Stijn De Sutter Teaches in Spain with the Family Gallego x Family Scapicchio

A Legacy of Craftsmanship: The Scapicchio and Gallego Shaving Experience

In the world of traditional shaving, there are few names as revered as the Scapicchio family. Known for their unparalleled precision, Italian flair, and dedication to the art, they’ve set the bar for shaving craftsmanship. And for Stijn De Sutter, this journey into the heart of shaving excellence led to a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration with the Scapicchiofamily, in an event that brought together two of the oldest and most prestigious barbering families in the world—the Scapicchio family of Italy and the Gallego family of southern Spain.

This was a meeting of masters, an exchange of techniques, culture, and history—an unforgettable moment where the past and present of the barbering world came together. And Stijn, as one of the few who truly appreciates the subtle art of traditional wet shaving, was invited to witness and participate in this extraordinary two-day course.

A Shared Passion, A Timeless Craft

For Stijn De Sutter, the invitation to join this historic gathering was not just an opportunity to collaborate with masters of the craft; it was a chance to connect with like-minded individuals who share the same values of dedication, quality, and passion for the art of shaving. The bond between barbering professionals, no matter their background or where they come from, is strong. The mutual respect and passion for precision work make the entire experience feel like a family reunion.

The event took place in the beautiful city of Murcia, Spain, where the weather, perfectly sunny for the season, eased the long journey. Stijn was welcomed by Enrique, the son of the Gallego family, in an antique vintage car, a charming and heartfelt introduction that spoke volumes about the warmth of this gathering. The smiles exchanged between Stijn and Enrique were instant—passion knows no borders, and here, it was immediately evident.

Emotional Beginnings: The Heart of Barbering

The event kicked off with an emotional speech by Enrique, where he shared stories of his father, his family’s history, and the enduring collaboration with the Scapicchio family. This speech encapsulated everything that the barbering world is about: connection, history, and a shared understanding of what it means to be a craftsman. These are more than just skills; they are part of a family legacy, passed down from generation to generation. It was a reminder that this business—this art—is built on human emotion, on connecting with others, and on understanding the value of collaboration.

After the speech, Stijn and the group made their way to the Gallego family shop, located just outside Murcia, where Vincenzo Scapicchio himself demonstrated the “Italian Shave” technique. It was a masterful performance—precise, fluid, and executed with the care only a true master could offer. Stijn, ever the perfectionist, offered tips and insights, translating the process for the international audience and sharing his wealth of knowledge.

A Beautifully Different Approach: The Spanish Shave

The following demonstration was by Enrique, who showed the group his own version of the shave—the “Spanish Shave”. Unlike the structured and precise movements of the Italian technique, the Spanish approach was more relaxed, fluid, and yet equally effective. The difference in style highlighted the diversity of traditions within the world of barbering. But what remained constant was the passion—the dedication to shaving with a straight razor, and the deep knowledge that flowed through both families.

After these demonstrations, it was time for the students to put their skills to the test. Each student had the chance to perform a shave on a real person, guided by a fellow barber. It was slow, deliberate work, as they practiced the techniques that had been passed down to them. The experience was challenging, but incredibly rewarding as each participant made steady progress.

A True Spanish Experience: Community and Camaraderie

After a few hours of intense practice, the group took a well-deserved break in a garage adjacent to the shop—a truly Southern Spanish moment. The atmosphere was incredibly warm, and the camaraderie between the participants was evident. There, amid the old-world charm of the space, the team shared stories and laughter, a reminder that, in the world of traditional shaving, it’s not just about the craft—it’s about the connections we make along the way.

As the afternoon wore on, Stijn and the group dove deeper into the Kamisori razor, a tool with a distinct cultural legacy of its own. Enrique led the demonstration with his characteristic enthusiasm, showing how this Japanese razor differs from the more traditional straight razors, and how its unique design requires a different technique to master.

The Next Day: A Coastal Retreat for Perfection

The next day, the group journeyed to the coast, to a stunning location surrounded by lush greenery. The venue, a charming hotel with open spaces, was perfect for the final part of the course. Here, the students would be introduced to razor honing—the delicate art of sharpening a straight razor to the perfect edge. The tables were set up, the materials laid out, and the work began.

In the morning, the focus was on honing the Western straight razor, with Stijn and the instructors walking the students through every step. By the afternoon, it was time to work on the Kamisori, taking everything the students had learned and applying it to this unique Japanese tool. The course was intense, with media coverage from the Spanish press capturing the moment for both television and photography. But despite the distractions, the focus remained on the work at hand.

A Moment of Reflection: A Family Bond Cemented

After two days of intense learning, hands-on demonstrations, and heartfelt connections, the course came to an end. But the real reward was in the bonds that were formed—not just between the families, but between everyone in attendance.

The event concluded with a simple, yet profoundly meaningful moment—a cigar shared between Stijn, Luigi, and Enrique. Sitting together, between two of the oldest and most respected barbering families in the world, they toasted to the legacy of craftsmanship, to tradition, and to the future of the art. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable experience.

At ROMAIN, we take great pride in being part of these global traditions. Shaving is not just a service—it’s an art, a culture, and a family business that transcends borders. And when you share this passion with others, it’s not just about learning a new technique; it’s about becoming part of a legacy that spans generations.