Stijn De Sutter Returns to Dovo Solingen: Inside the Craft of the Straight Razor

Ghent, Belgium – Solingen, Germany – Master barber Stijn De Sutter, founder of ROMAIN and educator at the Accademia Scapicchio, recently returned to the historic workshops of Dovo Solingen — one of the world’s most renowned producers of straight razors. His visit highlights not only his close collaboration with the brand but also his dedication to keeping the art of classic shaving alive for a new generation.

A Return to Tradition in Solingen

For over a century, Solingen, Germany has been known as the "City of Blades," home to some of the finest knives, scissors, and razors in the world. Among these legendary manufacturers, Dovo Solingen holds a unique place in barbering history.

During his return to the factory, Stijn De Sutter followed the journey of a razor from raw steel to a finished straight razor— a process that combines precision engineering with traditional craftsmanship.

The Seven Steps of a Straight Razor

To give a glimpse behind the scenes, Dovo released a short video on YouTube showing the 7 essential steps in crafting a straight razor. From the initial hollow grinding of the blade to the careful hand-finishing of the scales, every detail reflects generations of expertise.

🎥 Watch the video here: How a Straight Razor is Made – 7 Steps

Why This Matters

For De Sutter, the return to Solingen was more than a visit; it was a reconnection with the very heart of his craft. As one of only sixteen officially recognized Maestro Barbiere in the world, he sees the straight razor not only as a tool but as a symbol of heritage, precision, and luxury grooming.

This collaboration strengthens his role as a bridge between traditional European craftsmanship and the modern barbershop experience at ROMAIN in Ghent. Clients who step into one of his three shops — including Belgium’s oldest barbershop, founded in 1884 — are invited to experience the same artistry that begins in places like Solingen.

Passing on the Knowledge

Beyond his daily work with clients, De Sutter continues to train barbers across Europe in the techniques of honing, shaving, and preserving the straight razor. His courses, based on Italian and Belgian traditions, ensure that this knowledge will not be lost.

The visit to Dovo Solingen adds yet another layer to his teaching: showing students the origins of their tools and the craftsmanship that goes into them.

Recognition and Legacy

As shaving culture experiences a revival, collaborations like this underline the importance of authenticity. In a world of disposable blades and mass production, the straight razor — forged, ground, and finished by hand — remains a symbol of endurance and elegance.

By returning to Dovo Solingen, Stijn De Sutter reaffirms his mission: to keep classic barbering alive, relevant, and inspiring.

👉 Curious to see how it’s done?
Watch the 7-step video by Dovo Solingen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYnVuLEn6mg

Or book your own straight razor shave at one of the ROMAIN barbershops in Ghent and experience this heritage firsthand:
Book your appointment here