Review (5/5): Exellent Dense Lather that does not collapse
I received this shave soap as a Christmas gift from a friend after a discussion about different types of shave soaps and how I have too many of them. Thanks buddy. I could be mad and complain that he didn't hear me, but he clearly did because I was very happy to acquire this new soap.
Shaving experience: This soap is not a hard cake soap like you might encounter from Geo F Trumper or Taylor of Old Bond St. which require a brush with a very good loft to hold water, but neither is a it a creme that is ready to go with plenty of water mixed in (which you might prefer if you use a synthetic brush). I use a badger brush, and I got very good and dense lather that did not collapse on my face, and did not have to be refreshed on the brush between applications. Lubricity was good, but it was also very easy to get the soap off by splashing with cold water, which can be a tricky combo to pull off. I've used soaps before that required the use of a towel to get them off of my face and felt too thick and heavy when I tried to pass my razor through them. With my freshly honed straight razor I felt no tugging or pulling as I shaved, and for most areas of my face, a single pass was sufficient. The Texaus aftershave is also very nice, no burn at all. The combination of the two left my face feeling very smooth and moisturized.
Scent: The smell of this shave soap is a combination of manly wood smells and bright, fruity, and citrus, notes. I would rate the scent as one of the most pleasant that I have used, and after shaving for some time i could still smell it distinctly and was always pleased when I noticed it.
Overall I would rate this soap very highly for anyone looking to get into wet shaving. I think it would be good for either safety razors or straight razors.