What soap/cream did you use today?

Red Leaf Basil Lime Shave Soap

Two things to start this day.  I'm getting tired of looking at pics of the same gear day after day but in keeping with whatever scientific method I can muster I will keep all the variables the same as best I can.  And second, remembering that a one-shot shave with a soap does not in any fashion do it justice.  All soaps don't want the same method. As such, better results might be waiting with a little tweaking.  That is likely the case today.  I chose Declaration Grooming (formerly L&L Groomings) Cuir Et Epices, a salute to leather.  Loading was easy.  Lathering was easy.  I didn't find the soap thirsty in my sampling and the lather was mid-structure and super shiny.  Slickness was good but I felt the blade in a harsh way the whole shave thus cushion seemed lacking.  Very close shave.  A bit of tightness in the post.  Scent was very well done and I of course get leather but also a sweet floral I assume is tobacco and cedar is not shy.  This is a very well done scent to my liking.  Is Declaration better than this?  I have no doubt.  Many trusted friends swear by it so I'll assume on this day I did something the soap did not like.  Don't get me wrong, the shave was just fine.  Just not as comfortable as I look for.

Razorock / Don Donato

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B&M Reserve Cool

Wholly Kaw, holy cow!  I guess I only thought I knew what my favorites were.  Today, for the first time, I tried an offering from Wholly Kaw.  Due to the price they want for a soap, I was expecting they should offer first tier performance.  Well, they did.  Scent was Man From Mayfair and aromatic fougere it is!  The first note I get is licorice. I assume it's from basil.  I get notes of lavender, moss, and sandalwood.  The strength is medium strong and really opens up on lathering.  I'm not sure I'd want a cologne in this scent but MAN I do like the scent a lot.  Lather is low structure and dense.  I didn't find it the slickest soap but it is plenty slick.  Cushion is excellent.  Post shave?  Well now, this is a post-shave dream.  Awesome feel in the post.  But the lather felt great all the way through.  Dang!  I don't need more soaps but....

WK and GD are me favorite soaps. Glad you discovered it. I find the scents and scent strength to my liking. All great less the leather. Wicha on the post!

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Wholly Kaw Washington Blend

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VDH Luxury

Stirling Lemon Chill/Lime SS

Clayton

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Abricot v. (Le Père Lucien) apricots

What once were safe scents can suddenly, and annoyingly, start to irritate. For years I had no problem with soaps that smelled of orchard fruit, but lately pears, peaches, apples, and now apricots put a stinging blush on my face. Their cousin, the rose, does the same if I use it more than one day. Another cousin, the almond, is also commonly cited by shavers as an irritant (I have very few soaps that feature almond, so I don’t know if it rubs me raw). Face lathering seems to increase the sensitivity, so I’ll stick to mixing Abricot in a bowl. Why don’t I just get rid of it? Aside from the mild sting, it gives a great shave, and I can’t give up on a tub that brings back so many memories of the best part of July.

Wholly Kaw  King of Bourbon. Particularly  love the Bufala base