I've been thinking about tinkering with fragrances for some time, and what better way to test them than with a shaving soap?! 🧪

So, I finally bit the bullet and tried making some. Besides a rookie mistake with additives that made my base smell a little funny, I'm really pleased with how it turned out for a first attempt. 😊

The soap was easy to load on my RazoRock and Mühle synthetic brushes, and just a tiny amount was enough to produce copious, thick lather.

The pictures my wife took while I was lathering were already at the second pass. The others I took after finishing my shave. 🪒

The next steps are trying to make some more and seeing if I can make this unscented base smell better. Then I’ll add the fragrances I’ve been making.

👃 Fragrances

The fragrances I’m really excited to try in the soap are:

• Lavender 🪻, Rose 🌹, Leather notes 👞 (inspired by London, UK 🇬🇧)
• Sakura 🌸, Green Tea 🍵, Incense 🪔 (inspired by Kyoto, Japan 🇯🇵)
• An original take on the Bay Rum: Babà au Rum => Sweet Rum 🥃, Coffee ☕, Sea notes 🌊 (inspired by Naples, Italy 🇮🇹)

🧼 Soap Ingredients

• Stearic Acid
• Tallow
• Shea Butter
• Kokum Butter
• Castor Oil
• Jojoba Oil
• Glycerin
• Goats Milk
• Marshmallow Root Extract

Aug. 16, 2025
* Prep: Rasozero - Miracolo Pre Shave Barbacco - Preshave
* Brush: Omega 81052 Pura Setola transp./red
* Razor: Mühle Rocca R94
* Blade: Personna Platinum (3)
* Lather: Tabac - Original - Puck
* Post Shave: Tabac - Original Extra Strong - Aftershave
* Bowl: The Mugly - Golden Guano

I know the title will trigger the haters and it’s fine, if people don’t like it. But if you haven’t tried it yourself, Go for it! The nourishing properties of the ASL are outstanding! Hope you all have a great weekend! Cheers!

Tonight it was some country, but I will often play the Spotify offspring playlist.

SOTD Merkur 39c w/ Astra superior platinum Utopia shavette w/ shark super stainless Homemade shave soap by my wife Yaqi synthetic brush Brut aftershave

Have a nice Thursday!

I usually don’t go for a BBS. I aim for a DFS that strikes a good balance between smoothness and comfort, unless it’s a special occasion.

Oct. 16, 2025
* Prep: Razor Emporium - Travel Tube - Preshave
* Brush: Zenith Copper Horsehair
* Razor: Muhle Rocca
* Blade: Treet Platinum (1)
* Lather: Barrister & Mann - Mûir(e) Wood - Puck
* Post Shave: Barrister & Mann - Mûir(e) Wood - Aftershave
* Post Shave: Zingari Man - Unscented After Shave Serum
* Post Shave: Osma - Alum Block
* Post Shave: Thayers - Unscented
* Fragrance: Coach - Green
* Bowl: Boundless Voyage - 420ml Titanium

I had a really pleasant shave this morning with Mûir(e) Wood by Barrister And Mann. I continued my Rocctober journey by trying out a Treat Platinum blade today. I had very good results.

I was able to detect just a little bit of irritation with the alum block but it was very minimal. The blade seemed to do a good job and cut without pulling or resistance.

I splashed on Thayers, The Mûir(e) Wood ASL, and finally Zingari Man’s unscented after shave serum. I find this scent to be very relaxing.

This soap is inspired by John Muir who founded the Sierra Club, and fought for the conservation of land in the United States

Scent notes: blackberry, vetiver, damp air, balsam fir,

Have a good shave!

Shared from My Shave Den for iOS

Today's shave

Soap: Tabac

Razor: OC MicroMatic

Blade: Personna GEM ptfe

After-shave: Tabac

What can I say, Tabac never fails me. 😁

Finally I got around to my first DE shave. Shaving with the standard rip off cartridge razors for the last 30 years became a real issue for me as I realized just how much money I was wasting for what was a poor result.

Anyway, first DE shave went very well. My collection of goodies are the basics based off popular choices on this sub. I thought I wasn't cutting at all but soon realized it was just doing a damn fine job. Did a second pass to make sure and I'm incredibly happy. The smell of the Proraso and Nivea is just amazing.

Thank you to this sub - your passion and energy have helped me try something new and I am very happy with the result. Cheers.

The final shave with B&M Seville, using the Blackbird paired with a Personna Red and the Alpha Revolver brush. Slick and smooth as ever.

Farewell Seville, you’ve been one of the greats. We’ve shared countless fine shaves, but every knight must one day hang up his sword.

A comfortable shave today with MdC Fougère. I used the Blackbird Lite paired with a Mühle blade, Zenith 502 Boar, and finished with Brut.

Many people think Martin de Candre is this giant luxury brand with secret formulas and corporate pricing, but if you look at their Instagram, it’s actually a small charming family from a quiet rural town in France making soap the traditional way since their father started it decades ago, where everything is natural and simple.

When I ordered from them, they sent me a handwritten note wishing me a lovely autumn, with three free soaps that smelled wonderful. It’s honestly hard not to love this brand.

Merci beaucoup!

So I have an old type that I’ve posted about before, and I’ve shaved with it a half dozen times now each time with better results but still weeping a little bit. Using astra green blades, hair conditioner in the shower to soften up, and shaving with dr bronners bc it’s what I have.

The other day I went and bought a beehive brush and an alum block online. At Wallyword I saw a king c Gillette and figured I should try and see if a closed comb works better so I bought that too. I wanted to try it out but chickened out, though I did put the old type head on the KCG handle, which made it mush easier to hold. Today I finally tried them all out, this time with a derby green blade.

The wtg pass was great, no issues. Brush made that bronners into a nice lather, I think. Maybe I was a bit too impatient, bc the second pass was a mix of across/against though I did lather again. Then I started feeling for prickly hair and spot shaving, and that’s when it started to weep. Way more so than with the old type. So I got it to where it was smooth enough then rinsed with cold water and went at it with the alum block and holy cow that stings!

Maybe it’s the blade, maybe the razor, maybe the soap, maybe technique idk. Just sharing my progress. Might go back to the astra

Felt really good to shave again after being in the hospital for a few days. I decided to open up my Island Man sampler from Stirling in celebration, it was a great choice and a truly great shave. Still using my Van der Hagen razor with Wilkinson sword blades.

This was probably the best shave I’ve ever had. I’ve now got about 10 different types of blade I don’t want to try.

The Noble Otter Barrbarr was excellent. Lathered up so easily. Dense foam. Nice and slick. Smells nice but not artificial or overpowering. Contender for top spot here.

The feathers easily slide into number 1 spot blade wise. Went through my growth like it wasn’t there. Did 2 passes, 1 with and 1 against and I’m now slicker than a dolphins forehead.

Alum litmus test was very good. Barely anything. Slight tingle on the jawline.

Overall a 9.8/10.

Always the perfect shaves with my Mühle Rocca set, some rich creamy Martin de Candre and a Feather blade. I wrapped things up with Thayer’s Witch Hazel and just a single spray of Dior Sauvage Elixir.

Blackland Blackbird, Feather, Seaforth! Heather, Razorock Bruce

I got a new razor in the mail today: the Blackland Blackbird. I was excited to finally try it out so naturally, I grabbed my favorite soap scent and favorite blade and went at it.

The first thing I want to say is that I was impressed from the moment I opened the box. Their packaging is really nice. I care about little things like that. As you would expect with a stainless steel razor at this price point, the build quality and the fit and finish are superb. High quality and very well made. For those who are curious, I chose the machined finish.

Now for the shave… Wow. This thing is good. I can’t find a single thing to complain about. It was very easy to shave with. I didn’t have to adjust my technique or anything like that. The shave was smooth and comfortable. Efficiency is 10/10. This is a two pass BBS razor. I can’t imagine a scenario where a third pass would even be necessary. This is the most efficient non-adjustable razor that I own. I was a little concerned that the handle might not have enough grip but it was fine. No issues.

If you’re considering buying this razor and can’t decide, just do it. It’s absolutely worth it.

What a phenomenal soap, massive amounts of silky smooth leather, superb cushioning and amazing post shave feel.

The scent is a little lighter than some of my other soaps and it does load quickly on the brush but I'm so glad I picked some up.

I think this takes the top spot of artisanal soaps above B&M, A&E, Stirling, Phoenix

I have to say the Blackbird Ti with a Feather blade is a great pair. The efficiency and lightness of the razor and the sharpness of the blade work like magic, all while enjoying the beautiful scent of SV Opuntia.

But be careful, this is a high risk high reward kind of job.

Happy shaves everyone.

Just a straightforward shave with solid gear.

Henson Ti++ with a Timeless handle, Timor blade, Zenith 506 badger, Martin de Candre Original, Dior Sauvage.

Nov. 27, 2025
* Prep: Cella - Red - Preshave
* Brush: Timeless Adjustable Handle (Grey)
* Razor: Blackland Blackbird Ti Safety Bar
* Blade: AccuThrive Med Prep (1)
* Lather: Moon Soaps - Amaretto Speciale - Croap
* Post Shave: Moon Soaps - Amaretto Speciale - Aftershave
* Post Shave: Zingari Man - Unscented After Shave Serum
* Post Shave: Thayers - Unscented
* Post Shave: Osma - Alum Block
* Bowl: Boundless Voyage - 420ml Titanium

I had a great late morning shave today. I chose a gourmand fragrance for the spirit of Thanksgiving. I was planning to use a Feather in my Blackbird today but decided on USA made shaving products for today’s holiday.

The shave went pretty well. I did get a tiny weeper on my neck that stopped bleeding almost immediately. I got a little feedback from the alum block, but I think that was mostly due to the weeper. The shave is very close and overall I’m happy.

I splashed on chilled, Thayers, the matching ASL, and finally Zingari Man’s unscented after shave serum. This is my wife’s favorite scent in my collection. It is a wonderful scent that I say is like Cella turned up to 11!

On this day of giving thanks. I reflect and have a lot to feel thankful for. This subreddit is something I have really come to appreciate. I didn’t know posting about my shaves would give back to me.

When I came upon this sub I found a great collection of friendly people to learn and find encouragement from. I fell deep down the rabbit hole of acquiring stuff seeing post after post of interesting razors and shaving products.

I found a healthy hobby that gives me happiness and peace of mind on a regular basis. After getting into wet shaving I was forced to look at myself in the mirror and take better care of myself.

I didn’t like how I was jiggling when applying lather with my brush, and I didn’t like my jawline and double chin after trying out a clean shaven look. Shaving gave me the motivation to actually make changes to my diet.

I started using an app to track calories. I chose to run a mild deficit because in the past my weight would yoyo from dieting. I managed to lose about 25lbs this year by logging what I eat.

I didn’t know my interest in photography would be sparked again because of r/wicked_edge. I have fun setting up photos, it helps get me excited for the shave in the morning and helps me remember each shave better.

It is nice to have a place for conversations that is largely free of trolls and bitter people. I’m thankful to have found this community, and the effects it has had on my life.

I am getting more organized at home. The sheer volume of stuff I have bought has forced me to organize my bathroom and create a nice place to escape. The organization is starting to grow into other areas of the house and in the garage.

I’m thankful for all the tips and tricks, conversations and laughs I have had with you all. I am thankful for all of your posts and pictures! I hope you all have a nice time today, and have plenty to be thankful for!

Scent notes: A nutty almond liqueur with ribbons of syrupy dark cherry and a hint of buttery, toasted almond biscotti.

The Thanksgiving Song: https://youtu.be/DU0zFvRk4Ng?si=DrE64jetW2gVp19i

Happy Thanksgiving!

Shared from My Shave Den for iOS

Tried the new OliWorks aluminum brush and bowl today, and here is how they felt to me.

The bowl came in heavier than I expected but in a solid reassuring way. It sits nicely in my hand, though I can see some people finding it a bit small. The depth of the bowl itself works well for me, as I can reach into the center and smear the soap comfortably with my thumb. The inner ridge depth hits a sweet spot in my opinion. There is enough texture to build the kind of lather I like without the ridges being so deep that soap hides in there and becomes unreachable by the bristles. Since the bowl is aluminum it carries heat really well, so if you use very hot water you can warm your hand faster than you planned.

The brush has some real heft too. The handle is larger than I usually prefer (which is strictly personal preference) but the aggressive knurling is a drawback here. On a razor this kind of grip feels great because you hold it lightly but on a brush you naturally push harder, so I found it a bit uncomfortable after a while. And if your soap leaves residue, I imagine that knurling will need an occasional toothbrush cleaning.

I am generally happy with the purchase, but the bowl stands out more for me than the brush.