Blades and Bristles Named Best Barbershop in the Upstate

By: Tracy Sanders, Publisher

tracy@thewoodrufftimes.com

WOODRUFF — A Woodruff barbershop that opened less than two years ago is celebrating a major milestone after being named Best Barbershop in the Upstate.

Blades and Bristles opened in the fall of 2024 after owner Jonathan Murphy saw an opportunity created by the continued growth of Woodruff and the surrounding area.

“We opened Blades and Bristles in the fall of 2024 out of a need we saw coming with the growth in our area,” Murphy said. “Since we have opened, we have seen a lot of changes — not only in our town, but our business as well.”

Murphy credits much of the shop’s success to the team working alongside him and the customers who have supported the business since it opened.

“We have the best in the business working for us, and our customers are a testimony to that,” he said.

Last week, Blades and Bristles was named Best Barbershop in the Upstate after coming close to the top honor during its first two years.

“The past two years, we made it to the final three, which was a huge accomplishment for a new business,” Murphy said. “This year, we made it over the finish line.”

For Murphy, the award represents more than recognition for cutting hair. He said it reflects the perseverance of his entire team.

“This recognition to me is a testimony of our hard work and perseverance in the face of many challenges, obstacles and setbacks,” Murphy said. “We are a team, and we will always work hard to be the best in the business.”

A Woodruff native, Murphy said he wanted Blades and Bristles to be a business rooted in the community rather than simply another place to get a haircut.

The shop’s motto is “Iron sharpens iron.”

Murphy said part of that philosophy is encouraging local men and business owners to make connections while supporting one another.

“We strive to support local businesses and do our part to keep our community working,” Murphy said. “Strong, confident men build strong, confident communities, and we allow them to network themselves inside our shop.”

Visitors to Blades and Bristles will find a wall filled with information and connections to hundreds of area businesses.

“We pour back into our local community, and that is a difference that shows,” Murphy said.

Now, the Woodruff-based business is preparing to expand.

Murphy said Blades and Bristles plans to open its second location in Greer near the intersection of Highway 101 and Interstate 85 in the coming months.

“We are excited about bringing our brand and talent to another town near us to help strengthen the surrounding communities of Woodruff,” he said.

Murphy also recognized the employees who helped the business reach this milestone.

“I’d like to thank Anna and Dalaney,” Murphy said. “I couldn’t have put together a better team. You guys are the highlight of our brand, with more talent than anyone else around you, and you deserve all of the recognition this gives.”

He also welcomed newer team members Meghann and Adrianna, calling them “such a blessing and a Godsend.”

Above all, Murphy said the award belongs in part to the customers who have supported Blades and Bristles.

“You guys are the real MVP,” he said. “Thank you for your votes, prayers and continued support, and we look forward to making our mark on this community for many years to come.”