I have posted the majority of my thoughts over on my SOTD's, but best I post a few words on here being as this is where it all started.
Firstly I have to say many thanks to
@James Riley for giving me the opportunity to trial something which is both new and unobtainable. Certainly at this moment anyway. And something which came with no name or hint of the scent just a simple No.8. But I do like surprises.
In the tub it is not what I would call a hard soap and definitely on the softer side of the soap world. Rather like Signature Soaps or Extro. Both of which I rate highly. No blooming as far as I am concerned and easy to work with.
I am no great expert on brushes and to some extent I haven't really got a clue as to the difference in performance between one and another. All I know is I only have two types of synthetics, a Razorock 400 and a couple of Cadman 30mm Tuxedos. If they do the Job then I'm a happy bunny. With this new soap all I found is the Razorock made for lighter work, but both made a commendable job of producing a really rich and very usable lather from it. Nothing rocket science just a simple damp brush and swirl away adding a little water if required. The lather being beautifully creamy with that lovely sheen one likes to see, and quite a mountain at that.
It is at this point where the scent starts to come to the surface. Very familiar to me and I am guessing magnolia with a hint of lemon or other citrus fragrance. Sweet without being sickly or offensive. Rather down my street.
Post shave duties and preparation out of the way, apply to face. Wonderful and nothing out of order. Does what it says on the tin or in this case doesn't. Again the 400 makes for an easier life but that is just what it seems to achieve to me . Did I say I am a brush ignoramus?
Once applied to the face that is how it stays. Unlike a few creams and soaps out there this one lasts the distance without drying out or dispating to unknown places. A big plus for me otherwise I end up shaving in sections. Which I used to do but in the long run proved it was not the best way to attack a shave.
Blade meets soap meets skin with a few bits of hair to chew through while at it. Perfect. The blade simply glides through with no discerning reason to wince or give concern. An effortless exercise. Another tick in the box.
Three passes later with minor top ups as and when required and this soap has done a wonderful job. There is sufficient staying power to see any buffing through without fear of dry blade on dry skin and other ouch moments.
Cold rinse and first class results. The scent remains for a while but the very kindly provided matching splash adds longevity to it all. No sting, no rash and just great satisfying end results.
A real winner of a soap/splash and I would give it a very high recommendation but I can't. There isn't any to purchase at the moment.
Well done
@James Riley and again thanks.
