But inside, Fine heads a row of nine barbers who cut, style, and shave a steady stream of UW-Madison customers, from freshmen to emeriti professors. Students, who always have been Fine's favorite clients, know that sitting down in his chair is a minivacation: a great view of the action and a sympathetic ear for ten or fifteen minutes. Even today, before a recital, a big game, or a blind date, many people on campus know Fine can give them an outlet — and shorter hair.
"They tell me everything," Fine says proudly. "Exams, spring vacation, sports …"
And during all those years of listening, he has done nearly 600,000 haircuts, Fine estimates.
While his quiet demeanor might not suggest a campus news hound, Fine has always kept his finger on the pulse. During the demonstrations of the late sixties and early seventies, Fine had a front row seat — although perhaps a precarious one. Yet he says the floor-to-ceiling windows of his shop have never been broken by students, even during the most intense of parties or protests.
Few things have changed for Fine during the past half century. He still arrives at the shop by six every morning to shave himself and get ready to open. He leaves at six each night. He gives shaves with a straight razor, a rarity these days.