at all times and a steady hand.