Values generated by previous generations are sometimes overseen by todays generations. We, as traditional shaving enthusiasts, think that those values should be well preserved and carried over to next generations. That is why we are now going to mention Zaza Brand, which is one of the most prevailing brands in wet shaving world. Enjoy reading :) 

The story of Zaza begins.

It all begins with Paul Zazadze, who was born in 1900, as a member of a big Georgian Family. He arrives to İstanbul for his university study in 1917 . While studying, he also started working for the Georgian traders in Tahtakale. He could not return back to his country due to the Bolshevik Revolution and stayed with his uncle, who was the abbot of the Georgian Church of İstanbul. With a burning fire of tradesmanship, Zazadze did not continue with his university study and started trading on his own. He must have loved İstanbul so much, that he decided to stay, even though his US-visa was approved in 1924. Zazadze opened his first store in Baltacı Inn, Tahtakale with the name, "Haliz İngiliz Çelik Mamulatı Satış Mağazası" (Genuine British Steel Products Shop). In this shop, he traded various kinds of products, including straight razors, knives, pocket knives, barber accessories, scissors, oil lamps, batteries and so on. He became the best known trader in Tahtakale in very short time. He even bought Baltacı Inn, restored and renamed as Zaza Inn after the fire disaster.

Until 1931 Zazadze was trading the razor blades which he imported from Germany. But in 1931, he established Turkey's first and world's third razor blade factory in İstanbul. Other than razor blade production, he was successfully producing various cosmetic products like talcum powders, shaving soaps etc. It was a huge progress for Zaza, that it started producing more than 60 sub-brands like Zaza, Kartal, Lord, Paul for domestic and foreign markets.

At that time, many other producers were also producing various goods for Zaza. Scissors, shaving soaps, talcum powders and hair creams were also produced under Zaza Brand with Zaza standards. Thus, Zaza was born as a well-known favorite brand amongst well-groomed gentlemen.

Back in fifties and sixties, straight razors of Germany, France and England were most prefererred amongst barbers and shaving enthusiasts. Zaza straight razors were also produced in Solingen-Germany, where the steel quality was highest. It's high quality straight razors, with superb crisp steel are still highly praised and sought amongst straight razor users. 

Having completed his doctorate in London School of Economics, Simon Zazadze, the second generation of Zazadze family, powered up the business and with establishment of Kartal Steel Factory in 1956, the production of famous Kartal Razor Blades was started. Year 1960 had a special importance for Zaza, as the first "stainless steel" razor blade was produced with partnership of Jewel and Wilkinson brands.
Later on, in 1964 Zaza established a new partnership with the American razor blade manufacturer, Perma-Sharp Company. Soon after this partnership, Perma-Sharp became a Turkish brand by acquirement of the company name and rights by Zaza. This was a giant step for Turkish shaving market. The highest quality double edge razor blades of that time were produced in Zaza factory until 1991 and Perma-Sharp became a global brand which was preferred by wet shavers all around the globe. After 1991, Perma-Sharp was acquired by Gillette Company (today's P&G) and the production was shifted to St. Petersburg, Russia.

For a powerful team like Simon and Paul Zazadze, even Perma-Sharp was not enough. Between years 1960 and 80, he invented world's first disposable razor in collaboration with BIC company. By establishment of razor production factories in England, France, Ireland and Bulgaria, Zazadze became one of the most important figures in global shaving community.

Known as a serious, honest and successful business person, Paul Zazadze passed away in year 1989. We remember him now as the first member (recorded as No.1) of İstanbul Chamber of Commerce, founder of first razor blade producer in Turkey and third of the world. Today, his brand Zaza is well known in many countries like Russia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Algeria and France, selling millions of razors every year and supplying technological assistance to many other companies.
Following the founder's steps, today we have a wide range of shaving and barber supplies including shavettes, alums, scissors, hair clippers, brushes, shaving and barber accessories all in high quality.