Neighborhood barbers still exist

topey@sanduskyregister.comMatt Ridgeway is proud to be a neighborhood barber working in his own shop.Ridgeway recently opened up Platinum Razor Barber Shop in a small storefront in the residential neighborhoods around Camp and Pierce streets. Adults, teenagers, parents and their kids alike go to him to have their hair cut."It's really humbling," Ridgeway said. "I would not have this shop if not for every single person who has sat in this chair. That's who I owe this to."In his chair was Makhi Schreck.Ridgeway has been cutting his hair for about a year. Schreck trusts Ridgeway and can talk to him about any problems he is experiencing at school or with his parents.Schreck also likes how Ridgeway makes him look without rushing clients out of the shop in 15 minutes to make room for the next customer."I know I am going to walk out feeling like a million bucks," Schreck said.Ridgeway has been a barber since 2007, working in other shops in Sandusky.He cannot see himself doing anything else.Ridgeway tears up when he comments his father, who died in 2006, would be proud of him becoming a barber and having his own business."It's a very respectable industry," Ridgeway said.He credits God for opening up an opportunity by making the space available.He credits his mentor, a barber in Fremont, for guiding him and giving him "the recipe" for success.Ridgeway laughs when asked what the recipe is. He will not divulge that secret.Maybe it is the fact he treats his clients with respect."I believe every man deserves to be pampered, you take some time to give them service," Ridgeway said.After a stressful week at work and maybe at home, a man can come in, watch the game on the television, have a good conversation or just relax with a straight razor and hot towel shave.Maybe it is the fact he knows how to use the instruments of the trade."The tools you have generate income when you know how to use them," Ridgeway said, using scissors, clippers and a straight razor on Schreck. "There are barbers who still use a razor. There are barbers who still give good service."Platinum Razor Barber Shop1822 Camp St.Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Appointments taken for Monday, Tuesday and WednesdayPhone: 419-494-7769PricesAdult cuts $12Adult cut with face $15Children 10 and under $10Children 11 and up $12Specialty cuts like fades and afros $15Straight razor and hot towel shave $15All seniors 60 and over as well as service members receive discounts at Platinum Razor Barber Shop.On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, military members with proper military identification will be charged $5 for a haircut.Register photo/JASON WERLING Barber Matt Ridgeway cuts Makhi Schreck's hair at Ridgway's Platinum Razor Barbershop on Camp Street in Sandusky on Thursday, October 30, 2014.Register photo/JASON WERLING on Thursday, October 30, 2014.Register photo/JASON WERLING Tools of the trade at the Platinum Razor Barber Shop on Thursday, October 30, 2014.Register photo/JASON WERLING The Platinum Razor Barber Shop at 1822 Camp Street in Sandusky on Thursday, October 30, 2014.Register photo/JASON WERLING Barber Matt Ridgeway cuts Makhi Schreck's hair at Ridgway's Platinum Razor Barbershop on Camp Street in Sandusky on Thursday, October 30, 2014.