The Modern Beardsmith Online

Hiatus

2011-12-09T04:00:00.001-08:00

(As you may have noticed) The Beardsmiths are taking an indefinite hiatus due to various other projects offering a range of more bright and glistening rewards. This is coupled with the various opiate, gin and hair wax related addictions that our members have accumulated.

We'll hopefully see you soon.

x

It's nearly Movember

2011-10-26T13:43:00.001-07:00

Hello all, it's been a while since our last post but with the winter comes a hot wind of beard based activity. The dawn of this is signaled through the very noble quest to remove some of your facial hair and then raise some money for charity. It is, of course, Movember. The Modern Bearsmiths will once again be making their ultimate sacrifice (shaving) to raise funds for The Prostate Cancer charity. If you would like to join us in our quest or simply donate we'd be very happy. Click the Movember link on the right and you'll be taken to our page where you can do either.

On another beard related note, a few of us were invited down to the premier of 'Tashalaska', a film showcasing the journey of some competitors entering the Beard and Moustache Championships. It's a lot of fun and if you do get the chance to see it, we'd recommend doing so.

Trailer Tash from TASHALASKA on Vimeo.

Thanks!

2011-07-26T11:38:00.000-07:00

Post festival life has been rather busy, which is our excuse for the lack of updates on the site recently. Thanks to everyone who came to get a beard, said hi or just read the magazine this year. Our slightly reduced functioning is down to other commitments, but the amount of fun we had this year suggests we shall endeavor to keep the service up next year too (minus an absent Glastonbury).

Once again, big thanks.

Our next event is down in Brighton on the 2nd of September alongside Sadie Frost & Carl Barat. It's hosted by the gang at Little Episodes so come down if you can.

The Modern Beardsmith.

Winterwell - Mix - Glastonbury

2011-06-21T05:39:00.001-07:00

We've barely got time to say how lovely Winterwell was (again) before whisking ourselves off to Glastonbury. We promise to have a more substantial review and plenty of photos once we return from Pilton.

Paradice Garage - 2 Dusty Needles Mix by paradicegarage

To keep you lot sweet Paradice Garage has whipped up a new mix for the car journey. Come find us next to the big top, we'll be the guys with the beards...

Hot chin summer

2011-06-01T05:53:00.000-07:00

This June the Beard Parlour is out and about for the Summer - We've bulk ordered moustache wax, stocked up on charm and bought a crate of face paint. It's safe to say we're very, very excited. The Modern Beardsmith Soundsystem (Snuff Films & Paradice Garage) will be playing at a selection of these events and we'll have more details on that shortly.

Click the event name for more info.

June

3rd - Sea Dog Dance @ The Torriano

4th - Stereo:Type's 1st birthday special! @Amersham Arms, New Cross.

17th-19th - Winterwell Festival

22nd-26th - Glastonbury Festival

It was summer, until it started raining again.

2011-05-26T12:10:00.000-07:00

The hot weather, longer days and the approaching festival season has made me reminisce about summers gone past. But not too far back, as my memory is awful so I settled on last year. Of those balmy days Glastonbury sticks in my mind as soundtracking my summer, and most of the songs I was hearing or bands I saw formed a big part of that season. To celebrate this, and do something constructive with it I decided to put a few of these tracks in the mix below. It's perhaps not all the usual stuff we play, but it is summery.

Enjoy!

Snuff Films

I hope this year's big summer festival tunes are as good as last year's big summer festival tunes by snufffilms

LCD Soundsystem - Dance Yrself Clean

Gold Panda - Vanilla Minus

TEED - Garden

DJ Zinc ft. Ms Dynamite - Wile Out

Grizzly Bear - Two Weeks

Caribou - Leave House

L-vis 1990 - Forever You

Beach House - Norway

Fake Blood - I Think I Like It

Foals - Spanish Sahara

Stereo:Type Birthday Mix

2011-04-30T16:34:00.000-07:00

Preparation is underway for for Stereo:Type's 1st birthday. We'll be announcing the line up in a few weeks once all the correct hookers, rent boys and pimps have been paid off to seal the deal. To keep you going until then here's a an absolute smasher of a mix from Paradice Garage. He'll be playing more of the same on the night, so get the 4th of June at Amersham Arms in your diary.

Paradice Garage - Royale M6 Mix by paradicegarage

Endgames - Ecstacy (Jam City Refix)
C.J. Bolland - Sugar Is Sweeter (Armand's Drum 'N' Bass Mix)
Miami Sound Machine - Dr. Beat (Extended Version)
Cajmere - Percolator (Major Lazer Percumajor Refix)
The xx - Crystalised (Dark Sky Remix)
Mr Mageeka - Different Lekstrix
Hot Chip - Over And Over
Leethal Bizzle - Pow 2011 (Roska Remix)
Dark Sky - Promiscuous Gyal
Mele - Trappin
Xxxy - Blue Flashing Lights
Jamie Grind - Footwork
M.I.A - XR2 (Dada Life Guerilla Fart #1 Refix)
Bok Bok - Nntf09
Egyptrixx - Liberation Front
Girl Unit - Wut
Pearson Sound vs Hardrive - Deep Inside Refix
Subfocus - Last Jungle (Preplex Dubstep Remix)
Yasmin - On My Own (Royal-T Remix)
El-B - Buck and Bury
Ramadanman - Work Them
Daniel Beddingfield - Gotta Get Through This
Ill Blu - Overdose
Scratcha DVA - New World Order
Instra:Mental - When I Dip
Darkstar - Aidys Girl Is a Computer

See you on the 4th!

Stereo:Type Party!

2011-04-19T03:24:00.000-07:00

Stereo:Type Death was too much fun, so thanks to everyone who came down! The free flowing nature of alcohol that night means that I've just had a barrage of flashbacks from looking at the photos. If you want to spot yourself, the full set are on The Beardsmith's Facebook.

There's no Stereo:Type in May because June is our 1 year birthday! We're going even bigger than last month and May is dedicated to tying down some 'hyper beard treats' and rounding up all the friends we've had over this last year. We'll be leaking out details (from our big mouths) as they come, but until then remember 4th June at the Amersham Arms, 10-3am. The theme is birthdays, and we may or may not be having a massive cake fight depending on whether the venue is reading this, so get baking.

Stereo:Type Death

2011-03-27T06:33:00.000-07:00

So after a few teething problems we've finally tied down the next Stereo:Type to a date: 'Death' will take place at the Amersham Arms on Saturday 9th of April and will feature the return of Paradice Garage - Having been jetting around the world during the last few events we've finally reigned him back in to play for us!

We've also got more tunes from Snuff Films, beard/face paint antics from The Modern Beardsmiths, and the usual blend of themed fun including UV beer pong.

The Dirty Stop Out Mix

2011-02-06T06:11:00.000-08:00

Paradice Garage has smashed it with a another mix. The Dirty Stop Out Mix is for all you late night gutter types. Combining "I didn't come home last night "garage hype with "where the fuck have you been" rocking horse house. Paradice is back in action for Stereo:Type on 19th March, in the mean strengthen your leg muscles for some heavy skanking.

Paradice dirty stop out mix by TheBeardsmiths

Doc Daneeka - Drums In The Deep

Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs - Blood Pressure ft Riko

Fis-T - Night Hunter

Redlight - MDMA

Dubbel Dutch - Deep Underground

Dark Sky - Something To Lose

Roska - Squark

Pinch - Qawwali

Mosca - Nike

Jamie XX ft Gil Scott Heron - NY is killing me

Doc Daneeka - Deadly Rhythm

Addison Groove - Footcrab

The Boogaloo Crew - Calling All Dancers

Girl Unit - IRL

James Blake - CMYK

Ramadanman - Glut

Subscape - Just Coz

Wretch 32 - Traktor (Mike Deliquent Remix)

Shystie - Pull It (Ill Blu Remix)

Jam City - Magic Drops

Hackman - Always

Hello 2011

2011-01-23T07:13:00.000-08:00

This year has gotten off to a busy start with a festive hangover still clouding our most productive of brain cells leaving the lazy, stupid and sneakiest ones to control our thoughts; luckily that time is over and it's business as usual. We've been arranging the dates for this year's Beard Parlour festivals, which will be tied down in the next few months. These dates will also involve the festival debut of The Modern Beardsmith Soundsystem. A full line up of where this will take place will be up as soon as possible. Even talking about festivals gets me excited, l cannot wait to be carried round on a grown man's shoulders with short shorts on.

Plus

The next edition of The Modern Beardsmith periodical will be mapped out soon enough. lf you would like to contribute, or know someone you think should, please so get in touch.

Plus Plus

2011's Stereo:Types are also being drawn up. The line up and date for February will be up this week with the others as they are confirmed down the line.

We hope 2011 is treating you and your beard well.

MBS Hype Flask

2010-12-31T05:14:00.000-08:00

Here's a final treat for 2010 from Modern Beardsmith Soundsystem. Snuff Films has mixed up a 4 minute 'Hype Flask.' A shot sized 'tache up (featuring Yolanda Be Cool, Daft Punk, Major Lazer and even a little bit of Kate Bush to name a few) designed to put hairs on your chest.

The MBS Hype Flask- Snuff's shot of mini mixer by TheBeardsmiths

We'll be doing our top 10 list of 2010 in 2011, just in case something awesome happens tonight. The coming year is already shaping up to be a big one, stay tuned for festival parlour plans and the 2011 edition of The Modern Beardsmith. Paradice Garage is also back from rehab for the next Stereo:Type in February.

Have a good night- Stay Hype!

Art Attacked

2010-12-10T03:35:00.000-08:00

Stereo:Type Art was massive! Thanks to everyone who brought the party, and a special thanks to TTTom, Twassive Matt, Ta Na Deptford and Craig Your Skull power powering the dancefloor. It was a night of excited and baffled faces (as Ta Na Deptford swirled across the dancefloor), awesome tunes and as always, fine beards. We will be back in February 2011.

Thanks to everyone who has made 2010 a big one. The rest of the Art photos can be found here.

Stereo:Type 'Art'

2010-11-15T07:27:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of giving the 4th of December is Stereo:Type 'Art.' The line up is bursting at the seems with a headline slot from Crack Your Skull, S:T resident Snuff Films and return sessions for both TTTOM and Twassive Matt. Plus we've got live performance art from Ta Na Deptford (check out the video below.) The last Stereo:Type was so big (The music, the people and the shaving of grown men) we knew we had to step it up.

http://www.tanadeptford.com/

Stereo:Type Movember

2010-11-08T06:24:00.001-08:00

A big thanks to everyone who came down to Stereo:Type Movember on Saturday. Drinks were drunk, people were shaved and we managed to raise just over £200.

If you couldn't come along and you want to donate just hit the Movember logo on the right.

Movember

2010-11-05T05:11:00.001-07:00

I hope everyone is moving out of the initial teething stages of Movember into the more developed discipline of having a moustache. The Beardsmiths have opted for a range of 'taches to cover as much ground as possible. You can donate to our team, or individual pages by clicking on the logo above.

A big thanks to everyone who came down to see Modern Beardsmith Soundsystem play at Halloween. It was a massive bassy success (This is our review of the night, it may be biased but it's still true.).

The next Stereo:Type is Movember! Come down to the Amersham Arms and show off your Mo'.

Click on the poster for the Facebook page.

The Modern Beardsmith Soundsystem.

2010-10-15T06:57:00.000-07:00

Boom, it's friday! To celebrate we've got the first (of many!) mini mixes that Modern Beardsmith Soundsystem are making for us. Born of Stereo:Type resident DJs, Paradice Garage and Snuff Films, Modern Beardsmith Sounsystem forms the periodical's official soundtrack. They'll also be hitting the road with the Beard Parlour when festival season 2011 rolls around.

Mixing the hype of grime & garage, bouncy castle house & funky, face melting dubstep, the energy of hardcore punk the sing along fun of 80s and 90s pop, the MBS create sets of an electro/bass/dance fusion that is all about "getting rowdy!" In this first mix Paradice Garage gets us pumped for the weekend, stop working and grow a beard, IT'S FRIDAY!!!!

Beardsmith Sound System - Paradice Grow A Beard Minimix! by TheBeardsmiths

For bookings/press email: Stu /at/ anoraklondon.com or hit 'contact' in the menu above.
Send me your track

Movember

2010-10-08T11:46:00.000-07:00

lt's that time again when we allow chins to be flashed. Movember, a celebration of moustaches in aid of the Prostate Cancer Charity, is only weeks away. lf you would like to sign up to our group, create your own or donate then head over to our Movember site.

ln honour of all this we've allowed facial hair to take over the next Stereo:Type. Click on the banner below to be taken to the Facebook Page. All the money raised will go towards the Prostate Cancer Charity, and make you feel really good about yourself. We'll be having a giant 'Shit art auction' during the night to raise extra cash.

We'll not only be having music from resident Snuff Films but also 80s pop prince Twassive Matt! in a very special beards only line up. Paradice Garage is currently building a string of mini-mixes that will put hair on your face. He's hopefully discovered the new sound.

Remember "Mo' money, less problems."

London to Brighton night cycle.

2010-10-01T07:27:00.000-07:00

Whenever I set up a bike trip with the Beardsmiths in mind I will scan blogs and other sites to learn about the journey. While (such as the case of our London-Brussels-Luxembourg trip) the exact route might not be that well covered, parts of it usually are. Most of this planning process involves me scanning through and seeing how we can take shortcuts. So a line like this...

...becomes a direct route line this.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

This sometimes backfires, and we end up on a motorway(Brussels) or the wrong side of a canal(Paris) but these are the elements I add to a journey, no matter how frustrating they are at the time.

Brighton- London is one of the routes that is very well documented, as are the giant hills your advised to avoid. So after making my cuts to the route, ignoring the hills, and deciding it would be best to do it at night, in the wet. We set off.

We planned to set off about 8 pm but heavy rain, and drinking, pushed this back to 1 am. We’d divided the route up into two sections, stopping at a friend’s for a cup of tea along the way. The first of these sections, done in pitch black and fog, presented beautiful winding forest roads. Despite being country roads the surfaces were good and we made great time on these empty highways. After a few hours we touched down at our midway point for some brioche, tea and weird conversations chatting up pregnant women; which probably showed how late it was.

The second section of our trip presented the biggest challenge. Leaving a nice warm living room for a wet saddle was a large part of this. When planning a route it’s a lot easier to hope that ‘Turners Hill’ is just a name, referencing nothing to do with the topography of the area, than face up to the fact it definitely is. Hills like Turners' continued into the sunrise, for a long time. Increasing traffic, growing mountains and a puncture added to the discomfort of our trip. Having nearly, once again, ended up taking the motorway we found a cycle path heading into Brighton centre. I was particularly glad of this due to the fact I'd stopped following the map a long time ago, and it was my fault we'd hit the motorway. Rolling onto the pier we considered throwing our bikes into the sea like Quadrophenia (Does he really die when this happens? Where's the body?) but decided on breakfast and a photo instead.

This ride was certainly tougher than a lot of the routes we’ve taken on the continent. Weather, the time, poor road surfaces and the growing hills all sapped our strength. Still, this was nothing two hours sleep on the beach couldn’t sort as we headed out to see Metronomy at Concorde 2 with a belly full of Sailor Jerry’s from their PR department…

Party Thank You

2010-09-27T08:52:00.000-07:00

This month's second Stereo:Type was fantastic. Thanks to everyone who came down to dance, play UV beer pong and adopt texas drawls after a few beers. Big Thanks to Lee Geek Chic & The Plastic Hearts for tunes and entertainment, too.

PS:Thanks to Lee's friend for borrowed pics!

September Beard

2010-09-08T07:54:00.000-07:00

We've finally sorted out the line up for the end of the month. The next Stereo:Type is our biggest line up ever featuring Geek Chic Soundsystem (Fabric/AITBF) and out first ever guest hosts The Plastic Hearts: These perfect housewives will be on hand to clean up after the messiest frat party New Cross has ever seen (They will probably cause most of the mess, too) Click the poster to reach the Facebook event.

In other news, we attended the last festival of the summer last weekend, Offset. We were caught by the NME trying to talk The Xcerts into moustaches before they went on stage, giving them just enough time to sneak off. Despite this they put us in the top 10 ten things at the festival (again).

2010-08-25T02:08:00.000-07:00

The Modern Beardsmith’s Facebook page has had a revamp today. One of its new features is a ‘message tag.’ You, and others, can let your friends know how you feel about their lack of facial hair by tagging them in one of the below images. There is an explicit version, and a censored version for kids.
Trawling through the massive amounts of photos from this summer has left me reminiscing about all the fun we’ve had with the Beard Parlour. It’s been as good/even better than last year and we’ve made so many new friends along the way.
You can check these photos on the Flickr stream on the right or on our Facebook page. Please tag a picture if you spot yourself.

It’s not quite over yet, though. We’ve also been invited to do some stuff at Offset Festival. They seem to have taken our blurb from the latest Stereo:Type so it all sounds a bit circus themed. We do have a few different things planned though. After that it’s off to Stereo:Type Circus for the after party!

Stu

Stereo:Type Circus

2010-08-20T07:43:00.000-07:00

The next installment of Stereo:Type is set for September 4th. As always we will be hosting the event, which this month is circus themed.

"The Modern Beardsmiths will be on hand with their micro-coconut shy, animal taming tips, cream pie throwing, strong man routines and clown-beard face painting."

Click on the poster above to go to the Facebook page.

Success!

2010-08-19T05:08:00.000-07:00

So, with tired legs and warn tyres we arrived in Luxembourg last Friday. After a mammoth sprint on the last two days we ended up getting to the border a day early. The trip was amazing: Great roads, countryside and exercise. I think we can all walk up stairs again. Belgium, and Luxembourg, may even beat the French on their quality of roads and accommodation of cyclists.

This is how you ride for success.

Before we set off on the trip i noticed a lack of concise guides to this route. On the whole we decided to carve our own route: This did mean that we ended up on the motorway a few times, but we were helped out by a friendly drunk driver. I will upload our guide, including all the best places to buy a few litres of cheap red, a substance that powered much of our progress.

Belgium/NME/Stereotype beard.

2010-08-05T14:32:00.001-07:00

As always when l visit a country l type in it's name, along with beard, and see what pops up in Google. Along with Belgium's 'Bearded rabbit', and many a fine moustache, popped up this chap. l don't know who he is, l don't care. l like him.

On monday The Modern Beardsmith sets off on a tri-country cycle trip taking in France, Belgium and finally Luxembourg. Along the way we aim to spread love, beard advice and copies of The Beardsmith. We'll try to tweet from the road, providing it doesn't sap all our cash on data roaming, but there will be a full photo article when we get back.

ln other good news we appeared in NME's top 10 things to do in Bournemouth! We are very honoured, despite having relocated to London last year.

This Saturday Stereo:Type once again fills up the Amersham Arms with indie fun, garage, lots of decor, cheap booze and beard banter. Click the banner below for the Facebook page and we'll see you there!

Stereo:Type Festivals & Festivals

2010-07-23T09:21:00.000-07:00

Just when my body thought it had recovered from the marathon string of festivals we attended we were invited, by our good friends The Plastic Hearts, to help out at Lovebox Festival. Of course we said yes and had a great time. Lovebox succeeds where other festivals fail in providing an escape from the city. Basically, lt was actually fun. l tried to dress as Pikachu (Which came out as 'very disturbing man') and find some beards. This guy was a little shocked but happy, l think.

ln other news a couple of us ended up on the front cover of the ace blog Fuck Yeah Beards.
Which is ace, l recommend you check it out.

We have the next Stereo:Type coming up so click on the banner below to add yourself to the Facebook. lt's festival themed, because we still haven't got enough.

Party Beard

2010-07-08T08:32:00.000-07:00

Last week's Stereo:Type was an odd one. It looked amazing after transporting most of the greenery from our garden to the club; and then adding a truck full of garish inflatables. After all this effort, and a lot of excitement about limbo-karaoke, the after party we had at our house trumped it with ease. Nothing get's a dance floor going quicker than a guy jumping on sofas with a paddle.

Thanks for everyone that came down to both parties, ate melon or played buckaroo with the guy covered in inflatables.

The Next two Stereo:Type Themes (August 7th & September 4th) will be announced on Monday. September will also be a double treat as we host a special student party to welcome their return.

Stereo:Type Club Tropicana is this Saturday!

2010-07-01T10:02:00.001-07:00

The 3rd installment of Stereo:Type hits the Amersham Arms this Saturday. We will be on hand to dish out the finest 80's moustaches and run the coconut shy. See you down there from 10 pm! Click on he poster above to link to the Facebook group. Talking of Facebook, we have developed a new page. Click here in order to 'like' us or send it to your friends with good taste.

Also just a quick note on how much fun we had at Glastonbury this year. Hello to all the staff that helped us out and everyone we bumped into. The photo below nearly conveys how much fun l had.

Cheers,

Stu

Festival Beard

2010-06-22T02:31:00.000-07:00

We have finally touched down on dry land after what feels like (and pretty much was) an age of fun beards and sun. Beach Break has grown since last year but still has a great vibe to it. We even feature in NME's top things to do at the festival. We managed to paint a whole load of people, dish out many a magazine and meet a lot of new friends.

Winterwell turned out to be a great festival- We almost didn't make it after not taking directions to the secret location. We eventually followed a random campervan and ended up at the site. As first time goers we didn't know what to expect but, despite a great line up, the people made this festival. We can't wait till next year.

Glastonbury looms and we have been packing the last few brushes and paints into our car. Five people and five peoples stuff should make for a cosy ride. If you are going too, have a great time and we will see you in the Circus Field!

Peace and Beards!

The Summer is here!

2010-06-06T10:40:00.000-07:00

With the sun arriving, so too does the festival season. We've been beavering away with preparations for the latest edition of the magazine and organising the Beard Parlour.

The latest edition of The Modern Beardsmith covers religion, parenting, gin & tonic, King Charles and Metronomy to name a few. lt's just about to hit the printers so it could be in your hands very soon!

Move your eyes around and you'll see the website has had a spruce too. June sees us take in Beach Break, Winterwell and Glastonbury. July preparations for the next Stereo:Type will take a tropical note, no need to cross fingers for hot weather, it's going to be a scorcher.

Merci!

2010-05-10T16:23:00.000-07:00

Cheers to everyone who came down to Stereotype. Many a beard was painted and perhaps too much secondary school french was spoken. lf you have any photos from the night send them onto us and the best shots will get you in free to the next one!

On another a note, we're putting on two more Tape Club shows if you like heartfelt vocals and acoustic guitars. We can't guarantee everyone will have beards, but what can you do.

StereoType

2010-04-28T10:10:00.000-07:00

The English like to poke a bit of harmless fun at our neighbours across the channel. Setting a club night excerbating stereotypes may be taking it a bit too far, but we've done just that anyway.

The first event targets the French on 8th May. Come on down, get a moustache and shrug a lot. Free cheese, red wine deals and kisses available from the bar.

William Cardy's top 14 Simpsons facial hair moments

2010-04-20T06:53:00.000-07:00

Will has obviously been working pretty hard on this countdown, which probably shows his commitment to beards rather than an abundance of free time. Probably.

14.

Academic

13.

A spoon

12.

"With this hook, and this hunk of chocolate, I’ll land your boy. And I’ll clean him for free."

11.

Hammer Time

10.

Lip Heavy

Top French

"That's a paddlin'."

A risky weapon to be toting around facial hair.

"erm… googly doogly?"

Old School

Time Beard

"There is nary an animal alive that can outrun a greased Scotsman"

Nelson knows his stuff

“Those white flags are no match for our muskets!” - the 9th Bearded Infantry

Music Beard

2010-04-17T11:59:00.000-07:00

On another note Tape Club returns this month to the Amersham Arms. lt's a free show some pop down and hear some people with beards and good tunes.

Update Beard

2010-04-17T04:43:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a while! The lack of updates is quite the opposite of inactivity, it's go go a Beardsmith Towers. This year's Summer Sampler is being put together ready for your festival hands, the website is being rejuvenated by some expert hands, a beautiful new logo has been sculpted and The Parlours' line up is being finalised. A proper update soon, and some tantalizing pictures soon.

Stay Bearded.

Maghreb Beard

2010-02-28T11:30:00.000-08:00

Type 'Morocco' and 'Beard' into Google image seach you you will be presented with the above picture. The stern eyes of Ali Baba stare back at you in this portrait, as if to say, in entering this site, you have interrupted his peaceful internet slumber. The Modern Beardsmith's latest photo is the reason for my internet ramblings: We're off to Morocco to see how the Berbers do beards as part of our summer edition!

Beslama!

Love Beard

2010-02-15T09:15:00.000-08:00

Hopefully everyone had a good Valentines Day, whether they were celebrating or hating. l personally received this awesome bit of art work. The magazine now has it's own bearded zoo!

Owl detail

Also in other photo related news l've noticed Luxardo are trying to establish a more respectable image for their sambuca brand. They've enrolled the power of the moustache for their promotional his/hers shot glasses.

Razor Beards

2010-02-13T10:34:00.000-08:00

Razors may seem a slightly odd product test for a beard magazine to be undertaking. It is true that shaving, when used sparingly, can be a beardsmith’s friend in shaping his particular style. Unfortunately for this test, and for me, I rock a full beard.

Gillette Fusion Razor

It seems the ‘Blade Race’ found during the last decade has reached a plateau. Gillette has managed to add a fifth and final blade on the top of their latest razor. I avoided this side and went straight in with the four bladed side. Immediately the problems I had anticipated raised their shiny heads. The razor was taking hair off my face and making my beard smaller. Having inspected the damage to my beard I disposed of the razor.

1/5

Wilkinson Sword Titanium

This puny weapon has a mere four blades but makes up for its lack of appendage with a hypnotic shininess. I entered this test with slightly more trepidation after the ‘Gillette Fusion’ episode. Once again the same problems appeared. The Razor’s ability to keep hair on my face while stroking my chin is virtually nill.

0/5

SES Creative Toy Razor

I’m not sure who the target market for this is, but you can buy fake toy razors. The product, which contains foam and razor, clearly shows a young child having a lovely time. After a matter of strokes I quickly understood the child’s joy. This razor suffered from none of the problems noted above: a smooth glide, foam provided and 0% hair loss. SES is he clear winner.

5/5

Manuary Beard

2010-01-31T12:34:00.000-08:00

So 2010 has already proved a testing time for the bearded. Adrian Chiles was billed by the BBC and Brad Pitt’s beard was blamed for his divorce. Now Manuary draws to a close it’s time to regroup, tidy up and look forward to a more successful month.

Here at Beardsmith towers, we are looking even further towards the summer and the Beard Parlour’s route across the festivals. If you have an event and you would like to see the Beard Parlour feature send us an email.

In the mean time Tape Club, a new acoustic night in New Cross, starts on 21^st of February. All the Beardsmith guys will down trying to request any songs about goatees. Come down and say hi!

2010 Beard

2010-01-04T14:51:00.000-08:00

Twitter, the blogosphere and now the 'real world' has woken up so I thought we should too. Happy New Year and I hope Manuary is treating you well. Personally, I'm certainly enjoying the warmth of a full beard after the slimming down for Movember: Hopefully this cold weather is bringing a few people to their senses. Good News too as bearded psychics have predicted 2010 as the 'year of the beard', but they tell us that every year...

Metronomy Beard

2009-12-16T11:33:00.000-08:00

Back in October we sent our head of female relations, Abby Tayleure, to the Electric Proms to get the score on Metronomy's facial hair situation. She's finally sobered up enough to file the following report.

‘A beard IS manhood. That and hunting.’

By Abby Tayleure

Beards are the most important thing in modern music right now, fact. There’s no arguing with that statement. So when the Modern Beardsmith got a chance to interview Metronomy’s lead man Joe Mount at the BBC Electric Proms, that’s what we asked him about of course. None of that nonsense talk about new material or future plans, we don’t want to know about that. What we want to hear about is facial hair, right?

“AT: So tell me about the beard you’re currently sporting…

JM: What I have right now is a tour beard, which is not a proper beard. It looks shit and it’s very patchy, I don’t like it. The thing is, if I have a shave, let alone a clean shave, any kind of shave, it leaves me feeling totally naked and suddenly people start saying ‘Oh, you look really young!’ To me a beard makes you look like a man. Even a bad beard does, like the one I have now.

AT: I don’t think it’s a bad beard…

JM: Oh thank you! It’s quite dark, in black and white photographs it comes out pretty well but in colour photographs it’s rubbish! A beard IS manhood. That and hunting.“

So there it is, beards are important, fact. In those few snatched moments with Joe backstage at the BBC Electric Proms I managed to establish that beards equal manhood and get in some rather desperate sounding beard related flirting on my part.

Christmas Beard

2009-12-14T07:34:00.000-08:00

It’s Christmas time. A time for giving and receiving; which usually equates to a lot of clutter and a lack of money. Fear not though, as we at the Beardsmith are certainly not scrooges. So in order for you to get as much bang for your buck we have compiled the following bearded Christmas list.

5. Beardaclavas

Adverts for these seem to be all over Facebook at the moment, though I’m unsure whether that is a web 3.0 function tailoring adverts to my tastes. Coming in a range of colours and types they will give you an extra layer of style and warmth.

4. Moustache Wax

Finding you favourite wax is a simple case of trial and error. There is such a range of products out, with such subtle nuances, that the only thing to do is to start the search now. The Handlebar Club's Ted Sedman recommends Brother's Love Bavarian Moustache Styling Pomade, and we are certainly not going to argue!

3. Eurotash

This book, by Conor Creighton and Steve Ryan, is a great read about their journey into the moustache world: They sleep rough, grow facial hair and meet some of he champs from the World Beard and Moustache Championship. Proceeds from the book go to Movember’s prostate charity cause so you’ll get a warm feeling too.

2. Grow T-shirt

The only way to get through to people is with a good T-shirt design. This one is a perfect balance of simplicity and wisdom. Buy it for someone and then buy one yourself.

1. A Bin
Buy this present for any of your friends who have yet to come over to the side of warm faces and warm hearts. Here they can place any shaving utensils inside and prepare themselves, ready for the start of Manuary!

Click any of the images for a link, Merry Christmas!

Wet Beard-Update!

2009-12-03T06:30:00.001-08:00

Last month we reported on Olympic Champ Michael Phelps’ new facial hair, as well his surprisingly slow times in qualifying. Some blamed the beard and some blamed the lack of his streamlined suit, which is soon to be banned; but despite the chatter no one offered a solution. Luckily Pete Shepherd, here at the Beardsmith, has solved Phelps’ speed or style conundrum by designing the Beard Cap.

The figures above show the evolution of the traditional swimming cap into something that can accommodate a beard. The mock up image at the top shows us that, while Phelps’ does look like he’s about to rob someone, he’s going like a bullet.

Thank You!

2009-12-02T09:12:00.001-08:00

This year has been a good one for us. We successfully toured a range of festivals , set up this new website, attracted some celeb patrons and managed to raise £95 for The Prostate Cancer Charity through our Movember.

lt's also been a good year for beards and moustaches: The press hailed the return of the moustache (several times), bearded bands topped the charts and even Brad Pitt got on board.

Thank you for your support, hellos, contributions and donations througout the year. Let's hope 2010 is as well formed as 2009.

Beard & Love

X

Music Beard

2009-11-25T17:00:00.000-08:00

For those of you with a keen eye you may have noticed the new Spotify tab on the right hand side of our Application pool. We’ve posted our first play list in honour of The Beards’ new single but look forward to more editions celebrating various types of facial hair. And be sure, as soon as Honkeyfinger (Whose beard is seen above) gets on Spotify, he’ll be featured too.

In the mean time well done to the guys at Movember who have been sending me bearded emoticons via Twitter.

:-{o~

The Beards' beards

2009-11-23T05:20:00.000-08:00

The video above is a tune that has been on pretty heavy rotation around The Beardsmith offices. If Your Dad Doesn’t Have A Beard, You’ve Got Two Mums is a perfect showcase of Australia’s top band, The Beards. This band is so cool you soon won’t remember ZZ Top, because everyone will be referencing these guys in quips; The best bit is, they’re actually awesome: Talented musicians, happy to poke fun at themselves and rocking killer beards.

The guys formed in 2005 and since then have been endorsed by triple J, opened the Beard and Moustache Championships; and released the perfectly named album Beards, Beards, Beards.

We’re currently sorting out an interview to find out when they’re coming over to the UK. If listening to their awesome repertoire ( which includes Growing a Beard, Beard Revolution and No Beard, No Good among others) becomes too much check out our especially made Spotify beard play list.

Wet Beard

2009-11-12T07:29:00.000-08:00

Here at the 'Beardsmith we rarely find fault with facial hair but when we do, we hold our hands up- Being streamlined is one of these areas. That is why we find Mark Phelps' decision to grow a beard so commendable. Yes, he won a record 8 medals, yes he grew a goatee, yes his form is pretty terrible now but at least he can look himself in the face and not get bored.

Hope everyones' Movemeber is going well!

x

Baby Beards

2009-11-04T07:56:00.000-08:00

lt's not often that we celebrate the shaving of a beard but in the case of Jason Sucharski, Christopher Sucharski and Paul Jorgensen it's good news. The three decided to grow beards after Jason's son was born prematurely in July. The men vowed to keep them until he was stable. On the 31st of October Chase Walker Sucharski was taken home and the beards, regretfully, were lost. Well done guys, let's hope you return to the family to cope with this cold winter.

Beardvember and Style

2009-10-30T05:02:00.000-07:00

We love Movemeber but we can’t help but have a pang of jealousy about the lack of portmanteau options a beard/month combo has. Luckily St. Johns’ County Sheriffs in Florida don’t do puns they just do beards. Sheriff David B. Shoar has permitted his staff to all grow beards to raise money for natal charity March of The Dimes. He has even set up trophies as an incentive including “Ernest Hemingway Look-A-Like Beard" and the "Most Unique Beard."

A little reminder we are still supporting Movember if you want to support the cause click the orange blip on the right and donate or sign up yourself.

On a darker note. A while back, writing for my old webzine ButtonThief, I did an article about Serial Killer style and taking fashion tips from killers: A beard, a nickname and other affectations that were easily transferable into the real world.

I don’t know if this man read it but if he did he read it closely. This is a man dubbed as the ‘Billy Goat Bandit’ accused of robbing a bank in Houston according to the Houston Chronicle. The beard, the bad boy sneer and the sunglasses already mean he’s got top marks; but how many of us take time out to pose for a picture?

Obviously we’re not condoning robbery so if Anyone has information about the Houston office of the FBI is at 01-713-693-5000. Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the man's charging and arrest but remember, you can't put a price on style.

Beard Vs Fire

2009-10-26T15:03:00.000-07:00

Four so called youths have been accused of attacking Luke Kennedy by setting alight to his beard.
Luke awoke to find his beard being set alight after falling asleep on the train to Littlehampton. He suffered burns to his face and lips when he experienced the attack with a cigarette lighter the BBC report. This grotesque attack will hopefully lead to separate carriages for beardsmiths with a guard, A guard called chuck Norris.

Uses for a beard #80: Selling your product

2009-10-22T02:44:00.000-07:00

Toohey beers enlisted the expert talents of Electric Art for this campaign. Sometimes the best slogans simply state the obvious. The Toohey brothers sport a fine pair of lengthy beards, modeled using extra hair shot at Electric Art's studios.

Some beard related news, sans Beckham

2009-10-21T14:06:00.000-07:00

The Daily Fill have skirting round the beard issue, but we're not too bothered: They're talking about sideburns. Check out there history of 'burns here.

We featured Erin Dollar's imadeyouabeard website a while ago but it seems to be growing increasingly popular, except with The Frisky. They've been badmouthing the practicalities of a fake beard, as if they exist?

Chuck Norris, a true OB (Original Beardsmith) indeed, has got his own iphone game-rumour has it it's about beards but we may have started that one.

Cupabeard

2009-10-21T13:51:00.000-07:00

This is such a good photo but a great receptacle too! Cheers Will for the link. Visit Peter Bruegger's site to get your hands on them.

#thedailymailisgay

2009-10-16T13:39:00.000-07:00

While the Daily Mail weathers a very public beating and widespread accusations of homophobia after Joan Moir's Stephen Gately article, a darker side of the debate bubble underneath. Simon Mill's article on bearded footballers shows how shortsighted the paper is on beards as well. it may be the article entitled 'Why do men love beards when women hate them', but then beards don't have an online hate campaign running against them at the moment.

Future Talent

2009-10-16T08:15:00.000-07:00

Dirty Upper Lip is a site where youngsters can show off their efforts as they incubate their tops lips- before giving birth to a full bodied 'tache. It's also for a good Movember cause. Keep at it boys!

Style Icons

2009-10-15T05:54:00.001-07:00

Is David Beckam still a style icon? If so call us the fashionistas because check this beauty on his chin. It's quite clear that David Beckam's man of the match award was more down to his handsome facial growth than his sporting efforts.

Movember: click the banner to get involved!

2009-10-13T12:46:00.000-07:00

That's right, of course we're getting involved with Movember! We've set up our MO' MONEY. LESS PROBLEMS* so Please do make a donation to us or set up your own account and get involved. Prostate Cancer affects a massive amount of young men and we can really help out. Good luck to everyone involved.

*We realise this saying isn't fool proof but who can resist a rap pun?

Beards and Volleys

2009-10-11T08:28:00.000-07:00

Once again footballs fans' love of facial hair boils over to the point the can't hide it. This time it's the Mirror voting their top ten favourite Beards. The majority are pretty unrecognisable, though all sport a fine facial dressing. The top spot goes to a man who had little control over his chin, which took up most of his body. Even so, it could not diminish the power of a fine beard. Well Done Jimmy Hill!

Lady Beard

2009-10-10T10:12:00.001-07:00

The rather taboo subject of ladies with beards had been thrown into the news with Salma Hayek donning one for her next film 'Cirque du Freak.' It's (almost) always nice to see the ladies giving it a go so we salute her. The actress seems to have confused the media as to whether she enjoyed it though.
She supposedly told Gossip Centre: “I really like the script and the film. I really loved my character and she just happens to have a beard. It could have been any other type of freakiness; I would have still done it.” While StarPulse claim that she "felt gross." We shall have to wait to see the film find out the full effect.

News and views

2009-10-04T15:49:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, first off my fellow beardsmiths and I are currently arranging some interesting new places to take the Beard Parlour. Keep your eyes peeled for stuff in Bournemouth, Southampton and possibly abroad!

The Photo above is from a woman's blog called Tfh who takes photos for her 'Tspoon of Sunshine' Blog. I though it was awesome so check out her other stuff- It's really good.

A few news pieces on the beardsphere at the moment: There's a nice article about Mark Oliver Everett's (Of Eels fame) beard on Spinner. Check it out here.

For some light relief Will sent in this video he has found on Funny or Die, and it's pretty good.

Beard News-Teachers limited in Tajikistan

2009-09-29T06:24:00.000-07:00

The Government in Tajikistan has banned beards for all teachers under 50 and limited the length to 3cm for those over the age. Reuters reports that the move relates to fears of radical Muslim support, which many beard wearers are accused of. The government has previously banned mobile phones and students from driving to classes in their own cars.

Reason for growing a beard number 92

2009-09-25T09:15:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard this excuse from someone? "I'm sorry but I just can't grow a beard". Well maybe they should try a bit harder just in case they get trapped in say, a sandstorm? That's exactly what 64 year old John White used to stop himself from suffocating and being buried alive by a vicious desert storm The Australian reports. White's truck had rolled over in the Simpson desert in southwest Queensland on Tuesday where he has trapped by the storm for 10 hours before being rescued.

Idiot Beard News

2009-09-24T07:50:00.000-07:00

Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure none of believe the world is like an Agatha Christie novel. Oh OK, all of us except AusBuisiness Review. They've helpfully decided to offer some hiring advice to there customers through this advertorial.

Are you hiring someone new? There's nothing wrong with being suspicious.

OK, this all seems pretty normal and then...

"What Makes You Suspicious? Unshaven Beard, Single Earring, Mysterious Grin?"

Forget the fact that we like beards for a second. This is just a description of a pirate! Basically if a cartoon walks into your office don't hire them and save yourself paying these guys any cash. As they say themselves "Making decisions is not as easy as it sounds," luckily this one is pretty clear.

In other news the press have once again been having a pun filled field day with the World Beard and Moustache Championships. Here's the latest photo article from Yahoo News.

Finally Gov. David A. Patterson has upset the American Mustache Institute this week after very briefly being endorsed by them reports New York Times. The Governor, who shaved his beard recently into a moustache, is now sporting a clean shaven show of disappointment.

More BeArD news

2009-09-22T06:05:00.000-07:00

Times really are tough for people who- 1. Want a beard and 2. Want a job. This time it's health workers coming under pressure to loose their facial hair in order to cut out the risk contracting the H1N1 virus. Full story here at independent.ie

B(e)A(r)D news

2009-09-12T08:56:00.000-07:00

A case appealing against the ban on beards for Houston Police officers was thrown out today, reports Chron.com. Despite being a clear case of beardism the decision is made more ridiculous because the officers appealing suffer from pseudofolliculitis barbae, a condition which causes ingrown hairs and irritation from shaving. Read the full story here.

Beard

x

I made you a beard

2009-09-12T08:21:00.001-07:00

This is a shot of Erin Dollar, who is apparently the coolest chick in the world. She makes beards, models them and sells them! Any of you who are cursed with weak hair follicles or the ladies who need some bulk head down to her site now.

Also what is it about football news at beards at the moment? The Mirror have just let us know that "the beard is back", as if it ever went away?

Beard

x

'Real' News

2009-09-12T08:13:00.000-07:00

Daniel Craig has been receiving some praise in The London Paper for his new moustache, and quite rightly so.

Beard News

2009-09-10T05:47:00.000-07:00

There's been quite a bit of beard related chatter on US news sites recently. Firstly Rana Cash, who seems like a cool kid, brought to our attention 'Man of the year.' This is a competition hosted by Wahl Trimmers, who are out to find the best beards in the states and rightly reward the bodies attached to them with prizes. At the moment they are in Atlanta but check Wahl's Site to find out where they are heading next.

Secondly Dennis Miller has one the longest beard at Ben-Fest reports Public opinion online. The celebration, which is a tribute to Benjamin Franklin, is hosted Franklin county and features 6 contests. Check out Dennis below.

Thirdly we're not the type of gang to criticise but the hell is wrong with the people at Kickette.com? The blog covers football from a female perspective it would seem, but has just posted the most limp wristed attempt at psychological analysis possible. The post regards Iker Casillas: I have no idea who this is except he seems to have a killer beard. This is a problem for Kickette.

"Just what in the hell causes a man to just let nature’s follicles take their course and to grow unfettered, without shaving foam nor cream?"

Luckily for us Kickette has more than one answer.

Mental anguish over their career/club/life? Being too damn attractive and needing to take a hot-break?

So problem solved. Sometimes it's tough to understand something that isn't a football.

Beard

x

Underbelly Takeover!

2009-09-08T05:36:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came along and got involved in the Underbelly Takeover in Edinburgh last week. All seemed to have a great time and many a new beard was added to our repertoire; such as the Balloon Beard and the Shooting Star. We are missing pictures from the event so if you have nay send them over to us at themodernbeardsmith@gmail.com.

Till then here's a few shots of the after party(Cheers Ed!)...

Cheers,

Beard
x

Style

2009-09-02T09:07:00.001-07:00

Have you got a beard but are still not convinced everyone knows how much you love that shit? Hook yourself up with this t-shirt from Wire & Twine. beard x

Royal Beard

2009-08-24T08:05:00.000-07:00

The Duke of Edinburgh has been revealing his taste in beards. He told a guest at a recent party 'You didn't design your beard very well, did you?' The man bearing a goatee was apparently quite taken back. Check out the full story at the Daily Mail site HERE

Beard
x

The Modern Beardsmith hits the fringe!

2009-08-12T10:52:00.000-07:00

Hey all, we are currently up at Edinburgh Fringe Festival. We will be checking out the acts at this years festival as well as taking the Beard Parlour to a few events. So far i've only noticed one show which looks facial hair specific. Richard Herring's show 'Hitler Moustache' is at the Underbelly Venue. We will be checking it out and grabbing a word with Richard in order to find out his views on the classic look.

Check back for updates on where the Beard Parlour will be appearing as well as the development of our new website which is currently being turned into reality.

beard
x

Secret Garden Party

2009-07-30T15:10:00.001-07:00

Despite not actually working at Secret Garden Party, i managed to make up for this by tagging along with the gorgeous Plastic Hearts and helped to give their treehouse a well groomed feel. Here are some shots of the action.

Glasto photos

2009-07-30T15:06:00.000-07:00

Here are a few photos of setting up at Glastonbury festival as well as shot of Will waxing Shitmat's awesome moustache. He played a great set and then charged around for a bit proving he is as nuts as his music.

Glastonbury round up

2009-07-02T08:29:00.000-07:00

We have now returned from the great festival after such an awesome time. We had lots of help from the Glasto lot setting up and once we started trading managed to get a host of beards on festival goers' faces. The Shangri La section was one of the best in the festival. We did get a little distracted by the sheer amount of stuff to do and for a short period our stall turned into a drug den but that was soon rectified.

Thanks to everyone who came to help out or get a beard we had a great time. Details to follow on the next festival...

The beard.

x

Glastonbury

2009-06-22T09:04:00.000-07:00

We are very excited about the playing one of the most important festivals in the world! Not even the dodgy weather predicted can dampen out spirits. Come find us at the Shangri La area (used to be Lost Vagueness ).

We're camping next to ZZ top.

Beard
x

Beard Break is over!

2009-06-22T08:55:00.001-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came to see the tent at this year's Beach Break Live 2009, it was a massive success! The acts, organisers and you the public were all great so great. We even made the newspaper, which will be uploaded soon.

So, see you at Glastonbury...

Every so often the broadsheets pick up on some 'real' news

2009-06-02T10:18:00.000-07:00

Beard Break

2009-05-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

Beach break have been hyping up some of the beardsmith's summer events.

"The Beard Tent @ Beachbreak.

An intimate little treat of a venue for you but be wary, moustaches of the biggest, bushiest, smallest and sleekest variety are required to gain entrance into this joint. Real and fake beard gentrification accepted. Fear not if you hail from the land of Teet, we have our very own fully qualified Master Beardsmith on hand to add a few curls to your chevvy chaces. From swing to rock and roll, jazz to jive, come and find out how grandpa and grandma got hitched all those years ago. This is the land of decadence my dears, so cigarette holders on the ready, pinkies out and let the good ol days roll on! Oh and Betsy, chips and dips….."

The Sunday Times

2009-05-18T10:13:00.000-07:00

The Sunday Times have been keeping tabs on the Beard Championship's winners. Shame they could only rhyme beard with weird.

ABOUT

2009-04-27T15:37:00.000-07:00

The Modern Beardsmith is a light-hearted periodical investigating the role of the bearded man in contemporary society and analysing its history.

The Modern Beardsmith also runs their own Beard Parlour,as featured in Beachbreak Live, Glastonbury and The Edinburgh Fringe Festival; which is available for festivals, parties, clubnights and other events.

For details on booking, contributions or news email themodernbeardsmith@gmail.com