Thread: The Italian in Washington, DC

Hey Everyone,

**** I'm BigZ/ Nino. This is my second post and I thought I would use it to introduce myself to the members of SRP.

**** I am 25 years old and have always been in love with the idea of straight razors. I've always played with the idea until recently when my girlfriend encouraged me to get one. I am Southern Italian and as such I have some of the craziest curly facial hair. The barber suggested that I use a straight to cut down on the ingrown hairs. Because I'm in law enforcement an unkempt face isn't the most desired. I told my girlfriend,* who knew my of my flirtation with buying straights, and as a result she dragged me into The Art of Shaving. I bought a Dovo Shavette. I've been using it for months and the quality of my skin has drastically improved. Not only do I feel like a BAMF when I shave I find that it has a calming and cathartic effect.

**** Being a sucker for nostalgia I went on ebay and purchased a vintage italian straight. It is in great shape and should arrive in the next 2 weeks. It has "Campobasso" stamped on the blade and "11 Di Ricco Crescenzo e Figlio Campobasso" on the tang. I tried looking up this brand online and on ilrasoio. I had no luck. All I could do is narrow it down to having been produced in Campobasso, Italy which is in the Southwest.* I would love to learn more about this brand if anyone here at SRP has any info.

**** Nevertheless,* I am super excited because it's a gorgeous piece. I also purchased a Tony Miller strop and a Norton hone set. I am riding hight today.

To add to my excitement my father told me that he has a set of straight razors, strop, etc. that my grandfather purchased in Italy 50yrs ago. Two of my uncles were trained as barbers in Italy and this set belonged to my dad's youngest brother. When they immigrated in the 60's my uncle gave up barbering and my dad got the razors and equipment. I have never seen them but knowing my father they are in excellent condition. He said they are waiting for me when I get home.

All in all this has been a most exciting day. Thank you all for sharing in my joy. I will send photos when I have them.

Happy Holidays,

Nino Z / BigZ

Hi Nino,

Welcome to SRP!! You've indeed had a good day. When you get all of the items from your father, I know we'd all enjoy some pictures. Love the nostalgic things and just everything dealing with the straight razor.

I was stationed in D.C. at Marine Barracks, 8th & I S.E.. I was there 3+ years and met my wife there also. 1968-1971. It's quite a place. I participated in Eisenhower's funeral, Nixon's inauguration, and slept in the basement of the Capitol as we guarded the Capitol building during the Vietnam moratorium. We also deployed on the full length of the Memorial Bridge when the protestors threatened to close it to traffic. I guess that was the period when John Kerry threw his medals over the fence. Anyway, as I said, Quite a Place.

Be sure to peruse the wiki, linked below, and read as much as you can. There's a ton of good info in it. Also, I know you've found the classifieds and probably the vendors section, but if you missed one, they're also linked below. You've acquired some good equipment, but go slow and develop good technique before you try honing. The fewer variables in the beginning, the better.

If we can help with anything, don't hesitate to ask!! Enjoy the forum and wishing you great shaves. Again, welcome!!

Regards,
Howard