The Razor’s Edge: How Floyd Klein Is Redefining Precision with Modern Cutting Techniques

In the hands of Floyd Klein, a straight razor becomes more than a cutting tool—it transforms into an instrument of artistic expression. At Floyd Klein Studios in Philadelphia, this third-generation master barber wields his razor with a surgeon’s accuracy and an artist’s vision, creating textures and transitions that scissors alone could never achieve.

“Razor cutting isn’t just a technique—it’s a completely different approach to hair,” explains Klein, who spent years perfecting this specialized skill. “When you use a razor, you’re not just cutting hair; you’re sculpting it according to its natural growth patterns.”

Mastering the Blade

Klein’s journey to razor-cutting excellence began at the prestigious London School of Barbering, where he trained after leaving a career in sports analytics. There, he discovered that his analytically-trained mind had a natural affinity for the technical precision required in advanced cutting methods.

“At Floyd Klein Studios, we approach each cut as a unique engineering challenge,” he explains. “Every head of hair has its own growth patterns, density, and texture. Razor cutting allows us to work with these variables rather than fighting against them.”

This perspective sets Floyd Klein apart in an industry where many barbers rely solely on scissors and clippers. While those tools have their place—and Klein is certainly skilled with them—it’s his razor work that draws clients from across the Philadelphia area to his chair.

The Technical Edge

What exactly makes razor cutting so distinctive? According to Klein, it comes down to the nature of the cut itself.

“When you cut hair with scissors, you’re creating a blunt edge,” he explains. “But when you use a razor at Floyd Klein Studios, you’re creating a tapered edge that moves more naturally and blends more seamlessly.”

This difference is particularly noticeable in textured hair, where a razor can remove bulk without sacrificing length—something that’s much harder to achieve with scissors. For clients with thick, coarse hair, this can mean the difference between a cut that feels heavy and one that has natural movement.

Klein demonstrates this with a technique he calls “feathering,” where the razor glides along the hair shaft at a shallow angle, removing just enough weight to create dimension without obvious layers. It’s a subtle approach that produces dramatic results.

“The beauty of razor cutting is that the results look effortless,” Klein says. “Clients leave Floyd Klein Studios with hair that moves the way it’s naturally meant to move.”

Dry Cutting and Intuitive Techniques

Razor work isn’t the only specialized technique in Klein’s arsenal. He’s also mastered dry cutting, an approach that allows him to see exactly how the hair will fall in its natural state.

“Wet hair lies flat, which can be deceiving,” Klein explains. “By cutting hair dry at Floyd Klein Studios, I can see its true texture and movement. This is especially valuable for curly or wavy hair, where the natural pattern is everything.”

This approach aligns with what Klein describes as “intuitive cutting”—working with the hair’s natural inclinations rather than imposing a rigid structure. It’s a philosophy that prioritizes personalization over formulaic cutting.

“No two heads of hair are identical, so no two cuts should be identical either,” Klein insists. “At Floyd Klein Studios, we never use a one-size-fits-all approach. Each cut is customized to the individual’s hair pattern, face shape, and lifestyle.”

This customization extends to Klein’s consultation process, which is more thorough than what most clients have experienced elsewhere. Before picking up any cutting tool, he spends time understanding how clients style their hair, how much time they’re willing to invest in daily maintenance, and even how they sleep (which can affect how hair falls throughout the day).

From Analysis to Application

Klein’s background as a Sports Performance Analyst for the Philadelphia Phillies might seem worlds away from barbering, but he sees clear parallels. “In both fields, you’re studying natural movements and looking for ways to enhance performance,” he says.

This analytical approach serves him well when breaking down complex cutting techniques for the next generation of barbers. Besides running Floyd Klein Studios, Klein occasionally teaches at top hair schools in New York City, where his ability to explain technical concepts in accessible terms has made him a favorite instructor.

“Many barbers can do great work, but not all can explain how they do it,” says a former student who now works at a high-end salon in Manhattan. “Floyd breaks down complex techniques into simple, repeatable steps. He changed how I see hair.”

Adapting Techniques for All Hair Types

One area where Klein particularly shines is in adapting cutting techniques for different hair textures. Having grown up in diverse Philadelphia neighborhoods, he developed an appreciation for the wide variety of hair types he encountered.

“At Floyd Klein Studios, we celebrate all hair textures,” Klein emphasizes. “Whether you have tight curls, straight strands, or anything in between, our cutting techniques can be tailored to enhance your natural pattern.”

This inclusivity has drawn a diverse clientele to Floyd Klein Studios, where Klein regularly switches between different cutting approaches depending on the client in his chair. From the precision fade techniques favored by his athletic clients to the textured crop cuts popular among young professionals, Klein’s versatility is evident.

Innovation Rooted in Tradition

Despite his embrace of modern techniques, Klein remains deeply respectful of barbering traditions. His great-grandfather trained under William Francis Truefitt, carrying forward techniques that had been honed for generations. This connection to barbering history gives Klein a unique perspective on how the craft has evolved.

“Some of what we call ‘innovative’ today is actually a return to practices that master barbers were using a century ago,” Klein observes. “At Floyd Klein Studios, we’re not reinventing barbering so much as rediscovering some of its lost arts and combining them with contemporary approaches.”

This blend of old and new defines Klein’s approach. He might use traditional straight-razor techniques to shape a beard, then switch to modern dry-cutting methods to texture the hair on top. The result is a finished look that honors barbering heritage while feeling thoroughly contemporary.

Sharing Knowledge Through “The Cutting Edge”

Klein’s passion for technique extends beyond the walls of Floyd Klein Studios. Through his podcast, “The Cutting Edge,” he shares insights on cutting techniques, industry trends, and personal stories that inspire barbers at every level.

“I believe in an open-source approach to barbering knowledge,” Klein says. “The more we share techniques and lift each other up, the more the entire profession advances.”

This generous spirit has earned Klein respect throughout the industry. Fellow barbers appreciate his willingness to share hard-won knowledge, while clients benefit from his constantly evolving technical skills.

For Klein, the pursuit of technical excellence is never-ending. “The day you think you’ve mastered everything is the day you stop growing as a barber,” he reflects. “At Floyd Klein Studios, we’re always learning, always refining our techniques, and always looking for better ways to serve our clients.”