Marco Finardi, from the Italian province of Cremona, had been a graphic designer for 20 years when he decided to change gears and become an artisan. Uniting his passion for pipes, woodwork and traditional shaving accoutrements, Finardi created the Marfin brand in 2012, specializing in handcrafted men’s shaving products. His badger hair brushes and razors have garnered an international following.  (WHERE TO BUY: Cardano Club , Marfin)

BACO contributor Claire Giangrave interviewed Finardi to get his own thoughts on his craft and his brand’s remarkable success.

How did you come up with your shaving brushes?

One evening, as I looked at my tobacco pipe collection, I came up with the idea of putting some Silvertip badger hair in the bowl of a pipe. That’s how I invented my first shaving brushes. My wife started sending pictures of my brushes around and people liked them. In a few weeks I began receiving inquiries and even purchase orders.

Aren’t all shaving brushes practically the same?

Every Marfin brush is an absolutely unique product that cannot be reproduced. I like having things that only I can possess. I wanted to offer to people who shared my passion for traditional shaving a product that is completely unique and created exclusively for them. My clients are not afraid of running into their same brush in someone else’s home. It’s one of a kind.

How do you square traditional artisanal quality with modern society?

Even when I was a graphic designer, I was an artisan. But my tools were computers, laser machines and printers, and I really wanted to revert to the pure artisan. I strongly believe in real artisanship, especially in the Italian tradition of creating objects that express a unique taste and are envied all over the world.

Unfortunately the Italian artisan is a dying breed. Both the artisanal profession and its characteristic know-how are disappearing as fewer and fewer young people enter this field. A few like me are trying to rediscover the pleasure of true artisanship. For me it is a unique satisfaction.

What is involved in making one of your brushes?

The process is both easy and complicated. You begin with the highest quality Italian briarwood. I don’t use cross cuts but only the plateau, or half-moons, which is the finest part of the briarwood.

Once I have the plateau in hand I study it and depending on the variations of the grain in the wood I choose how I want to create my brush handle. I cut the wood and begin to work with polishes, rasps and emery cloths. This process can last up to four hours.

I color the handle the same way you would color a tobacco pipe, that is, with natural pigments. I then soak the handle in citrus incensed Tung Oil, one of the few truly organic oils left. After two weeks I polish it with pure Carnauba wax.

Where do you draw inspiration for your work?

The principal inspiration comes from the wood itself. I look at the shape, the veins and the variations in the wood. Often I have some shapes in mind. I prefer sinuous and natural shapes and I don’t like canonical shapes.

You have to stand out.

HEADQUARTERS: Cremona

WHERE TO BUY: Cardano Club
ISSUE NO. 23 The Barber Shop Revival: THE EDITOR’s EXPERIENCE: Antica Barbieria Colla, Cedes: High-End Accessories for Gentlemen, PRORASIO: A Modern Spin on the Old Barber, Marco Finardi of Marfin: Opting for the Artisan Life , Al Pascia': Pipes to Leather Goods , F. Hammann 1864’s 5th Generation

MILAN–Effortless elegance is something that is often innate and not taught, but we can possibly provide you with the next best thing… We caught up with the co-founder of men’s Made in Italy e-commerce Cardano Club. Roberta Frattini shares her view on what it takes to dress like a real “Italian Gentleman.”

BACO: What are some of the things that are a MUST for the modern Italian gentleman? 

RF: It s always difficult to say what is a must have for the Italian gentleman but here’s my list:

1. The artisanal tie

2. A 100% silk pocket square

3. Silver cuff links (possibly customized).

4.  Handmade shoes with matching leather belt

5. Navy blue knee-length “filo di scozia” fine cotton socks

6. A bespoke suit

7. Bespoke white shirt with initials

8. A customized shoe care box

9. A one of kind shaving brush

BACO: What are some non-tangible qualities a modern gentleman must possess? 

RF: Knowledge: we believe that real exclusivity is not driven anymore by price or big brands but the knowledge of many meanings behind an item. Exclusivity: craftsmanship is by its nature a limited edition business. Let’s be honest you don’t want a tie sold in 100 items or more. We have “one of a kind” ties. The important item in a man’s wardrobe is a sense of Timeless Elegance, never trendy.

BACO: What are some of the brands you carry with the most interesting artisanal or family history and traditions? 

RF: All our brands have a strong artisanal history , in some cases it is a very long story (Marinella, Maglia, Merola, Valobra, Acqua di Biella, …) in some other cases it is much shorter (Passaggio Cravatte, Marfin , Sciamat) but not less interesting. We want to support young artisans and help them to emerge. It is our mission and we are genuinely enthusiastic about this.

BACO: What items are a must for this summer? 

RF: This summer the must is definitely a handmade extrafine panama hat by Tesi and an elegant swim short by Petronius1926 with the same ties prints and mother of pearl button.

BACO: What is a must for Pitti? 

RF: A pair of handmade sunglasses by Bob Sdrunk

BACO: Never ?

RF: The sockless phenomenon. We hope this trend fades….it is not that elegant and not very Italian.

BACO: LOL. You aren’t the only person who thinks that. Ok, always? 

RF:  Handmade vintage sunglasses by Bob Sdrunk in June and a handmade umbrella by Francesco Maglia for Pitti’s January edition.

IN THIS ISSUE:  Africa’s Mens Wear is Ripe for Growth, PITTI PREVIEW:  Stars of Constellation Africa, Making Men’s Wear In Rwanda, Cardano Club: Dressing Like A Real Italian Gentleman , Pitti Uomo Accessories Preview, Modernizing Artisan Allure at Pitti