Vintage Shaver
Seattle, WA
Penhaligon's English Fern shaving soap (tallow)
![[Image: lBGusci.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/lBGusci.jpg)
John
It could be my desert Island soap
Member
Idaho Falls, Idaho
I have no idea why Barrister and Mann discontinued the Latha line of products. I'll assume it was a profit and streamline business model decision and that is ok. That said, I miss knowing that when this puck of Lavanda is gone, it's gone. This one is/was a very easy and predictable soap. The lavender scent is very nice and performance is classic B&M. Well, plenty of other really nice lavender scents around. (And I do have a new puck in the wings).
![[Image: WlZT0k7.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/WlZT0k7.jpg)
![[Image: DnF4dye.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/DnF4dye.jpg)
Clay Face
Honolulu, Hawaii
Vétyver v. (Martin de Candre) bright vetiver
If this isn't my favorite soap, it's certainly among the top five. What makes Vétyver so likable? First, it's cheap. Martin de Candre will give me three passes for just over seven cents. That's better than just about every other soap in my stable. Admittedly, a full 200g jar is a little steep up front, but in the long run this super dense soap is the bean counter's choice.
Next, Martin de Candre is lean. For years I've favored soaps rich with superfats, lanolin, and exotic emollients because at first they give such a plump finish. I'm discovering lately, though, that these rich lathers often over hydrate my hide, leading to irritation the next day. I'm starting to favor simple, lean suds that may be drying at first but eventually allow my skin to balance out. Anyway, here on the beach, I get plenty of hydrofaction from the sea breeze, so I don't need much in my soap.
What's more, Vétyver smells fantastic. A clean bright note of bergamot graces an immaculate vetiver that's interesting enough to use every day, but not so strong as to annoy after three or four shaves. Vétyver offers a bright tempting scent that can easily lure me from my slumbers even on the grayest morning.
And finally, the presentation is perfect. I like the feel of the heavy plastic jar. It's unique, easy to spot, and stacks without any problems. The aperture is wide enough for my best brushes, and there are labels both on the top and the side, each sporting an elegant typeface. Martin de Candre projects quality without sliding into glamour. There aren't any gilt hood ornaments, Latin inscriptions, or opera windows. It's just a very well built soap laden with excellent ingredients and excellent value. Oh, and Vétyver gives me a really, really good shave every time.
![[Image: HBSPKn9.png]](https://i.imgur.com/HBSPKn9.png)
If this isn't my favorite soap, it's certainly among the top five. What makes Vétyver so likable? First, it's cheap. Martin de Candre will give me three passes for just over seven cents. That's better than just about every other soap in my stable. Admittedly, a full 200g jar is a little steep up front, but in the long run this super dense soap is the bean counter's choice.
Next, Martin de Candre is lean. For years I've favored soaps rich with superfats, lanolin, and exotic emollients because at first they give such a plump finish. I'm discovering lately, though, that these rich lathers often over hydrate my hide, leading to irritation the next day. I'm starting to favor simple, lean suds that may be drying at first but eventually allow my skin to balance out. Anyway, here on the beach, I get plenty of hydrofaction from the sea breeze, so I don't need much in my soap.
What's more, Vétyver smells fantastic. A clean bright note of bergamot graces an immaculate vetiver that's interesting enough to use every day, but not so strong as to annoy after three or four shaves. Vétyver offers a bright tempting scent that can easily lure me from my slumbers even on the grayest morning.
And finally, the presentation is perfect. I like the feel of the heavy plastic jar. It's unique, easy to spot, and stacks without any problems. The aperture is wide enough for my best brushes, and there are labels both on the top and the side, each sporting an elegant typeface. Martin de Candre projects quality without sliding into glamour. There aren't any gilt hood ornaments, Latin inscriptions, or opera windows. It's just a very well built soap laden with excellent ingredients and excellent value. Oh, and Vétyver gives me a really, really good shave every time.
![[Image: 73b26238c943d431bad8fc52d8997bd3.jpg]](https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200201/73b26238c943d431bad8fc52d8997bd3.jpg)
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