Deacon Eugene Wohlfarth on Patience, Ritual, and the Healing Power of Wet Shaving
- Teutonblade
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
For nearly four years, Deacon Eugene Wohlfarth has shared his passion for wet shaving through weekly videos on his YouTube channel, The Deacon Shaves. But his videos are about much more than the razors, soaps, and fragrances beloved by wet shaving enthusiasts. They are moments of reflection on life, on the search for emotional and physical well-being, and on the importance of community. Just as importantly, they offer viewers a glimpse into his personal experiences and the lessons he has learned as a deacon.
What comes through immediately in Eugene’s videos is his candor, sincerity, and kindness. He gives of himself generously, hoping only to be of help to others, whether by encouraging them to find joy in the simple ritual of wet shaving or by speaking honestly about the suffering, struggle, and happiness that all people, himself included, experience at different times in life. Over the years, he has become a true pillar of the wet shaving community, whether in online forums, at in-person events, or through his much-loved channel. ShaveSplash was fortunate to catch up with him and hear more of his story. Here is Deacon Eugene Wohlfarth... You live publicly in two worlds that many people would not naturally connect: the diaconate and wet shaving. When did each of those two parts of your life begin? Is there an intersection between the two?
My journey into the diaconate began when I was about 8, singing in our parish youth choir. I always felt I was being called to do more in the church, but as I got older, I wasn’t interested in the celibacy requirement for the priesthood. When I married, the diaconate was the answer to doing more in the Church. Wet shaving started even younger, because my great-grandfather was a barber in Queens, NY, where I was raised. The memories of the scents from his shop and the products he and my grandfather used, along with the tradition of giving a razor from the year someone was born, brought everything full circle. The intersection of these occurred when I realized I wasn’t getting as good a shave as I could be with cartridges. While researching how to get a better shave, I came across the Youtube Channels of people like Sinatra Lennon and Gio Fatboy. I realized I could get a much better shave, and be more presentable in my ministry. I also realized I could help people see the human side of the Church with my own Youtube Videos.
Wet shaving is built around patience, preparation, and attention. Has your life as a deacon changed the way you understand the practice of wet shaving?
I think the Diaconate was the start of my patience, preparation, and attention. Having to prepare a homily every week taught me preparation and attention to detail. Working with many different priests certainly taught me patience! That all flowed over into the attention to detail of selecting the razor and software needed for shaving. It also helped teach me more patience in re-learning how to shave.
A lot of men treat shaving as a chore. What do you think people miss when they fail to see the ritual side of it?
They miss the chance to relax before a stressful work day, take care of themselves, and enjoy something that’s meant to be enjoyed.
As someone in ministry, how do you think about outward appearance? Is grooming simply practical, or is something deeper at work?
Refer to Matthew 6:16-18. While it deals with fasting, it also deals with how you should generally appear, whether in ministry or going to church, or in everyday life. To paraphrase: Advise against appearing gloomy, disheveled, or “somber” to show others you are fasting…instead individuals are instructed to maintain a normal, clean appearance, washing the face and grooming, so that the fasting is a private matter.” So, definitely something deeper.
Your channel is not just about products, but about personal experience and reflection on life. Do you see your YouTube work as purely hobby content, or in some small way also as a form of helping others?
It’s definitely more than hobby content. Whether it’s helping someone else along their journey of wet shaving, or having the chance to minister to someone in a time of need (physical, emotional, or spiritual), I like to think I can do that with the channel.
Wet shaving can easily become a collecting hobby. How do you personally balance the enjoyment of fine tools, scents, and craftsmanship with the other aspects of your work and personal life?
It’s not easy to draw the line and maintain the balance. I made that mistake and last year it almost cost me my marriage before I realized it. Once I did, I learned that 1. Family is first, and 2. Picking and choosing can be just as rewarding as simply impulse buying.
You have a deep connection with all things Italian. Where does that connection come from? What about the world of Italian wet shaving, and all of its amazing artisanal products, do you love the most?
My mother’s side of the family is completely hardcore Italian! My great-grandfather actually won a diamond ring (and my great-grandmother) in a poker game in Italy! He was the barber that came to America in the 1800s. It’s the diamond my wife wears to this day in her wedding ring – a genuine 1800s Miner’s Cut diamond. The idea for Italian Shave Wednesday came from an old TV commercial from the Northeast about a product called “Prince Spaghetti”. Every Wednesday was Prince Spaghetti Day. So, keeping with Italian tradition, Italian Shave Wednesday was born. As far as products, I love the connection to the Old Country, a lot of the traditional scents, and artisanal values that are put into the products.
When it comes to gear, do your personal favorites come down to performance, or is it more about personal taste, or even sentiment?
It’s actually a little bit of each. For example, my 1961 Fatboy is from the year I was born. The scents are personal taste (or my wife’s 😊), and some of the older razors like my World War I army issue pay tribute to those that came before and paved the way so we can still enjoy this tradition and our freedom.
Tell us a little about your ideal set up. What do you look for in a soap, a brush, a blade and a fragrance?
Every time can be different. Whether it’s matching a season, holiday, an event or a theme. Some examples are Whiskey Week, or Christmas, cause awareness and tributes . So, I don’t really have an ideal setup as it changes to match the occasion or mood.
You've given a lot to the world of wet shaving through your videos and community participation. What has wet shaving given you in return?
Lower blood pressure for one! Just ask my cardiologist, who said “keep it up”. I’ve even introduced him to wet shaving, and gave him a starter set. We talk about it every time I see him! It’s given me a chance to meet new people, make wonderful friends, and connect to communities I otherwise wouldn’t have found. It also gives me an office that smells absolutely different and amazing every day.
If you could tell the entire world of wet shaving one message, what would it be?
First, don’t let this hobby become an obsession. I made that mistake and it almost cost me the love of my life. Second, as I said earlier, family first. Third, enjoy and take your time as time is not something that is guaranteed and finally “Be good to yourselves and each other. Have a great day, and smooth shaves”
Great interview Eugene! You make wet shaving a wonderful religious experience!