Burgaw legend ‘Razor Ray’ returns to the chair as first customer at new salon

BURGAW, NC (WWAY) — A Burgaw legend is getting back in the barber chair, but this time, he’s the one getting the haircut.

Longtime barber Ray “Razor Ray” Rivenbark, who retired earlier this year after more than 60 years of cutting hair at Ideal Barber Shop, was the honorary first customer at the grand opening of The Burgaw Salon on Friday morning.

The new salon’s owners say they wanted to honor the man who set the standard for small-town service.

“It’s incredibly important to us to continue providing the same reliability and love that Ray did for 60 years,” said Michael Dickey, with the Carimar Salon Group, Inc. “Having him visit is a great honor as we start this journey.”

The Burgaw Salon will offer haircuts, color and highlights, styling, beard trims, and waxing for the whole family.

Rivenbark, known affectionately as “Razor Ray,” became a household name in Burgaw over six decades behind the chair. He bought Ideal Barber Shop in 1966 and became known for his signature vacuum clippers.

“I’ve cut six generations in some families,” Rivenbark told WWAY during his retirement interview earlier this year. “One man comes from Michigan on a regular basis, so that’s something to be thankful for.”

Now, the town that grew up in his barber chair will get to see him enjoy a trim.