Proraso is a brand that I was first introduced to when a former boss gave the team small Christmas gifts one year.  This was a long time ago.  A time when I was exclusively using a Mach 3 cartridge razor; MySpace was emerging in popularity; and Harry’s Razors wasn’t even a thing.  I received the Proraso Green Preshave cream in my little gift bag. Back then, I had no idea what this brand was and I didn’t know what a preshave cream was.  I was still using canned foam.

Proraso Green Shave Soap in a Tub in one of my Shaves of the Day

When I first tried it, I knew immediately knew that I liked the cooling sensation and the scent.   That was my introduction to Proraso.  Since then I’ve had the chance to use and become a fan of the different varieties of scents and products that they offer.  The Proraso White Shaving Soap remains one of my favorite scents. 

The Proraso Green Shave Soap is a very soft soap; widely considered a croap

This Proraso soap is a very soft soap with an off-white in color and it smells like soap with a mild eucalyptus scent.  If you take a eucalyptus and blend it with a mild aroma of an Arko shave stick – that’s what it reminds me of.  That’s not a bad thing; I like the scent.  The Proraso green shaving soap doesn’t require a ton of water to get a thick protective lather.  It applies easily; washes off easily; the already mild scent doesn’t linger; it doesn’t leave my face or head feeling dried out; and because of the menthol I get a cooling tingle when applied. All in all, it always contributes to a great shave experience.

I find Proraso shave soaps easy to lather.

As I wrote previously, Proraso scents are something that I’ll always associate with wet shaving.  Perhaps because I was first exposed to one of their products at a time when I was just using canned dollar store foam or perhaps it’s because the company has been around since the early 1900s. But the Proraso shaving soaps in a tub are a staple in the shave den.  Proraso is becoming more widely available, from my local grocery store to Amazon to a number of shave stores across the Internet.  The accessibility to this classic line has never been greater.

Proraso products at my local grocery store!

 

Parker Shaving’s Sandalwood Sheabutter shave soap is one that I’ve used off and on for quite some time but just getting around to doing a review.   Admittedly it’s not one that I use often.  That is not due to performance or smell.  I just really like the travel sized container and tend to reserve it for when I have to fly as it doesn’t take up a heck of a lot of space in my dopp.  Though, I may reach for it on occasion while at home.

Parker Shave Soap on a trip with me to Hawaii

The label notes Sandalwood Sheabutter.  However, this doesn’t smell like other sandalwood fragrances I have previously smelled.   I can’t pinpoint what the fragrance is.  But, the soap smells sweet and almost floral.  My wife’s first impressions were of lilac, lily of the valley, and cut grass.  It is not an appalling scent by any stretch; just not what I would necessarily reach for if I was in a mood for an all sandalwood themed shave.

 

One of my Shave Of the Day photos ... I think this was in Florida

While I haven’t taken it to a wide range of places, I’ve used the soap in California, Hawaii, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania.  Each time, I found the soap pretty easy to lather.  I also found to be slick, protective, and the scent washed away during that post shave rinse.  All of this made for a positive shave experience both at home and away.

 

I easily get a slick, protective lather with this soap.

Parker Safety Razor’s Sandalwood Sheabutter Luxury Shave Bar is available in a 100 gram bar as well as the travel sized 50 gram container.   It looks like the clear travel container that I use may no longer be available.  I will have to say that I do like the black container that is pictured on many other sites.   I am torn which I prefer. 

 

A home SOTD with the Parker Shave Soap

 

One would think that with the Covid19 lock downs; one would have more time to write.  Personally, I’m finding the opposite to be the case.  Not sure about you, but working remotely (for me at least) means the work is always there.  So, I find myself dedicating more time on my day job.  Plus, there are the never ending home improvement projects that seem to now have more urgency.  Even after the weight of some of that gets lifted a part of you may sometimes sit in front of the computer and just come up blank.   Well … those are my excuses at least. 

 

One of my SOTDs with the Taconic Eucalyptus Mint Shave Soap

Regardless, I figured that it’s a new year, time for new habits … and time for a new post.  I’ve reached into the archives to find posts that I started but never finished.  One of which is the Taconic Eucalyptus Mint Shave Soap.   

Updated since I purchased mine: the latest (as of this writing) packaging design.

It looks like the packaging has been updated since I purchased and first started using it.  But the ingredients appear to have stayed the same.  Which I view as a good thing.   This is a soap I really like; most notably its smell.  I find the aroma opening the tin to be pretty powerful.   I’d open the canister about a foot or so away from my nose and I’m met with a scent reminiscent of Vicks VapoRub with a little bit more mint added.   Personally, this is a scent I enjoy that scent very much. 

The soap puck.  As you can tell, mine has been through a few lathers

To my nose, the scent isn’t as powerful when lathering.  I can definitely smell it, but it isn’t as overwhelming as when the canister is first opened.   It washes away pretty clean as well and I find that the scent doesn’t linger around.  There are some lotions, soaps, or shaving creams that can have an over powering aroma or scent that it gives me a slight headache.  I didn’t find that to be the case with this Taconic Eucalyptus Mint shave soap.

An enjoyable lather.

The soap is a puck measuring roughly 3 inches in diameter. Lather-wise, I get a nice, thick, and protective lather from it.  I’ve been using the soap off and on for a while.  It’s been with me to Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania.  I find it easy to build a lather with the Taconic Eucalyptus Mint shave soap even with the different water types of those states.   Maybe 2021 will bring opportunities to try to different shaving soaps, creams, razors, blades, and what have you in different parts of the states or even world.   Here’s to hoping.

Lime is one of those scents that I associate with the summertime.  I suppose I associate it with Margaritas, Mojitos, or other summertime cocktails.  One unique lime scent is Soap Commander’s Respect.  Described on their site as “ … a lovely deep earthiness with a well-balanced, sophisticated respectful kiss of lime … ”.  Respect is a blend of lime and patchouli. So, I would imagine that it’s the patchouli that gives Respect that unique “earthiness” quality. 

Soap Commander's Respect Shave Soap and Aftershave Balm

To me, the scent is fairly strong.  It doesn’t fill up the room when opening the container. But, I could hold my nose about 6 inches away from an open container and get a nice whiff of it.   Whatever washes away from my head and face, faintly remains in the sink or shower and I could sometimes smell it when I go back to the bathroom. 

Messily building a lather

I wrote about a different Soap Commander patchouli blend in a previous post, Soap Commander Confidence Shave Soap and Aftershave Balm.  In that post I noted that I had to use Confidence sparingly because my wife dislikes patchouli.  Even though (to me) Respect is pleasant and smells primarily of lime, the patchouli in this soap is what my wife notices.  So, this is another scent that I like that I have to use sparingly.  

Personally, I think Pinaud's Lime Sec goes well with Respect

As far as the lather goes, I get a thick and protective one that has a good cushion and slickness.  As with any of the Soap Commander soaps that I’ve tried, this is a constant and a characteristic that I’ve come to expect from their shave soaps.  Like in previous posts, I’ve gotten into the habit of using the Marco Method when using Soap Commander soaps.  I frequently spend time in New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida. The water quality feels different between the states,  but this hasn’t affected the quality of lather I get with Soap Commander soap.  But as they say in the wet shaving world:  your mileage may vary (YMMV).

My Latest SOTD

I used the Respect Shave Soap for my latest shave of the day (or SOTD), which means my wife could smell the residual Respect aroma.  Of course with COVID19 shelter in place directives, perhaps shaving with this soap may not have been my smartest move. 

I’ve had RazoRock’s Essential Oil of Lime is a soap in the soap hoard of my shave den for some time.   So long that RazoRock has gone through changes in the formula and packaging designs since I got this.  I suppose I tend to hoard soap and use (and even review) them at my own pace. 

RazoRock Essential Oil of Lime - Yea, I'm behind a couple of versions

Essential oil of Lime is described as a “fresh lime scent.”  Personally I think this is a very pleasant scent and something my wife really likes. It reminds me of lime zest rather than, say, freshly cut limes. As with the RazoRock soaps that I’ve used, the scent isn’t overpowering.  I’m aware I’ve lathered with it but not so much that it is eye watering.  I find that it washes away to a hint when rinsing my face off.  When washing my face after using an alum block, I find the scent disappears.

Loading the brush.

This version of the Essential Oil Of Lime is white in color and is very soft in texture.  From some YouTube videos and pictures of the latest version, it appears that these characteristics haven’t changed that much as many are still calling it a croap.  With this soap, I get a slick and protective lather.  As with other RazoRock soaps, it is fairly easy to build without precise measuring of water.  I don’t know about you, but some soaps that I’ve used it feels like you have to have it down to the milliliter otherwise it would be too thin or thick.

RazoRock's soaps produce a slick and protective lather.

While RazoRock has their own Essential Oil of Lime Aftershave to complement the soap, there are also a lot of lime scented aftershaves to choose from that could nicely complement the soap.   To name a few Pinaud’s Lime Sec, St. John’s West Indian Lime, and Col Conk’s Lime aftershave.  Though, I tend to reach for the Captain’s Choice Lime.

A recent SOTD

The new formulation appears to contain Shae Butter, Argan Oil, Aloe Vera, and Lanolin.  While I have not tried it I am curious to about the performance.  It sounds like this would help to hydrate and protect the skin a bit more during a shave.  In the meantime though, I’ll have to use this version … which is definitely not a bad thing.  It smells great, easy to lather, and helps to protect my skin during a shave.   What’s not to like.
What do you think of the Essential Oil Of Lime Soap?  Leave a  comment below and let us know what yo think.

If you’re one for a sweet, fruity, and floral scent, the Dr. Jon’s Savannah Sunrise scent might be worth considering … particularly if you like peaches.   The scent is a blend of Orange Blossom, Peach, Gardenia, Jasmine and Honeysuckle.  Personally, I’m not one for floral or sweet fruity scents.  It’s not a hard and fast rule of mine and it’s not that I hate floral or fruit aromas (I actually do like lemon and lime).  But, it isn’t something that I reach for first. 

Dr. Jon's Savannah Sunrise Shave Soap and Aftershave Tonic

Lathering the Shave Soap

Savannah Sunrise Aftershave Tonic

Dr. Jon’s Aphrodite scent is described as a blend of rose, pomegranate, black currant and apple to make a sweet and floral fragrance designed for either men or women.  The soap performs well, the aftershave has a satisfying sting, and I really like the packaging designs. However, the scent really isn’t my thing. While I use them on occasion I will have to say that floral scents aren’t really my thing.

Dr. Jon's Aphrodite Shave Soap and Aftershave Tonic

Like other Dr. Jon’s Shaving Soap that I’ve used, Aphrodite provided a nice, thick, and protective lather without much effort.  As far as the scent strength: I found that is fairly strong when smelling in the tin but isn’t overpowering when face lathering.  The scent washes away and doesn’t linger when rinsing off.   I have the 2 oz tin, which I believe is now out of production.  Though, as of this writing, a 4oz tin is available on Dr. Jon’s web store.

The 4oz Tin was available from Dr. Jon's site.

At one point Dr. Jon’s had a complementing Aftershave Tonic, which also I believe has since been discontinued.  As of this writing, I am not seeing the Aphrodite Aftershave Tonic on their website. The splash has a nice sting to it and I feel that it has a gradually escalating, menthol burn to it which kind of reminds me of the burn I get with Captain’s Choice Cat O’Nine Tails.  I’m not certain if others have experienced this, but with wet shaving Your Mileage May Vary (YMMV).  As far as the scent of the aftershave goes, I found Aphrodite to be strong.  About an hour after applied to just my upper lip and chin I was still aware of its presence.  I thought that maybe it was just because it was under my nose but people who sat across from me at dinner made it known that they could smell it.

The scent isn't really my thing, but I thought the lather was great.

Overall, I’m a fan of the Dr. Jon’s line of shaving soap and aftershave tonics.  Like I mentioned previously, floral scents aren’t really my thing.  It’s a Dr. Jon’s shaving soap, so I enjoy using it for the performance and because the aroma easily washes away.  Regrettably, the lingering smell from aftershave tonic isn’t something I can confidently wear.

Are you a fan of Dr. Jon’s Shave soaps and aftershave tonics?  Please leave us a comment below and let us know what you think.

Some time ago we went to the Buffalo Saturday Artisan Market. With this type of marketplace, I like to browse the soap makers’ offerings.  Not only looking for appealing scents and shapes that that both my (now) wife, but also see if they offer a shave soap or if they have line of shaving soaps.

Canalside, Buffalo for the Artian Market

During this particular visit, I discovered a stand for Aremel Soaps-n-Such.  Based out of Buffalo, NY they’ve been making soaps since 1999.  They had a number of really neat designs but I was drawn to their “Scented Shaving Soap.”  There were two pucks (each weighed about 1.5 oz) that were packaged in cellophane, tied with ribbon and a tag containing the name as well as a list of the ingredients.  I think I may have paid about $6.00 for it, so I felt it was worth the try.

The Aremel Shaving Soap

Lathering the Aremel Shaving Soap

This shaving soap by Aremel Soap, yielded a slick and protective lather as well. When shaving, the razor easily glided over my skin. For this test I used a mild razor: my Edwin Jagger DE3D14bl armed with a Treet Stainless Steel Razor blade. As I had hoped, I finished the shave with no nicks, cuts, or irritation.

Got a nice, slick, and protective, with this soap.

As far as the scent goes, I’m not certain how I would describe it.  To me it smells a bit floral and cologne-y.  It does have a masculine air about it. But when asking my wife for her impression she described it as combination of floral scents.  When applied it is a bit stronger than some of the other shaving soaps that I’ve used; which is not a bad thing, I am just a little more aware I’m using this soap compared to some of my other wet shaving favorites. 

SOTD with the Aremel Shaving Soap

In closing, I was really impressed with the Aremel Soaps-n-Such Shaving Soap.  If I were to choose a downside, I’d have to go with the scent. But for the price, I think it was worth the try.  As of this writing, I am not seeing this soap on The Aremel Soaps-n-Such Etsy store or their Facebook page.  I suppose I’ll check back from time to see if they’ll have a shaving soap is available. But if not, they have a number of others that are pretty neat (in my opinion); such as a Moai shaped soap and a Lucky Cat bar.  

Did like the lather from this shaving soap.

Have you tried any soap from Aremel Soaps-n-Such? Please leave us a comment below and let us know.

The barbershop scent is one of those that I find hard precisely describe.  It’s like the word “dude;” it’s used a lot and could mean something different based on one’s interpretation.  Just  about every barbershop scent that I’ve had the pleasure of sampling smelled differently than the next. Fine Accoutrements American Blend smelled differently from Pinaud Clubman; Clubman smells differently than Sir Hare Classic; and Dr. Jon's Classic smells differently as well.

Dr Jon's Classic Shave Soap and Aftershave Tonic

Dr. Jon’s Classic scent is described on their site as a “combined hints of herb, wood, flowers and citrus to create a crisp and fresh fragrance that will make you want to run straight to your local barber for a cut and a shave” and it is their take on the barbershop scent.  On the label Dr. Jon’s lists rosemary, bergamot, lavender, cedar, lime, and vetiver.   To my nose, the lavender and lime stand out more and to give Classic its unique scent.

Dr. Jon's Classic Shave Soap is a soft soap which could probably be described as a "croap"

The Classic Shave Soap is most likely considered by many to be a “croap” as it is of a soft consistency.  As with the other Dr. Jon’s Soaps that I’ve used, Classic performed like the others as it yielded a thick, protective and slick lather without much effort.  Scent-wise, I found that it isn’t overpowering when applied.  It doesn’t linger and it easily washes away when rinsing off.  

I get a good, slick, and protective lather with Classic Vol 1.  Interested in trying Vol 2.

To complement the soap, Dr. Jon’s Classic is also available as an aftershave tonic.  As I’ve written before, I like a nice sting of an aftershave splash; with the aftershave tonic I get a nice and satisfying burn that my skin craves after a shave.  The aftershave’s scent lasts longer than the soap.  But to my nose it doesn’t seem to linger around as much as, say, Black Label.   Granted, I’m not a huge fan of the Black Label, so it is possible that I may just get used to the Classic scent much quicker as I find it to be more pleasant of an aroma.

My 2oz tin (which I believe are no longer available) of Classic for one of my SOTD's

Overall, I’m a fan of the Dr Jon’s Shave Soaps.  Since I’ve purchased my Classic tin though, they have gone on to reformulate their soaps and this soap is now available as “Classic Vol. 2”.  It generally looks like it is being met with some good reviews.  I have yet to try Vol. 2, but look forward to giving it a shot one day.

Are you a fan of Dr. Jon’s Shave soaps and aftershave tonics?  Please leave us a comment below and let us know what you think.

I like going to farmer’s markets and craft fairs to discover the different handcrafted items.  Particularly, I like to see the bath and body product artisans.  Especially if there is shave soap and other men’s products involved.  

Gentleman's Shave bar by Rad Soap Co.

I was at the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market in Troy, NY some time ago and found the stand for RadSoap Company. They had a good amount of products on display but one in particular grabbed my attention.  It was a bar of soap packaged with a paper band around it that pictured the Rad Soap Co. logo, a barber pole, and a moustache.  It only listed the ingredients and the words “Mens Shave Bar” on it.  It was a 3oz cube of soap that smelled nice and was reasonably priced (around 5 dollars at the time). So, it was yet another wet shaving impulse buy. The packaging didn’t have any directions or even a detailed description.  But the company’s web site did provide a little more detail.  

The Soap Fit Perfectly in my Old Spice Shave Mug

On the site it is listed on site as Gentleman’s Shave Bar and is described as: “A thick lathering shave bar crafted with Bentonite Clay.” The website also noted it is scented with Plumeria and Lime and goes on to further describe it as “… a moisturizing and smooth-lathering bar of soap to gently cleanse and prep the skin for shaving” as well as it not containing parabens, sulfates, Phthalates, harsh chemicals, gluten, GMOs, animal products, or nut oils.  The packaging has since been updated since I purchased mine.  I'm not certain if the formulation has changed, but the ingredients listed on the site match what is printed on the label of the bar I purchased.

Ingredients listed on the packaging

The directions/suggested usage from the site:

• Gently massage bar onto moistened skin, or badger brush creating a thick lather.
• Apply lather generously to desired areas.
• Shave desired areas as you would with a shaving cream.
• Rinse clean with water.

One of my Shave Of the Days when trying out this soap.

It produced a generous amount of bubbly lather

Figuring that it might have been bigger knot, I tried lathering this soap another time with a smaller brush.  But the results were still the same.  Finally, I tried massaging it onto my face and then lathering with a brush in Arko Shave Stick-like fashion.  Unfortunately, this didn’t work at all for me.  I got a small amount of bubbles on the face and a little that ran down my hand as well as brush handle.  So, I had to abandon this lather and move on to a different soap to finish the shave.

After about 45 seconds after applying, the lather seemed to thin

I like the Rad Soap products.  The company is a purveyor of natural products and they have a Natural Insect Repellant that my mother really likes.  But, for me, the Gentleman’s Shave Bar didn’t offer the thick, stable lather that I was hoping for.  The soap smells nice and it didn’t leave me with a feeling of residue on my face.  So, personally, I’d most likely use this in the routine as preshave soap to help soften my stubble rather than a shave soap. 

Have you tried any of the Rad Soap products? Please leave a comment and let us know.