200 years of shaving culture

In October 2006 the MÜHLE COLLECTION was presented to the public for the first time. The approximately 1,000 exhibits illustrate 200 years of shaving culture. In a historical hairdresser's salon from the 1930s, visitors will find unusual contemporary witnesses, each with their own special story to tell, e.g. a rare case containing a razor blade for each day of the week. Longevity and reusability characterise the industrial design of the last 150 years: a fact borne out by unusual inventions such as those for sharpening razor blades. The Be-Be-Strop, automatically turns the blade as it revolves. This even fascinated Albert Einstein, who wrote the following in 1923: \"As the fortunate owner of one of your razor blade sharpeners, it my pleasant duty to express my complete appreciation with regard to the design and performance of this device.\"

In the heyday of Kaiser Wilhelm, other accessories were in demand: a special moustache cup was designed to prevent the owner's pride and joy from being immersed while drinking. Anyone leaving hearth and home could take a water heater and shaving brush with them on their travels – a useful utensil in times when hot running water could not be taken for granted. Razors, now often degraded to the status of disposable items, frequently accompanied their owners for a lifetime and were considered status symbols and articles of value. This is demonstrated by a beautiful razor, patented 120 years ago in the United States. Strop paste – unknown to many in the 21st century – also has its place here. For the daily shave with the razor, the blade needed to be well-sharpened and the leather strap taken good care of.

Visitors are always welcome!
T +49 37462 6520