Hand of Glory Tattoo & Piercing — Attraction in New York

I'd thought about getting a tattoo for a while, but was shy about actually going through with it. Didn't feel "cool" enough, didn't know what the process would be like. But I did know what I wanted (a couple of favorite verses of scripture) and one day I woke up and just felt that "today is the day." I live near Hand of Glory, know plenty of people who have gone there, and my daughter had her ears pierced at The End is Near a while back so I trusted they would be good. I walked in, no appointment, and nervously explained what I wanted. They could not have been nicer or more welcoming. They explained the whole process to me, and squeezed me in that same day. Jim Gentry drew up some designs for me, I chose the ones I liked best, and about an hour later, I walked out with exactly the two tattoos I had been dreaming of, only even better than I imagined. Jim was so patient and gentle—I can't say enough what a great experience this was from start to finish, and how happy I am. Highly, highly recommend. Thank you!!! (These are freshly done in the photo, so they're a little pink, but they healed up easily and perfectly a couple days later, no...

I’ve been tattooed by Kate and Mike quite literally dozens of times. In all the hours of their work with me I’ve always been impressed and I’ve never been disappointed. Physically, they are both quick tattooers and make the process as comfortable as a tattoo can be. In addition to being incredibly talented artists they both take their craft very seriously. They are fabulous at communication and are always ridiculously thorough, even if you know the drill like me! Most importantly, they are people you can feel safe with- people you will never regret being tattooed by, and people who genuinely care about your experience with them. I’ve been tattooed by so many people and I’ve learned how common and easy it is for people to be treated like replaceable canvases, slapped in a chair, and tattooed hastily. It takes a true professional and good human to treat you like you and your experience matters. You’ll find that in both Kate and Mike, you’ll also find yourself looking much cooler when you leave them. If you’re looking for a great and ethical artist that your skin is safe with, check either of them out- you won’t be...

No BS, Just Good Ink

Some places feel like they’ve been here longer than the walls they’re built in. Hand of Glory is one of them. The vibe here is part rock ‘n’ roll, part backroom poker game, and part old-school barbershop — everyone’s welcome, but you’ve got to respect the craft — the kind of craft that’ll still look badass when you’re 80 and cranky.

Caroline holds the front down like a lighthouse keeper, making sure every soul who drifts in finds safe harbor. She doesn’t just schedule appointments; she sets the tone, the tempo, the welcome. She’s the voice of reason when you’re about to make a questionable life choice.

Nico works like a man who understands the gravity of forever. He’s not here to sell you on some soulless flash sheet. He’s here to make something that will live in your skin like it’s always belonged there. He’ll tell you straight if what you want is dumb, then make something ten times better. You’ll thank him for it later.

You want a quick tattoo and a selfie? Go somewhere else. You want ink that actually means something? Go to Hand of Glory.

Five stars....