Trooper Tribute is my noble endeavor to honor the artisans who fuel the grooming galaxy with their dedication and craftsmanship. In this ongoing series, we pose questions to these esteemed artisans, allowing them to share their insights, experiences, and passion with us. Through their answers, we gain a deeper understanding of the artistry behind their creations and the stories that shape their journey. Join us as we celebrate the Empire’s finest artisans and their contributions to the world of grooming.
Phil Decker – Bricktown Grooming
Introducing Phil Decker, the mastermind behind Bricktown Grooming. Phil’s journey into the world of artisanal grooming began with his passion for creating unique aftershave blends, drawing inspiration from both classic fragrances and innovative twists on timeless scents. Partnering with Razor Emporium marked a pivotal moment in his career, allowing him to expand his repertoire to include artisanal soaps alongside his signature aftershaves.
The name Bricktown Grooming holds a special significance, tracing its origins back to Phil’s family business in brick manufacturing. A nod to his heritage, Phil proudly incorporates a brick produced by his family into all his social media pictures, serving as a symbol of his roots and dedication to craftsmanship.
Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Phil is also a proud Navy Seabee Veteran, bringing a sense of duty, discipline, and precision to his work as an artisan. With a commitment to quality and a knack for blending tradition with innovation, Phil Decker stands at the forefront of the grooming galaxy, leaving an indelible mark on the wet shaving community.
Join us as we delve deeper into Phil’s journey and uncover the secrets behind the exceptional products of Bricktown Grooming.
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EPISODE I // A NEW PATH UNFOLDS
Q: What led you to the path of becoming an artisan in the wet shaving world? What ignited your interest in the artisanal craft?
Phil: I loved wet shaving from the moment I tried it. And exploring the unique artisan scents intrigued me so I would pick up random fragrance oils and play with mixing. During covid I was laid up after a surgery so I began playing with bases to make something for myself and friends. They encouraged me to try and sell it. I said “Yeah, right 🙄”. Now look at Bricktown 😂
EPISODE II // TECHNIQUES OF THE GALAXY
Q: Could you share with us the techniques and tools you utilize in your wet shaving process?
Phil: I never watched YouTube videos, I just jumped in a figured it out as I went along. I am mainly a DE shaver but love my straight razors as well. I am always looking for other artisans, especially hardware. Something I can use in pics to help promote those around me. Software as well. There’s so many amazing products out there, and we all have our own niche. So there’s plenty of love to go around.
EPISODE III // CONQUERING CHALLENGES
Q: What are some challenges you’ve encountered in your journey as an artisan, and how did you overcome them?
Phil: Learning how to market. Different social media platforms, and not trying to put myself in a pigeon hole, so to speak. I have quite a few retailers that I go through and I love working with each of them.
EPISODE IV // FAVORITE HEROES
Q: Who is your favorite Star Wars character and why?
Phil: Mostly Ben Kenobi. Although seeing Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka was pretty great 😉
EPISODE V // TROOPER’S TRIUMPH
Q: Have you ever attempted to convert a fellow Stormtrooper or colleague to the ways of wet shaving? If so, how did it go?
Phil: I have a few friends that have begun wet shaving, but more utilitarian. I’ve just left the Navy and now work in an office with 3 other guys. I am proud to say they are ALL wet shavers now!
EPISODE VI // SCENTS OF VALOR
Q: You are known for your simple yet complex, invigorating scents. When developing new scents and shaving products for the Empire, where do you draw your inspiration from?
Phil: I have an American military history vein that I stay inside of for my scents. I start by picking a war, battle, unit, hero, etc. that has inspired me. From there I imagine a scent that has to do with that subject. And I build out from there.
EPISODE VII: TRADITION’S TRIUMPH
Q: Can you describe the importance of tradition and craftsmanship in the artisan wet shaving community?
Phil: The history and tradition of wet shaving creates an inherent love of all things that have to do with tradition and craftsmanship. I love my vintage razors and brushes. But some of those products made today amaze me as well.
EPISODE VIII: INNOVATION’S ODYSSEY
Q: How do you stay innovative and adapt to the changing preferences of wet shaving enthusiasts?
Phil: Oddly enough I try to not follow the latest tradition. I don’t want to follow things just because they are trending. I respect different scents that seem to be catching on and try to incorporate them if I can. If not I move on. It needs to be something I would personally wear.
EPISODE IX: ALLIANCE IN ARTISTRY
Q: In the spirit of unexpected alliances, have you ever collaborated with other artisans or businesses to create unique wet shaving products?
Phil: Joe Dean [with Sublte Art Soap Co] and I have become friends and collaborated on Irish Brigade, which was a huge hit. The same was a collaboration with Crowne and Crane, facilitated by Jason at TRC, for Odyssey One. I enjoyed both processes immensely and have talked with others about future possibilities as well. The same goes for my affiliation with Razor Emporium. My new job takes up a lot of my time so I was ready to hang it all up, so it could be on my terms, when Matt reached out. They already made my soaps so they offered to produce my aftershave as well. I still create all the scents and own the business. They are purely helping Bricktown live and I am very thankful for their help and friendship.
BONUS ROGUE EPISODE: CLOUD CITY CHARM
Q: If you could craft a shaving product inspired by a notorious Star Wars bounty hunter or character, who would it be and what would it smell like?
Phil: Definitely not Jabba. That would smell awful 😂. And the Mandalorian I feel would be a little rough, with the whole never taking your helmet off thing. Probably Lando Calrissian. It would be smooth and cool.
In summary, troopers, I am extremely appreciative of Phil for graciously sharing his insights and experiences in response to these questions. Phil holds a special place in my trooper heart as he was the very first artisan I actually met in person at the AZ Meet Up in 2023. We bonded over our shared roots in the town I was born and raised in, California, as well as our shared service as Veterans of the Empire.
I vividly recall purchasing the Christmas Truce aftershave splash from Phil [we are still eagerly awaiting the arrival of the soap for this delightful scent]. Additionally, I couldn’t resist adding the San Juan Hill set to my collection. I must admit, it’s my absolute favorite! As a sucker for tobacco and vanilla scents, Phil truly nailed it with this one. While I have other sets in my collection with similar fragrances, none compare to the exquisite blend crafted by Phil.
Phil’s dedication to his craft as an artisan is truly commendable, and we are fortunate to have him in our grooming galaxy. Furthermore, I am grateful to Matt Pisarcik at Razor Emporium for reaching out and ensuring that Bricktown Grooming continues to thrive. Phil’s talent and passion for wet shaving are a shining example of the craftsmanship that makes our Empire and community great.
And lastly, the wet shaving community eagerly anticipates the arrival of the Lando Calrissian Cloud City Charm-inspired set. With Phil’s skill and creativity, we have no doubt it will be an exquisite addition to our grooming arsenals.
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