Crafting Legends Behind the Chair

The previous article about Schorem’s gritty barbers seemed to strike a chord with readers. Honestly, while writing that piece, I found myself buzzing with excitement over that small but incredibly cool barbershop. If I ever find myself in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Schorem will be a must-visit - no questions asked. After all, who wouldn’t be captivated by the perfect pompadours and slick-backs created by those inked-up barbers?

Bertus, the “Butcher” Behind Schorem

That’s why I’m thrilled to share this interview with Bertus, the head honcho at Schorem, to give us an insider’s look at the barbering profession. If you’ve ever been drawn to Schorem and its tattooed crew, you’ll definitely want to hear what Bertus has to say about the trade. Plus, this conversation will help you understand the differences between a barber and a hair stylist. Both work with hair, but what sets these two professions apart? And what makes Schorem’s barbers so legendary? This interview was originally conducted by Barbereile.

To kick things off, can you introduce yourself to the readers?

Bertus: Sure! I’m Bertus, one of the co-founders of Schorem, Haarsnijder en Barbier. “Schorem” is Dutch street slang for “scumbags,” but it can also mean “I shaved,” and Haarsnijder en Barbier is an old Dutch term for “haircutter and barber.” My buddy Leen and I opened the shop in 2011 in Rotterdam. We’ve been cutting hair for 22 years, and we’ve been best friends for 19 of those years.

Leen and Bertus

Schorem has built quite a reputation. Can you share a bit about the skills you and your barbers bring to the chair?

We aim for perfection with every single client. The big difference between being a barber and a hairdresser is that hairdressers need creativity and artistry, while barbering is all about solid craftsmanship. A barber must have sharp eyes and skilled hands to maintain classic cuts that clients love. It might sound repetitive, but at Schorem, we see it as an art. Only passion and enthusiasm can make a client feel great about a style they've had for years.

You’re also famous for your hot towel shaves. Can you walk us through that process?

Bertus: Absolutely! We use two types of razors. The first is the classic straight razor, but it’s got to be the client’s personal razor. A lot of regulars leave their razors here, and we store them in a mirrored cabinet, each one labeled with the client’s name. The second type is a disposable blade, which is what we use for most clients.

Classic Hot Towel Shaving Method at Schorem

Our shaves involve both hot and cold towel techniques. We soak towels in hot water with a few drops of lavender oil to help the client relax. The hot towel opens up the pores, making for a smoother shave. After the shave, a cold towel with peppermint oil refreshes the face.

We start with the hot towel, then apply warm shaving cream, followed by a light massage on the area to be shaved. The key to a close, smooth shave without cutting the client lies in the barber’s skill. After the shave, another hot towel is applied before moisturizing, and we finish with a cold towel to remove any remaining dirt or oil. We also keep the aftershave in the fridge for a nice, tingling finish.

Sounds amazing! If you were stranded on a desert island and only had two minutes to grab your tools, what would you take?

Bertus: Haha! If I were stranded on an island, I wouldn’t have clients to worry about, but I get your point. I’d grab a few of my favorite straight razors and a leather strop for sharpening. If we’re talking essentials, I can’t live without my Wahl Super Taper clippers and a good comb. With those two, I can handle any hairstyle.

You’ve also got apprentices at Schorem. How do you recruit them? Do they come to you, or do you go looking for them?

Bertus: It’s a bit of both. We feel like we’re part of changing the barbering industry here in the Netherlands. You’ve got to understand that there are no longer any schools specifically teaching barbering. I was one of the last students who could choose between men’s hairdressing, women’s hairdressing, or unisex. Now, schools only offer unisex programs, which means you learn everything - dyeing, curling, the works. Barbering is becoming a lost art.

So, finding the right apprentice is tough. The key is passion and love for the trade. Our first apprentice was a skater kid who was working in waste management. After a year and a half of non-stop training, he’s now a full-fledged member of Schorem.

What does it take for an apprentice to stop being an apprentice? Is there a formal system, or do they just graduate when they’re ready?

Bertus: There are no formal levels or ranks here. What we value most is hard work and a true love for barbering. Anyone can join Schorem - age, background, none of that matters. I don’t care if you were flipping burgers or even if you’ve done time; if you’re serious about becoming a barber, you’re welcome here. And no, we don’t charge for apprenticeships!

What are your thoughts on female barbers?

Bertus: There’s not much of a difference, but I do think men have a slight edge because we’ve got personal experience with our own hair and facial hair. That gives us a bit more instinct when it comes to understanding what the client wants. We’ve met some amazing female barbers, like Linda at Waldorf, who really know their stuff.

The Everyday “Chaos” at Schorem

Schorem is a place for men only. Even my wife, mother, or daughter aren’t allowed in. We want to create a space where guys can just relax, read Playboy, have a beer, smoke a cigar, and shoot the breeze without feeling like they need to hold back. We love women, but we also love those moments where it’s just the fellas hanging out.

Thanks for the great conversation, Bertus. Any last words for aspiring barbers out there?

Bertus: Just enjoy the ride, and always take pride in being a barber - it’s the best job in the world!

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