Stijn De Sutter, Master Barber from the Renowned Scapicchio Family in Italy
From Ghent to Bovino: Stijn De Sutter’s Journey to Master Barber and the Scapicchio Legacy
In the world of traditional barbering, the title of Master Barber is the ultimate honor. Earning it isn’t a simple task. It’s not a title you can just claim—it’s a distinction awarded only after rigorous training, proven skill, and respect from the masters who came before you. And for Stijn De Sutter, a barber from Ghent, Belgium, the journey to achieve this prestigious title took years of dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to mastering the art of open razor shaving.
In the world of men’s grooming, becoming a Master Barber is akin to receiving a Michelin star for chefs—it’s not just a title; it’s a mark of true excellence. After three years of perfecting his technique, Stijn’s journey to earn the Master Barber title would take him from Ghent to Bovino, Italy, where the legendary Scapicchio family would determine if he was worthy.
The Road to Bovino: The Scapicchio Family and Traditional Italian Shaving
Accompanied by Thomas Gryson (ROMAIN’s cigar expert) and Otis Weewauters (ROMAIN’s photographer), Stijn embarked on his long-awaited trip to the Scapicchio family’s iconic barbershop in Bovino. For those unfamiliar with the name, the Scapicchio family is one of the most famous and respected families in the world of traditional Italian barbering. Their methods have been passed down through generations, and they are recognized as some of the finest barbers in the world.
For Stijn, this was more than just a trip—it was the culmination of three years of hard work and dedication. Cedric and Kenny stayed behind at ROMAIN Barbershop in Ghent to keep things running, but Stijn, Thomas, and Otis were ready to face the challenges that lay ahead in Italy.
Upon arriving in Bovino, Stijn was immediately struck by the small town’s charm. Known for attracting barbering students from all over the world, Bovino is the spiritual home of the Scapicchio family. It felt surreal to be back there after so many years of training, but Stijn was ready.
After a meal and a cigar with Luigi, the head of the Scapicchio family, the real work would begin the next day.
The Challenge Begins: Learning from the Masters
The following morning, Stijn’s journey to becoming a Master Barber began in earnest. His first task was to guide a group of beginner barbers on how to properly hold and position an open razor—no easy feat, especially in a foreign language. But Stijn was no stranger to challenges. With patience, he guided the students, translating his Dutch techniques into Italian, all while under the watchful eye of Luigi Scapicchio, a living legend in the world of barbering.
The pressure was on. Later, Stijn was asked to sharpen one of the family’s legendary razors on a whetstone—a task that only a handful of barbers worldwide would ever be entrusted with. Three hours later, after intense focus and determination, Stijn handed the razor back to Luigi, only to be met with silence. Had he failed?
The next challenge came quickly: sharpening Luigi’s personal razor in just 20 minutes. With everything on the line, Stijn worked feverishly, using every ounce of focus he had. After twenty minutes, he passed the test—the razor passed the infamous hair test.
Luigi’s only reaction? A simple, “Bueno.”
The Final Test: Proving His Worth
The real test came on the final day. Stijn was asked to perform a difficult shave on an Italian client—a test of skill, precision, and mental fortitude. The client’s beard was thick and uneven, but for Stijn, that was exactly the challenge he had been training for. With Luigi and Enzo Scapicchio watching over his every move, Stijn performed the shave with confidence.
When it was over, the client rated Stijn’s shave a solid 9/10, but the real question remained: Would this be enough for Luigi and Enzo to award him the coveted title of Master Barber?
Later, Stijn was asked to perform one last shave on Otis, but the pressure was mounting. The final shave of the day would be the ultimate test of his abilities, and the stakes couldn’t have been higher.
Finally, the moment of truth arrived.
The Moment of Truth: Becoming a Master Barber
In a quiet moment, Enzo Scapicchio motioned for Stijn to sit in the barber chair. His stern face gave nothing away. Would he be awarded the Master Barber title, or would his journey end here? The room fell silent as Enzo and Luigi handed Stijn the Master Barber Diploma, the coveted recognition that he had spent three years striving for.
The relief was overwhelming, and Stijn De Sutter, the first Belgian Master Barber to be awarded this title by the Scapicchio family, could barely hold back his tears.
“I never expected to make such a huge leap in just three years,” Stijn reflects. “Even Luigi and Enzo were surprised by how far I’d come. It’s one of the proudest moments of my life. To be the first Belgian to hold this title from the Scapicchio family—Grande!”
A New Chapter in the Legacy of Traditional Barbering
For Stijn, becoming a Master Barber isn’t just about the title—it’s about the journey, the craft, and the pride of being part of a tradition that spans centuries. The Scapicchio family, who have been perfecting the art of the open razor shave for over 200 years, have now recognized Stijn as one of their own.
As ROMAIN Barbershop continues to build its reputation as a leader in men’s grooming in Ghent, Stijn’s new title sets the bar even higher for what’s possible in the world of traditional barbering. From Ghent to Bovino, Stijn De Sutter has earned his place among the very best in the world.
Master Barber Stijn De Sutter: A Legacy of Craftsmanship, Passion, and Perfection
Whether you're looking for the perfect shave or just want to experience what it's like to be treated like a king, Stijn De Sutter at ROMAIN Barbershop is now a name you can trust. His journey to becoming a Master Barber is a testament to the art of shaving, the passion behind craftsmanship, and the spirit of never giving up.
If you want to learn more about Stijn De Sutter’s journey or book an appointment with him at ROMAIN, be sure to follow us online. We look forward to welcoming you to ROMAIN, where every shave is a masterpiece.
