What soap/cream did you use today?

Thank you old friend for the encouragement. Since the Dragonsbeard V1 my packaging  has changed to the PETG jars and lids I’m using today which are much better as they provide a better environment for the ingredients I use. Actually if I had my way I’d use glass jars but because of shipping costs from Europe ( the jars are heavy )  also some jars are bound to break on their way here so loss has to be considered. Once they arrive then there’s higher shipping costs to the customers and my vendors. An finally there’s always the chance of a customer dropping the jar and with glass the odds of it shattering are very high and I certainly wouldn’t want anyone to cut themselves!

The jars I use currently are certainly not inexpensive an in fact just the opposite. The brushed Aluminum lids I use cost more than the more commonly used jar &  lid and you could probably thrown in the labels into the equation.  I like what I use not only for the looks but also for the protection of the ingredients and I believe most of my customers appreciate them as you do.

On a side note I have a unopened jar of Dragonsbeard V 1 , V2 and V3  along with the V1 splash just because Dragonsbeard started it all. 

All the best

Frank

The Self-Named Dragonsbeard has kept a spot in my Top 3 for close to 4 years running (this summer will be 4 years). 

Angel, Beaudelaire, Khalifa and Spanish Fern all knocked it out of its #1 spot but at the moment it sits at the top. I would normally say with each version the material has gotten better and better HOWEVER, as with all my Ethos, for me the #1 standout has been scent. Performance of your “lotions and potions” will always be consistent because “You’re a cosmetics guy” and implied.  I pick and choose carefully as I like performing STRONG BOLD SCENTS.  

Performance of Ethos: like Yoghurt hitting my requirements of slickness, protection between the blade and my skin, minimisation of irritation/weepers….all the basics of soothing one’s skin to help counteract the effects of shaving. Great cosmetics are exactly that: good for your skin!  AGAIN, I like to smell something when I shave and your offerings have never disappointed.

Your packaging has always been premium.  Many of the others used premium and as their pricing went up, their use of premium packaging went down.  So now I question things silently like; “did the quality of the materials inside go down too?”  We have MANY choices in this shaving arena, and I LOVE to try new things. We are also creatures of habit….we always go back to what we favour most.

How does a shaving cream/croap/soap make it into the “ExtraProtein TOP 3?”
I have to continually reach for your product over and over and over again. Performance implied but it comes down to SCENT for me.

Cheers Frank!

Thank you  for the kind words and I absolutely love that drawing!  I wish the Jar had the new Dragon on it.  You are very talented my old friend.

Frank… “Old classics keep the same artwork”

Ethos Honeysuckle

Frank out did himself on this one. I need to get this in the new F base. The scent is perfect. I am in New Orleans on bidness, so timely packing of this small sample.

C U all tomorrow


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Frank did a Honeysuckle???  A few months or so ago Frank was kicking around some ideas for new scents and honeysuckle popped into my head.  I thought about mentioning honeysuckle, but let it slide.  I'm guessing this was a custom scent?

It was a special order my brother. I begged Frank for it.

. And Frank - your F base of this would be stellar. It is fantastic. I think Frank even likes this one.

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Tommy do you think there’s a big enough market for a straight Honeysuckle? I do like it and every once in a while I will take the wiff of the essential oil.

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Strawberry Amber Chief 28…. A rare bird indeed

Mandarino Fumo (Ethos) orange cigarillos
Shave 8 ・ 96% left

My jar of Mandarino Fumo, about a year old now, has certainly lost some of its potency. The citrus note, once vibrant, has merged with the tobacco, while a subtle animalic scent, perhaps labdanum, has come to the fore. Despite its faded state, the fragrance brings back pleasant memories from my childhood. I can almost smell the warm leather seats in an old Mercedes Benz driven by a cigar-smoking gentleman leisurely exploring the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania.

Today was also my maiden voyage with a Karve Christopher Bradley aluminum razor. I’ve used the brass and stainless versions of this same razor, but somehow they seem too heavy for my tender skin now. I chose the A baseplate for the inaugural debut. Coupled with a Wizamet blade, this aluminum razor delivered an unparalleled level of closeness and comfort. It’s nearly as light as a plastic, but as efficient as brass. Wonderful.
____________
Razor Karve Christopher Bradley Aluminum ・ Blade Wizamet ・ Brush PAA Solar Flare ・ Book Tristram Shandy, p. 219 of 689

Frank did a Honeysuckle???  A few months or so ago Frank was kicking around some ideas for new scents and honeysuckle popped into my head.  I thought about mentioning honeysuckle, but let it slide.  I'm guessing this was a custom scent?

It was a special order my brother. I begged Frank for it.

. And Frank - your F base of this would be stellar. It is fantastic. I think Frank even likes this one.

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Tommy do you think there’s a big enough market for a straight Honeysuckle? I do like it and every once in a while I will take the wiff of the essential oil.

Yes. Your honeysuckle is natural, not synthetic which makes the soap unique and useable daily. Maybe some of the boys in this thread can chime in. I may be wrong on the broad appeal, but I find it light pleasant and not cloying! Very realistic !

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Thu°Rose°day
Soap Commander Love
C U all tomorrow


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Covet that brush

Thu°Rose°day
Soap Commander Love
C U all tomorrow


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Covet that brush

Danny thanks. Took me 7 years to get a Paladin Strawberry Amber. I will leave it to you in my will brother.

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Cyril R. Salter - French Vetiver cream

Hmmm... where Mike's Vetiver turns smoother and nuttier upon lathering, Salter turns into "Tire Shop". And for some reason, I like it! Nice shave too.

Friday April 21, 2023
Razor: Gillette New LC/ CG Hammered Handle
Blade: Wizamet
Brush: Spartan Custom/Cashmere
Soap: HC&C Peppermint
AS 1: Witch Hazel
AS 2:
Fragrance:
Consecutive Daily Shaves - # 1,628

Hendrix Classic & Company is a Vendor I've seen used by others and been curious about for awhile but with me trying to cull soaps down some, they fell into the category of I'll try them eventually but there are so many companies out there now. Imagine my delight when I saw a couple samples in the mix passed to me by ewk and mrdoug. My choice was peppermint this morning as I've seen a few makers of this scent and it's been one I've wanted to try. I'm a spearmint guy but hey, close enough. Nice scent strength without being overpowering and a nice cooling effect grew with each pass of the shave. Soap lathered well and gave a nice protective lather with good slickness for the shave. You'll notice in the list of what I used today there is no aftershave besides use of Witch Hazel. I couldn't make up my mind as to what to use with it as the scent while not being strong after the shave and rinse, it was still lingering and in an enjoyable way. As I stroked my face while looking in the mirror and contemplating the AS I realized how soft my face felt and thought.....Face feels nice and soft and I'm enjoying the lingering scent. We don't need no stinkin' aftershave. Happy to try HC&C and this scent is on my radar as space in my soap stock has some openings for additions. Have a great day folks !!