Earlier this summer we were pleased and flattered to discover we'd been included on a list of grooming products recommended by international man of mystery and tonsorial consultant extraordinaire, Lord Jack Knife. It's one thing for a civilian or casual grooming enthusiast to enjoy our goods (who wouldn't?), but we felt it was quite another to be endorsed by a man who's made his own grooming philosophies the subject of educational tours throughout Europe and North America.

We caught up with LJK to learn more about his barbering brand and personal grooming techniques. He took the time to answer some questions* during a recent seminar tour through Mexico.

A trained barber known for his nouvelle approach to classic shave techniques, LJK told us he regards the documenting of the evolution of men's grooming as a life mission.

I started the day I felt I had much more to learn and much more to do to keep writing the history of the barber shop. I'm still on tour and as long as I feel a hunger for the knowledge of old and new concepts I'll keep doing it ... I hope not to stop until my health no longer allows me to.

Ever curious about the motivations behind men's individual grooming habits, we asked LJK what drove him toward the cultivation of his look and his rather impressive pelt of mandibular topiary. Like all passionate bearders, from Samson to Santa, LJK's fair facial fuzz has special meaning to him. 

My beard is the fight against a bad period in my life. I started to grow it because some bad things happened to me; and when I recovered I felt full of faith. On the other hand, I didn't realize I was finding myself and my personal branding in the process. Actually, my beard is my complete aesthetic, representing what I want to reach as professional master barber and educator. So there is no point to shave it now.

Naturally, we wanted to know what about Brooklyn Grooming had drawn him to us in the first place.

I really count on quality info for customers. Unfortunately many brands have a presence in the market because of an instant business plan instead of a real project respecting their values. I want customers to know that BG is one of those brands who loves what barber shop means and doesn't look for simply aesthetics. The more information and transparency a brand gives, the more we can trust it.

And LJK's favorites from our line?

I can't live without the Red Hook Facial Serum and the Red Hook Beard Balm. I remember I was very excited about the Facial Serum because my issue was oily skin after application, but it is just brilliant how this product is absorbed without any shiny or oily effect. On the other hand the Beard Balm, thanks to the inclusion of beeswax, allows me to control my beard and at the same time gives it the moisturizing I need.

We're thrilled to welcome LJK to the Brooklyn Grooming Collective as Brand Ambassador, and glad to know he's as excited as we are to spread the love and knowledge of our products and philosophy.

Welcome aboard, LJK!

*Since LJK is a non-native English speaker, the above quotations have been edited for clarity. But don't worry, grooming is universal.*