(02-20-2021, 04:23 AM)ALI Wrote: Used Mallard "duck fat" formula today for first time. I thought the performance and post shave was first rate. GroomingDept really continues to impress.
I'll use Mumtaz kairos tomorrow, looking forward to it.
For those that have used them, or maybe even Mo could answer, I'm curious how you would compare/contrast the latest Nai, Mallard, and Kairos bases?
All of the Grooming Dept soaps are fantastic. I have evaluated soaps from nearly all of the top rated artisans. Ethos Grooming Essentials is one I have not yet tried but plan to do soon. All of Mohammad's recent formulations are wonderful. The only one I have not tried is the donkey milk formula as it is only available in Lemon Bay and my face won't tolerate lemon based scents. Nai, Mallard, Kairos and Lamb Tallow are all superb bases, as good as anything I have tried. Personally, I give a slight edge to Mallard and Lamb Tallow as the post shave feel lasts for a full 24 hours after the shave. Nai and Kairos will last at least 16 hours, but won't quite make it to 24. Most people would not even notice that, but I do. When it comes to factors such as being easy to load, easy to lather, slickness (primary and residual), and skin protection, all of the formulations are as good as anything I have tried. Even the less expensive Fortis base meets all those criteria; the only reason I consider it to be lesser than the luxury bases is that the post shave feel does not quite last 16 hours.
The Nai formulation is an interesting one. It is by far the best vegan soap base available on the market today. It contains a blend of 55 different ingredients, so it is the most complex soap formulation currently on the market. Unfortunately, that complexity make the soap expensive to produce. One day Mohammad hopes to be able to achieve the performance of Nai in a vegan base that is less expensive to produce; we will have to wait and see if he succeeds. For those who are partial to vegetarian and vegan products, Nai is a superb product. It is the only vegetable based product I have ever used that will rival the best tallow based soaps.
So far only one soaps has been released in the new, improved Mallard formulation. That is the Amore scent that was exclusive to West Coast Shaving. As expected, that soap sold out. I consider Mallard to be one of the best soaps I have ever used, so I will anxiously wait for Mohammad to move into his new home where he will have more room doe atoring supplies and producing his superb products. I am looking forward to adding a new Mallard soap to my den. Until then, there are Kairos and Nai soaps available.