Well...
I went to Italy (one of the countries i visited in Europe. Seeing were the Folks grew up while they were there) and naturally wanted to get a straight shave.
Well i found a place where they would do it (No were, or almost no where, in Italy is open on Monday weird), and asked how much and sat down to wait.

Both the guys were young (a little nervous), the place had the old benches, timber, aqua colour sinks etc, very tradish (less nervous). They used a straight to do the back of necks so i had an opportunity to observe them in action. They seemed very competent and used a disposable Straight. The straight split apart and you could place a blade in side then put it back together.

So... i was called up and my spanish helped to explain what i wanted. His brush was enormous (never seen one like it). Metal handle (with matching bowl) and the bristles were straight up, about 3 inches long. He wet the brush and wacked some proraso cream inside the bristles (how appropriate). The lather that came out of that thing was In cre di ble. I felt like the was a massive vacuum on my face and i was left with a 1 inch think lather.

Now the story takes a turn not for the bad but not good either. He did one pass, not in any particular direction. Popped on some Nivea balm and i was off.

It was a fun experience and an O.K. shave. I had been using DEs for only a couple of weeks at the time and had gotten closer shaves. So all i can say is that it was fun. Learnt little and was not to impressed but it was positive.
There it is 'my shave in Italy'

+Buckler