Stijn De Sutter Hosts a Legendary Shave Event in Milan with Ardennes Coticule
The Birth of the All-in-One Straight Razor Kit: A Journey to Milan, Ardennes Coticule, and the Art of the Perfect Shave
Some collaborations are born out of necessity. Others are born out of passion, deep conversations, and a shared love for the craft. The story behind the ROMAIN by Ardennes Coticule All-in-One Straight Razor Honing Kit is the latter—a tale of Belgian pride, relentless dedication, and the pursuit of shaving perfection. This isn't just about sharpening a razor. It's about preserving a centuries-old tradition and pushing it forward to make shaving an experience like no other.
It all started with a series of deep conversations between Rob Celis, the owner of the legendary Ardennes Coticule mine, and Stijn De Sutter, a master barber and the driving force behind ROMAIN. Rob's father, Maurice Celis, a living legend in the world of sharpening stones, had spent years perfecting the craft of extracting Coticule stones, the very same stones that have been the gold standard for razor-sharp edges for centuries. For Stijn, a proud Belgian with an eye for perfection, the mine was a place of learning, inspiration, and endless curiosity.
Over the years, Stijn had visited the mine countless times, gathering knowledge, asking the right questions, and perfecting his technique. Rob and Maurice, focused on the painstaking process of mining and crafting these extraordinary stones, had little time to answer the hundreds of questions that came their way about how to use these stones for the perfect shave.
But when two minds like Stijn's and Rob's meet, sparks fly. After much back and forth, much trial and error, and many trips to the mine, the idea for something revolutionary began to take shape.
The Problem: Shaving, Sharpening, and the Overwhelm of Choice
Shaving with a straight razor is an art form, but it comes with its challenges. Which sharpening stone should I use? What’s the best combination? How thick, how fine, how sharp? These are questions that both amateur and professional shavers alike wrestle with. At ROMAIN, we received these questions constantly. Whether you’re a barbershop owner, a serious shaving enthusiast, or just someone looking for that perfect edge, it can be overwhelming to find the right tools, let alone the right stones to achieve a smooth shave.
Rob and Maurice were too busy creating the perfect stone to field every query. That’s when Stijn stepped in, using his vast experience to answer these questions, experimenting with different techniques, and finding the best way to incorporate the Ardennes Coticule stones into the everyday shave.
And so, after years of conversations, trips, and experiments, we decided to make something that would solve all these problems once and for all: the ROMAIN by Ardennes Coticule All-in-One Straight Razor Honing Kit.
The "All-in-One" Solution: Three Stones, Ten Steps, One Perfect Edge
We knew the Coticule stone was something special. But with so many questions swirling around, we set out to simplify the process and create a kit that made it possible for anyone to achieve the perfect edge, every time.
Enter the All-in-One Straight Razor Honing Kit—a complete solution designed for anyone serious about straight razors. With three carefully selected stones and a simple, scientifically-backed 10-step process, this kit offers everything you need to sharpen your straight razor to perfection.
What makes this kit stand out? It’s all in the stones. The Ardennes Coticule stones have a unique 12-sided shape that makes them ideal for not just sharpening but also polishing. When used properly, these stones create a remarkably smooth and sharp edge—perfect for every type of skin, especially sensitive skin. The white Coticule, in particular, allows for a light roundness that avoids over-sharpening, giving the edge a soft yet razor-sharp finish.
The more you work the stone, the sharper and softer the edge becomes. It’s not about grinding away at the blade—it’s about gentle, consistent honing that results in a smooth, almost buttery shave. With the All-in-One Kit, you can finally take the guesswork out of the equation and achieve a razor edge that feels like a true work of art.
The Road to Milan: The Birth of the Idea at the Largest Shaving Event in Italy
The spark for this collaboration was ignited not just in the quarries of Belgium but on the floor of the Milan Barber Show—the biggest shaving event in Italy, where the world's finest barbers and shaving enthusiasts gather to share knowledge, techniques, and products.
For Stijn, the event was like diving into his element. Surrounded by good friends, including Andrea Cotonne and Paolo Barraso, the trio of talented barbers worked together, demonstrating the possibilities of the straight razor and showing attendees the magic that happens when you combine the right razor with the right sharpening technique. The highlight of the event? Stijn personally sharpening open razors with Ardennes Coticule stones, demonstrating to the audience just how quickly and effortlessly you can achieve a smooth, soft edge with the right technique and knowledge.
It was here that we laid the foundation for the All-in-One Straight Razor Honing Kit. Listening to the frustrations of the crowd, hearing their questions, and absorbing their feedback, it became clear: we needed to offer a complete, easy-to-understand solution to all the sharpening confusion.
As Stijn and his team walked through the event, they could see the excitement and passion of the attendees, all eager to learn, perfect their skills, and understand the true beauty of the craft. One of the most inspiring parts of the event was meeting Italy’s largest straight razor sharpening club, who paired their love for open razors with an appreciation for fine whiskey—a perfect reflection of the craftsmanship that goes into both the art of shaving and the art of living. The camaraderie, the exchange of knowledge, and the shared respect for the art of the straight razor left a deep impression on Stijn and the team.
A Closing Toast and the Future of Shaving
As the event in Milan wound down, the ROMAIN team, alongside Rob, Otis, Paolo, and Andrea, shared a well-deserved break in the beautiful surroundings of Bergamot, a quiet escape where they could unwind and reflect on the success of the event. The trip to Milan was more than just a showcase of products—it was a celebration of the collaboration between ROMAIN and Ardennes Coticule, and the beginning of something bigger.
A Toast to Paolo's 50 Years in the Craft
Amid the excitement and energy of the Milan Barber Show, we couldn’t let the moment pass without celebrating a true legend in the shaving world—Paolo Barraso, who was also honored during the event for his remarkable 50-year careerin the barbering profession.
It was a milestone that deserved recognition. Paolo, a master in his own right, has spent decades perfecting the art of shaving and passing down his knowledge to countless barbers. As a token of appreciation for his incredible contribution to the craft, ROMAIN presented Paolo with a beautifully crafted open straight razor from Fontani—a gesture of respect and admiration for the lasting impact he’s made over the years.
The moment was a powerful reminder of what it means to dedicate yourself to the craft, to mentor the next generation, and to leave a legacy that continues to shape the industry. We raised a glass in honor of Paolo's half-century of dedication to the art of shaving—his work is an inspiration to all of us. Here's to many more years of mastering the craft and sharing his wisdom with others.
It was a fitting tribute at a gathering of so many passionate barbers and shaving enthusiasts, where the legacy of those who came before us is as important as the future we’re building together.
More to come.
But the story doesn’t end there. The ROMAIN team is already working on bringing even more solutions to the market. Soon, we’ll be launching our very own ROMAIN Straight Razor, making the decision of which razor to choose as stress-free as possible, whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional barber. More details to come, but trust us—it’s going to be a game-changer.
In the meantime, if you want to elevate your shaving experience, the ROMAIN by Ardennes Coticule All-in-One Straight Razor Honing Kit is the perfect starting point. With its unique combination of Ardennes Coticule stones and scientifically designed sharpening steps, it’s the ultimate tool for achieving the perfect edge—whether you’re new to the world of straight razors or a seasoned expert.
Ready to master the art of the perfect shave? ROMAIN and Ardennes Coticule have you covered.
