Smells super strong, shaves super slick.  Off-putting at first but grows on you...
The first time I opened the bottle to smell this stuff, I have to say I was really disappointed.  I found it to be overly strong and perfumy.  If I were to sum it up, I'd say strongly vanilla and something very musky, and not in an entirely good way.  I decided right away to set up a return -- no way I can use this stuff, right?<br /><br />Well not so fast.  The following day, I thought to be fair, I'd give it an honest try.  And to be completely honest, I'm still doing that.  But what I've found is that the aroma DOES tone down quite a bit, both during and after the shave, and turns into something a bit more subtle.  Still strong-ish, but more curious now than offensive.  I find myself rechecking to see whether I've decided yet whether I like the smell or not.  I think that in a more dilute form, I do actually like it.  Go figure.<br /><br />As for the shaving experience... After a proper prep -- face wash, hot water rinse, rubbing about a dime size drop of oil into my face and neck, waiting 2 minutes, then whipping up some WSP sandalwood/black vanille -- I went about shaving with my trusty DE and a very aggressive Feather blade.  First pass (WTG) was smooth and without issue.  Relathered for a second pass (XTG) and found the experience equally slick and comfortable.  No nicks, smooth shave, and the combined scent of the oil and the WSP soap was a winner.<br /><br />Bottom line: It's different, and most definitely not for everyone or every shave even.  But it does what it claims to do, and it does it well.  Considering the vast range in unit prices of shaving products out there, this is fairly reasonable.  I may very well decide to cut it with some castor/argan oil to tone down the scent a bit, but I do consider it a keeper now.  Cancelled my return, glad I showed a little patience.
Rating: 4 stars