New Products and Update

1) Now back in stock is the Omega turned resin syntetico handle brush. In addition, two new styles are now available. Syntetico brushes are vegan friendly badger-like synthetic fibers and the result of years in development with innovative technology. Resistance, elasticity and softness with tapered tips make these shaving brushes a great alternative for making lather.

2) By popular demand, we are now stocking the Simpsons Emperor E2 super badger brush. All the Simpsons models we carry are in stock and ready for the holidays. Shop early while supplies are available...

Updates to Web Site

We have added some new items to the double edge portion of the general razors page as well as on the mugs and bowls page. Look for the "new" tag for what has been added...

New Model Parker Double Edge Razor Added and Some Holiday Comments

Parker Razor: We have added the Titan (Gun Metal) R22 model of the Parker brand twist to open razor. Previously this model was lighter at 1.89 ounces, however it has been updated and is now heftier - weighing in at 2.49 ounces. Another distinctive finish and pattern for the Parker silo/butterfly blade loading double edge line of razors.

Holiday Comments: You may have noticed that stores seem to be gearing up for the holiday selling season earlier than ever this year. I am not sure if this has anything to do with why our business is picking up more than average for this period, however, if this is an indication of things to come it may be best to plan ahead, or order early. This will assure that something you may want for yourself or to give as a gift is available and in stock.

The most popular selling men's wet shaving gift items are lathering soaps and creams, shaving brushes, razors, colognes and gift sets...

Back in Stock

The Simpsons Chubby 1 Super and Tulip 2 Super are now back in stock.

Restructured Premium Brush Pages and Announcement

Restructure: Due to our diversity of shaving brush handle materials in the fine taper and silver tip grade bristles we have divided that section into two pages based on handle material. Page 1 includes synthetic and metal handles and page 2 contains wood and natural material handles. Hopefully this will make it easier to navigate to your preferred handle material.

We strive to be a niche within a niche market by providing items and handle materials not found everywhere else.

Announcement: We will be closed for shipping from Sept 8th through the 16th for family vacation. Customers can place orders on the web site during that time, however orders will not ship until the week of the Sept. 17th. Thank you for your business and understanding.

New Video Added to Shave Info...

We have added a new video to our informational site that talks about, and demonstrates, the three main ways to create lather when using a shaving cream.

New Informational Videos Posted

We have posted two new informational video subjects on our companion site at shaveinfo.com

1) How to clean a shaving brush using vinegar or borax is a very frequently asked question and we hope this narrative and cleaning demonstration will be helpful to those interested in keeping their brush in top shape.

2) This second subject deals with using essential oil to custom fragrance unscented shaving cream or soap. This is a way to enjoy aromas that are not otherwise available for those products and give you control over choosing additional scent options.

New - Omega Brand Sintetico Brush Now In Stock

Vegan friendly badger-like fibers are the result of years in development and innovative technology. Resistance, elasticity and softness with tapered tips make this synthetic shaving brush the best and most effective alternative for making lather.

Visit from Merkur/DOVO Representative

Frau Rothstein made her annual trip from Solingen, Germany to meet with merchants that specialize in selling their products. We had a productive and informative meeting to discuss business on Monday (7/23). She indicated double edge razor sales remain steady, and demand for straight razors is on backlog. From the time a merchant places a straight razor order it can take six to nine months until ready to ship from the DOVO factory. The biggest challenge they face to keep up with demand is the availability of component parts. Merkur/DOVO serves over 80 countries around the world.

Double edge and straight razors are still assembled by hand. One of the frequently asked questions Em's Place receives in regard to DOVO straight razors is "are they shave ready" when purchased? The response from the representative was: "Straight razors leaving our company are always ready for the shave. They are honed, stropped and pass the so called ‘Hair Test’ giving evidence of ultimate cutting. Then all razors are carefully wrapped, boxed and sealed.

There is a misconception that shave ready means you don't need to strop before use, and it is important to know that any straight razor should be stropped before each and every shave which is a normal part of the process. Therefore, in addition to the straight razor a user also needs a strop.
We have to guarantee for our workmanship and when you sell originally boxed and sealed DOVO razors you and your customer can be sure that they are ready for the daily strop and shave."

You can find more information about Merkur/DOVO on our web site by visiting double edge razor information, double edge products and straight razor products. Frau Rothstein will be returning to Germany on Saturday and we enjoyed our annual visit.

New and Expanded Items

Now in stock the book Leisureguy's Guide to Gourmet Shaving by Michael Ham. This is a guide for those thinking about using, or new, to a double edge razor. Contains product and how to information that will help you take the daily chore of shaving to an enjoyable experience. Includes resources to help you get started. As a bonus: this book includes an inscription hand written by Michael.

Proraso line expanded to now include the shaving cream in red tube and the pre-post in glass jar. Proraso products are from Italy. Well known for over 50 years and number one in Italian barber shops. The regular green tube is a lathering shave cream that contains eucalyptus oil and menthol for a light, upbeat experience. The red tube is a lathering shave cream and has less menthol than the regular formula and also contains wheat germ oil for sensitive skin. The pre-post shave cream is a non-lathering product applied just before lathering to help soften and condition the whiskers for shaving or after the shave as a moisturizing toner. Shaving creams come in a 5 oz. tube (150 ml). Pre-post cream comes in a 3.6 oz. (100 ml) glass jar.

New Butterfly Double Edge Razors

We have three new styles of the Parker butterfly/silo opening head double edge razors. And if you need double edge razor blades check out this razor blade section.

Close-Out Specials

Sale for a limited time on select botanical soaps and creams as we make room for new items...

New Arrivals...

The new Merkur 12C Heavy Duty Long Handle Toothed Razor is now available. Heavy Duty Long Handle model chrome safety razor is hand crafted in Germany. Handle design is based on an American barber pole. Same two part style as the regular heavy duty model but with a longer handle and stylish design. Turning knob at base of handle releases the screw rod top for blade replacement. Our item #merk-hdl is for this handle style and you can select either the straight head or the toothed model now available.

Further, we now stock the Speick Shaving Soap Stick in addition to the shaving cream in tube. Speick shaving cream or shaving stick is refreshing and stimulating. Formulated for making lather with a shaving brush. Has a mild medicinal scent with a slight earthy-spice undertone and contains the precious essential extract of the Speick plant (Alpine Valerian, Valeriana celtica). Imported from Germany. Comes in a 2 1/2 oz. shaving cream tube or a 1 3/4 oz. shaving soap stick.

Back in Stock

Geo. F. Trumper Sandalwood Cologne in 50 ml. atomizer bottle is back in stock.

On the Fixed Head Razor page - The popular nickel finish slim line solid metal razor with medium-heavy weight handle is now available again. Item #rzt-nsl

New Product Page and Other Updates

We have added a 3-piece sets page 2 selection. This page offers several razor head options and handle materials.

In addition, the On-Line Catalog page has been stream-lined and updated. Further, look for more new items or adjustments throughout the year.

Now In Stock

The New Merkur Long Handle Heavy Duty razor (long handle HD, 38C model) is now available. This impressive razor is four inches in total razor length and weighs 3.95 ounces. If you are looking for an HD model double edge with longer handle and a heft almost on par with the Futur and Vision razors this model is for you...

New Products

My Nik is Sealed for spot application to stop bleeding caused by razor cuts or scratches. It works quickly and efficiently and comes in roll-on applicator. Mentioned in Leisureguy's Guide to Gourmet Shaving.

Also from My Nik is Sealed comes the convenient cover-up called My Spots are Concealed.

Updates to the Merkur Razor Products and Information Pages

We are gearing up for the release of the new Merkur Heavy Duty Long Handle Razor (Long Handle HD). We have added it to the web site as a back order item and expect it to arrive the week of May 15th barring any US custom delays. The handle design is based on an American barber pole. Same two part style as the regular heavy duty model but with a longer handle and stylish design. Turning knob at base of handle releases the screw rod top for blade replacement. The traditional alternative to other razor styles. Hand crafted in Germany.

In addition, we have updated and added additional information to the "Double Edge and General Razor Information" page that may be of interest.

Five Blade Razors Available

A variety of Gillette® Fusion™ head razors in designer style handles for yourself or to give as a gift. Also be sure to check back for new handle styles over the coming months...

Web Site Operational

Thank you for your patience while we preformed some web site maintenance. The site is back online and fully functional.

Web Site Issues/Updating

The web site is not fully functional at this time and may be experiencing problems for another 24 hours more or less. We are working on the problem and sorry about this inconvenience. The informational pages are working fine. It is the shopping and check out pages that are being worked on. Therefore you may not be able to complete an order.

I will post an update as soon as everything is taken care of. Your business is appreciated!

New Razor Pouch

Zippered, soft leather razor pouch with interior leather lining. Holds the Merkur Vision double edge razor and other razors up to 6" length. Razor heads can be inserted in either end. However, for double edge razors when including a pack of blades it is best to insert the head first and then place the pack of blades next to the handle near the zippered end.

Product Updates

The Merkur brand Gold Slant Bar double edge razor is back in stock.

By popular demand we now carry the Simpsons brand Tulip (T2) Super badger model shaving brush in addition to the T3 and T4.

New Products

Toiletries: We now stock the Geo. F. Trumper hard shaving soaps in the wooden bowl and as a refill. In addition, the newly launched GFT scented shaving cream in tub and tube is now available.

Razors: We have a selection of fixed head (twin blade) razors available. After the double edge, and before the pivoting or swing arm models, there was the fixed head razor. Blades are still available for this style and reasonable in price. This is an alternative for those wanting a simple, earlier style razor alternative.

New Item

We now stock two models of the Omega brand "Syntex" synthetic shaving brush. An option for those looking for an alternative to natural hair products.

Back in Stock

Our popular Woodstock botanical soap is now back in stock. Gourmet botanical soaps are made by the cold pour process that doesn’t use high temperatures that can harm natural goodness. In addition, they retain natural glycerin that is generally extracted from mass-market soaps.

Straight Razor Pages Added...

We have added our straight razor product and informational pages. Straight razors are an alternative when you want the ultimate in closeness. This style of shaving is not for the novice, and takes extra care, preparation and time. The advantage is a closeness of shave not typically experienced from other razors, no blade replacement costs, experiencing something different and the enjoyment of the process. When properly cared for a straight razor can last for generations.

PayPal Payments Now Accepted

We now accept PayPal as a method of payment. PayPal orders can be placed online, phoned or mailed. When placing an order online simply select the PayPal/phone/mail method of payment at check out and complete the order without having to enter credit card information. Instructions for submitting funds when not paid by a credit card online are provided upon order completion.

Fantasy Fusion

The Fantasy Fusion razor is now back in stock. Also, stay tuned for new additions to the web site coming in the next few months.

New Product Addition and Update

New: In addition to the shaving cream in tube we are now offering Tabac soap in the ceramic container or as a refill.

Back in stock: Musgo Real shaving cream in tube.

New Simpson Brush Shipment has Arrived

Prior out of stock Simpsons brand brushes are now available. Our new shipment has arrived and all the models we stock are currently available.

Shipping Schedule & Closure Notice

We will be closed for inventory and family vacation until Feb. 5th. Shipping will resume after that time. If your order is for Valentine's Day, we will be sure it arrives to you in time - please note "for Valentine's" in the special instructions box at check out when placing your order during this time. Your understanding is appreciated and thank you for your business, Em

Sold Out of Merkur Gold Slants

We are now sold out of the Merkur gold slant bar model double edger razor. This is due to a rumor that hit the internet which was unknown to us when the run on these razors started. The rumor suggested that the gold slant model may no longer be available, and also suggested that other Merkur gold items may be discontinued in the future.

We contacted Merkur to find out first hand what the story is with the slants, and here is the response [...we don't have the 37G (gold) on stock presently, however, in a few weeks they will be available again. They are awaiting the gold-plating, and although we need to have enough quantity to make the putting together of the gold bath affordable, they will be available again.]

Often production runs have delays, which is a normal part of this niche market. We will be ordering more when available, and therefore expect to have stock for this item in about four to six weeks. In addition, the other gold Merkur items we carry are expected to be continued and available for the foreseeable future subject to production delays already talked about.

Shipping Updates

Two things are currently affecting order shipments:

1) The weather and forecast for the coast mountains and the I-5 corridor (Salem to Portland, OR) is calling for snow flurries, freezing rain and black ice. Normal traffic has come to a halt and therefore order shipments can be delayed beyond our control.

2) Volume of business from our 10-Year Anniversary special.

Your patience and business are appreciated!

Security Seal Added to Site

To increase customer confidence, the Authorize.Net Verified Merchant Seal has been added to several key web pages including the check out page. Click here to verify in real time.

This seal increases a customer's trust that their credit card transaction is being processed securely by one of the most trusted names in the payments industry. Protecting our customer's security and privacy is a major concern.

Reminders for Monday, Jan 15

There will be no regular USPS shipping or delivery due to postal closure for Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday.

In addition, it is the last day of our 10-year anniversary special.

Low Inventory Notice

One left in stock for these Simpsons models:
Persian Jar (PJ2) Super
Emperor 3 (E3) Super
Duke 3 (D3) Best
Major Super

Check web page http://www.emsplace.com/shaving/simpsons_shaving_brushes.aspx for "Out of Stock" notations when sold out. New shipment expected in 4 to 6 weeks.

Em's 10-Year Anniversary and New Blog

We are celebrating our ten year anniversary and have a discount running for part of the month http://www.emsplace.com/10-year_anniversary.htm. In addition, we have launched a What's New page on the web site at http://www.emsplace.com/news.aspx. That page is for major highlights or web page and product category additions.

This blog is dynamic and will be and used for more frequent updates that are not intended to be posted to the "What's New" page. For example, low inventory for popular items, new shipments to replenish out of stock items, shipment updates or general delay notices, product tips or usage ideas and information or other points that may be of interest - just to name a few...

We hope you will bookmark this blog and check-in as time allows if you are interested in more detailed news and information about our business and the industry.