“We’re proud to be called Barbers. Most want to be called stylists,” said Julian, a 43-year Camden Barber Shop veteran barber.
Camden Barber Shop, one of the longest standing barbershops in San Jose first opened their doors back in 1966. Family owned and operated since day one, this great place boasts quite the history and remains a San Jose Gem – untouched by time.
Julian told me that a haircut in 1966 would have only cost $1.99 and $.92 for kids. While the price of a man’s haircut has since grown to a mere $14, this minor inflation is still the best deal in town. For such a quality cut, great ambiance, and even better company, this is a nominal fee, which I am more than willing to shell out including a tip.
Supercuts is no comparison to these guys. Being able to understand your barber is also one of the finer points of this establishment. I don’t think anyone enjoys worrying whether or not the person cutting their hair understood what they just asked for…zing!
For those of you that have beards or enjoy the awesome feeling of a professional and old style shave, this place can take care of you too! Bobby (my barber) once told me that a barber is only ever ready to do a shave with warm lather and a blade when he can master shaving a balloon without popping it – a skill that takes quite some time to learn. The warm lathered shave is quite the therapeutic experience too. I suppose it would compare to a woman’s spa day with a manicure and pedicure.
Camden Barber Shop is one of the only places in the area that can boast serving 4 generations of a single family. Their oldest customer, who has been coming since day one, is 92 years old. Even the first California Super Lotto winner was also a customer. People come from great distances to get their hair cut by these guys. Some even come from as far away as Seattle and Sacramento.
“I’ve been coming to this barbershop longer than I’ve ever had any doctor or dentist,” one customer said.
When asked what kept him coming back to Camden Barber Shop, a customer by the name of Josh said, “They’re friendly people, you always know what you’re going to get. The service is always the same. It makes it enjoyable to come here.”
From the day they opened in 1966, Camden Barber Shop has watched San Jose and the world evolve. They’ve seen more than 12 stores come and go in their little shopping center as well as many homes around them built, torn down, and then rebuilt again. On the TV in the corner, they’ve witnessed presidential inaugurations, news updates on the war, Super Bowls, and even the dreadful twin tower attacks. Time has shifted around them and they’ve had a front row view of every change including hwy 85’s construction, which once built, took much of the traffic that passed by them every day.
While the decline in barbershops is ever present, the historic art dwindling, and the service of hair care evolving, these few barbers are thankful for their jobs and the ability to serve the community. Julian told me he wouldn’t have done anything different. As a barber he’s been able to buy a house, send his daughter to college, and give her a huge wedding. He couldn’t imagine doing anything else and is thankful for his 43 years of job security.
These guys are what make for a true barbershop experience. So next time you need to get your hair cut or merely a trim, think about taking a drive to visit Bobby, Julian, and Mike at the Camden Barber Shop at 14704 Camden Avenue in San Jose between Union and Leigh.
No appointment is needed. Just go on in, sit down in the old saloon style chairs, admire the vast sports memorabilia, watch the television (usually History or Discovery Channel) and get your hair cut by real professionals.
Mike – “Unless I win the lotto tonight, I’ll be happy doing this for a very long time.”
Bobby – “There’s a sense of community here. Even the various sports team pennants on the walls are brought in by customers because they wanted their favorite team represented at their local barber shop.”
- Camden Barber Shop – 14704 Camden Ave, San Jose, Ca 95124
- Phone: (408)-870-9820
- Prices: Men’s Haircut ($14) – Boy’s Under 12yo ($13) – Seniors 65+ ($11)
- Other Services: Shaves & Beard Trims
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Oh what memories..I am 38 and I loved your whole presentation, give us more. I remember back , way back when all the different hairstyles that we checked out online to us. The curls, oh the Farrah look was so hot. Thanks for great post
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