My Favorite Barber's Favorite Hair Clipper: A Masterclass in Design and Longevity (2024)

Of all the haircuts in all the barbershops in all the world, one of my best came from Darius Davie, men’s hairstylist and co-founder of Groom Guy men’s salons in Washington DC and Palm Beach. (I got dusted off at their location inside Yours Truly Hotel, in DC.) I reached out to Darius, a longtime expert source of mine for my articles. I wanted to learn the why behind his hair clipper of choice, the industry darling that is the Bevel Pro. Here’s what Davie had to say about his treasured device.

Also, don’t discount the brand’s equally outstanding trimmers. More on those below; we’ve sung the praises of all three devices at GQ, Robb Report, Forbes Vetted, and more—these three are truly beloved devices, industry wide.

Why is the Bevel Pro So Good?

Here are the features that Davie loves best about the Bevel Pro.

• Eternal performance: “I've used plenty of trimmers, and this one doesn’t lose power or precision over time,” says Davie. “Even after heavy use or when I travel, the motor stays sharp and consistent, making it totally worth the investment.”

• Sturdy magnetic attachments: “The reinforced magnetic attachments don’t move regardless if I flip the clipper in another direction or no matter how coarse my hair is,” says Davie. “Switching guards is super smooth too, which keeps things easy and hassle-free.”

• Precision detailing with LED display: Switch between 0.1-mm increments with an LED display to guide the way. “It reduces the time spent manually having to adjust and align my blade,” Davie tells me. “I've found myself saving much more time in my grooming routine by just relying on the LED screen.”

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• Design and density: True to the brand’s name, the sleek beveled design is love at first sight. It’s no light lift, either—this tool has some serious heft. But there’s brainwork behind that beautiful design: “It fits comfortably in the hand, and the counter weight is the perfect balance to make sure I'm being exact,” says Davie. “A super light clipper can cause a slight imbalance for me especially, as I can be heavy handed at times. The Bevel Pro reduces any tension I have in my wrists which can get compromised as a hairstylist.”

Two More Bevel Fixtures: The Trimmer and Trimmer SE/Lite

Bevel built its reputation on a different device: the iconic trimmer that bears the same beveled body (now sold in black, chrome, or gold plating). It’s got the same heft and power as the Pro, but with fewer bells and whistles—namely, no attachments whatsoever, aside from the ability to swap in a T-blade for edgework.

And earlier this year, the brand launched a plastic-shelled version of that trimmer, the Bevel SE (formerly the Bevel Lite), which can still zero gap for ultra-close cleanups, and with a still-impressive 4-hour battery life that will satisfy most at-home users.

Which Bevel Device is Best for You?

Why doesn't this pair of trimmers have any attachments, you may wonder? The answer will also help you choose the right Bevel device for yourself.

Davie has a prescription for both trimmers: “If you’re all about sharp lineups, shape ups, or trimming it all down for that smooth, polished look, you'll want to grab these,” he says. They’re a perfect way to keep yourself looking fresh faced, too, without ever worrying about ingrowns or full-blown shave regimens.

But here's when you might want to upgrade to the Bevel Pro: "For the person maintaining a 6-mm beard, they will want to use guards for certain shadowing or taper effect which the Pro may do him some good. Remember, with a beard that's 6-mm comes the grooming work of handling sideburns. Most people want help from a clipper with guard attachment to minimize making a mistake with just a trimmer alone.”

So, if you want a trimmer without the guesswork, and stay true to your usual line work, take your pick between the regular trimmer (which is itself barbershop caliber) or the at-home lightweight alternative. I've been testing the latter all year since its launch, and it can compete with the best of 'em—watch for an upcoming "best products of the year" from me, too, which will give it a shout out.

But if you want the max muscle, more precision, or customization, then give a green light to the Bevel Pro.

About Darius Davie and Groom Guy

Groom Guy is a group of men’s hair salons in Washington DC and at the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. They won Salon of the Year (Barbershop category) by Salon Today. In the brand’s own words: “We believe a self care routine is one of the most powerful life tools and a haircutting is where that pathway begins. We position ourselves as a centerpiece of luxury in the space of hair & premium servicing.” Follow Groom Guy on Instagram.

Darius Davie is the founder of Groom Guy, and has been cutting hair for nearly a decade. (Those steeped in the men’s grooming space will remember that Groom Guy started as a men’s grooming and wellness website for a couple years, where Darius wrote on the category before designing and opening physical locations.)