Phoenix & Beau "Obsidian" - Shave of The Day & Review

Greetings gents!

Welcome to another post, with another video review of a fantastic soap.  Below is a brief outline of the tools used today.

SOTD 6/8/16
Phoenix & Beau Obsidian, Cadman 26mm Silvertip, RazoRock Bazooka, Astra SP (25), Cold Rinse.
Simply stunning shave, scent to die for, performance that is second to none.

Please let me know your thoughts!

FIRST IMPRESSION REVIEW - Phoenix & Beau Denali Shaving Soap

So ladies and gentlemen, I have been trying a new soap, designed with summer in mind, to give you a nice chill!  Check out the video to see my thoughts!

And to see how it compares to another stalwart in the shaving world (Proraso Green) in terms of cold, check out the below video where I simultaneously face lather both soaps.

If you have any questions about either soap, please feel free to comment on the relevant video or here and I will do my very best to assist!

Thanks again all,

Nick

REVIEW - Phoenix & Beau Albion

WHAT IS IT, AND WHAT DOES IT DO?
Phoenix & Beau Albion Shaving Soap - It's soap that enables you to shave!

APPLICATION METHOD AND DESCRIPTION:
I've been testing Albion over the last 5 days to ensure I get to know it's foibles and idiosyncrasies.  For the first two days I bowl lathered, and the second two days, I face lathered.  Day 5 I chose my favourite method out of the two to lather...what is it I hear you ask?  Well, the video review below will show!

SCENT:
Albion was listed as having a predominantly bergamot, lavender and grapefruit profile, with patchouli in there to bind everything together.  My initial response to the long slow inhale was wow.  This is a very fresh and light scent, ideal for those who prefer a milder scented soap.  Upon shaving with Albion for the first time, I was greeted with a very familiar aroma.  A split second later I identified it as Earl Grey tea, which makes perfect sense given the presence of bergamot.  It is a classy, light, elegant scent, very nice indeed.

LATHERABILITY:
As is typical with Phoenix & Beau soaps, Albion lathers with criminal ease.  A short 30 second load provides more than enough lather for 5 passes EASILY.  I've learned that soaking my Cadman 26mm silvertip, then two gentle shakes provides the PERFECT amount of water to lather a P&B soap without the need for additional water.  Rich, creamy lather is produced with this level of water in a bowl.  For face lathering however, I suggest starting with less water as the sheer volume of lather created can overwhelm you if you're not prepared for it :D

PERFORMANCE:
There is a stylised image of Her Majesty on the lid of Albion, and the performance matches the expectation of a soap more than worthy of a Royal Warrant.  Those in Buckingham Palace need to try this soap, it would EASILY earn this accolade.  Slick as you like, more protective than a 20 man protective detail, there is no flaw in the performance at all.

POST SHAVE:
I'll say it again, a soap that provides a fantastic post shave is paramount for me.  Albion does not disappoint.  I'm sitting here stroking my face, trying to find a chink in the armour, but am coming up empty handed.  I cannot fault the post shave feel at all.  Smooth, no dryness, no tightness, nada.

CONCLUSIVE COMMENTS:
So, what do I think of Albion?  Well, it is plain as the nose on my face that it is a brilliant addition to not only my shave den, but the product line from Phoenix & Beau.  It has a delectable scent, performance that other soaps can only hope for, and a post shave feel that leaves you feeling GREAT!  After the initial shave, I thought I'd want a stronger scent, however, like a fine Earl Grey tea, the subtlety of the aromas is key, for it is meant to be gentle.  Give Albion a try, it is truly fantastic.

A Phoenix & Beau Spitfire SOTD Video

Welcome gents!

I've lovingly prepared a video shave of the day today.  All the info is in the video, check it out guys and I'd very much appreciate your likes and subscribes!

 

Thanks again guys!

Nick

REVIEW - Phoenix & Beau TSR Limited Edition 'Obsidian'

WHAT IS IT, AND WHAT DOES IT DO?
Phoenix & Beau 'TSR Limited Edition' Obsidian - It is a shave soap that invokes ancient Gods...

APPLICATION METHOD AND DESCRIPTION:
As I've come to find with all Phoenix & Beau soaps, it is a moderately soft soap, which means it loads very easily, so a shortish load (brush dependent) and you're golden.

SCENT:
I inhaled slowly from the tub and got a hit of the dirty, wet vetiver, with a hint of sweetness that I suspect was the frankincense coming through, with the almost fern like oakmoss hitting you last.  Very primal scents.  I proceeded to make a lather in the bowl with The Monster, and quickly found that the lather is of typical P&B excellence.  The scent changes in the bowl, mellowing if you will, becoming more balanced.  Upon the face, the earthiness strikes you first and foremost, with an image of smoky fire being conjoured as the complex scents dance their mystical way up your nose. 

What struck me as I'd finished the shave was the scent changed again.  Any remains of the scent left on my skin warmed to provide a woody, almost musky aroma.  A very pleasant, but unexpected twist to the dark tale of Obsidian.

A simply stunning profile of scents here, make no mistake.  I'll use this one sparingly so as not to run out...either that or I shall have to cross Kerry's palm with mucho silver and make offerings to various deities to obtain more!

LATHERABILITY:
As briefly mentioned earlier, the whole range of P&B soaps are incredibly easy to lather.  They are fairly soft soaps, so even the softest of bristles won't fail to take plenty of product.  Again, P&B is thirsty soap, so ample water is needed during the build once you've created your proto lather which is nice and elastic.  Even the greenest of wet shavers won't fail to get a good lather with this soap.

PERFORMANCE:
Unlike the moniker of this soap, there is plenty of cushion on hand with this soap, ideal for sharper blades.  When it comes to slickness, you'll find it here in abundance.  Put it this way, you thought a politicians shoulders were slick given what slides off them, they haven't got a patch on P&B soap lather!  I've found the overall shave performance quite simply sublime throughout, from the first pass with heavy growth, right down to the ATG pass in my trouble spots.  Nay a hair of drama.  Perfect.

POST SHAVE:
You'll have noticed by now from reading my reviews, that Post Shave Finish is one of my primary factors when considering a soap purchase.  Given the base soap is the great P&B tallow formula, I knew up front I was in for a treat, and I was not mistaken.  As a pleasant afternote, the warmer woody scents developed once I'd rinsed and dried my face, always a nice touch.

CONCLUSIVE COMMENTS:
I think Kerry and I need to have a 'Godfather' type moment, where I sit him down and make him an offer he can't refuse to make more of this soap (sadly a limited edition run of 50 tubs).  This is quite simply exquisite.  The imagery the name and scents invoke are quite spellbinding.  As a younger gentleman (33), previously I wouldn't have thought the scent profile would have been my particular brand of single malt so to speak, but I was captivated by the promised profile.  The performance cannot be questioned, Phoenix & Beau soaps sit atop the podium for me in every way, Obsidian is no exception.

REVIEW - Proraso Green Shaving Soap

WHAT IS IT, AND WHAT DOES IT DO?
It's a soft shaving soap, made in Italy.

Proraso Green Soap - Our shaving soap formula undergos a traditional “hot process”. The shaving cream is left to mature in small batches for a period of 10 days in a temperature-controlled room that protects the batches from temperature shifts. During this maturing process, moisture evaporates from the formulation resulting in a solid, concentrated shaving soap; perfect for professional brush application.
COMPONENTS - EUCALYPTUS OIL has a tonifying and purifying effect. MENTHOL has refreshing and revitalizing properties. GLYCERIN encourages a smooth shave, reducing irritation and redness. 

APPLICATION METHOD AND DESCRIPTION:
I swirl my dampened brush around the pot for about 10-15 seconds, which gives enough soap to make lather for four passes with touch up if needed.  Transfer to your bowl or face and whip up a storm.  It's suited for both bowl and face latherers alike, with no real difference in building.  I actually quite like face lathering Proraso, as you get the cold build up nicely on your face, great for summer.

SCENT:
The scent of Proraso Green is a bit polarising I've found.  The way I interpret the scent is contradictory.  I get fresh menthol vapours with the eucalyptus following quite strongly, but sometimes I find the eucalyptus a little musty smelling.  It's not necessarily a bad thing, just a property of the scent.

LATHERABILITY:
No problems here getting a good lather, but this is a soap that you can easily over water, killing the lather dead.  Add water slowly, literally a few drops at a time to build the ideal lather.

PERFORMANCE:
With Proraso Green, I find the cooling nature of the soap lends itself to seemingly killing irritation.  This is both good and bad as it can give that false sense of security, leading you to add more pressure than is needed.  That said, there is sufficient cushion with a well built lather to see you through a shave, and there is just enough glide to ensure you mow down your whiskers.  It's not the slickest soap I've used, but is more than adequate for all types of shaver.

POST SHAVE:
The cooling sensation offered by the ingredients give that really fresh feel when you've finished a shave.  I do get a bit of tightness, almost like my skin is half a size too small, it's a snug feeling if you will.  I do like to follow up with a balm when I've used Proraso Green to give a bit more moisture that my skin likes.  Again, not a huge downside, but one to be aware of if your skin dries easily.

CONCLUSIVE COMMENTS:
The low price point of the product does not indicate a cheap product, rather it indicates that quality products can be available at a bargain price.  I'd recommend this soap for anyone who loves a cold blast in the morning, or loves the scent of pressed eucalyptus leaves.  I took Proraso Green away with me on holiday last year as it is a reliable performer, doesn't take up too much space in your shave bag, and you know you'll get a great shave come rain or shine.  The question is, would I buy it again?  Quite probably yes, as it is a very well priced product, dare I say it punching above it's price point.

REVIEW - Mongoose B3 Satin Single Edged Razor

WHAT IS IT, AND WHAT DOES IT DO?
Well, for those not in the know, it is a Mongoose Satin (B3), single edge razor, manufactured from stainless steel.

METHOD AND DESCRIPTION:
This was where I was expecting something quite different.  I'm not sure why but I did.  Anyhow, I digress.  The angle is quite intuitive on this razor, and with the standard handle, it is nicely balanced.  Because of the hefty weight of the handle, there is no inclination to use any pressure at all, something fundamental to a good shave.  The standard handle is the ideal length for me as I have quite large hands, it fits perfectly.  So, with the razor being comfortable in the hand, I had high hopes for a good shave.  I wasn't to be disappointed.  I'd done plenty of reading on the Mongoose as let's face it, the value of the razor means it's a significant razor-based purchase.  I'd read that for some the head is very big, verging on too big.  Some people said the handle was too heavy.  All I noticed (coming from traditional DE shaving) that the extra width on the blade took some 30 seconds tops to get used to.  The shave was very quick, too quick in fact.  It was so smooth (with a Feather Pro blade) that I barely noticed the blade at all.  Three passes (with, across and against the grain) were achieved in lightning speed, with ZERO drama.  Even my trouble spots where anything less than a blade that is lethally sharp felt like they were being massaged by twenty vestal virgins as opposed to being attacked with a razor blade.  In Yoda speak, blown away I was.

Now onto the razor description.  This is clearly a very high quality item, machined to very close tolerances, and finished to almost perfection.  The razor is a three piece unit, with lugs on the top cap to hold the blade securely between it and the head.  Everything just fits like a glove.  The handle screws securely onto the threaded stud without any force, and just holds itself perfectly in place.  I'll let the photographs do the talking from here on in...

Top cap and base plate:

Together:

Paul (globalm from The Shaving Room) was kind enough to loan me two handles with the razor, the top being the standard, the lower being a Hempel Titanium (quite a bit lighter and a good half inch shorter):

Quality finish:

Hempel:

Razor built (sans blade):

With Hempel:

Loading a blade:

 Loaded:

CONCLUSIVE COMMENTS:
OK, I wanted to be blown away by this razor for various reasons (mainly cost and the perceived hype), and I was NOT disappointed one bit.  The shave is quite simply remarkable, and ultimately it would be this that was the deciding factor as to whether or not to purchase a Mongoose.  Being a high priced item, buying one blind is a huge risk, but thankfully, the very generous nature of the wet shaving community (and in particular Paul who honoured me with the loan of this razor) allowed me to try before I buy.  This razor, grouped with a quality Feather blade, and sublime soap (Phoenix & Beau) have given me the very best shaves of my life.  I do not think that this can be improved upon.  It is THAT good.

The Concept of a 'Shave Of The Day'

Welcome to the latest ramblings from Sorrell Shaves!

Today we're focusing on the concept of a Shave Of The Day, otherwise known as a SOTD.  A SOTD is quite simply a snippet of information, often shared on forums and social media, regarding the items you've used to complete the days shave.

It will more often than not include a photograph of the items used, arranged in a pleasing manner.  Some people (like myself) have a backdrop for their photos, whilst others prefer an 'on location' shot taken in the bathroom.  There is no right or wrong, it's all down to preference.  There is no requirement for professional quality photos, just a quick snap is more than sufficient.  I take the vast majority of my SOTD photos with a Lumia 950 or iPhone 5.

The important part is the information you share on your SOTD.  I like to include a list of the items used, such as the SOTD from today:

Hot Towel
Mitchell's Wool Fat
Omega 49 Brush
TSR Bowl
Merkur 39C
Astra Superior Stainless (10)
Cold Towel
Barrister & Mann Reserve Splash (NP)

You may have noted the number after the blade used for the shave.  This refers to the number of shaves the blade has completed.  NP after the last item in the list indicates simply that it is Not Pictured.

So there we have it, a simple introduction to the Shave Of The Day.  You'll notice them all over Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and forums.  For many, they are a source of inspiration, a way of seeing what other people get great shaves with.  You may like to share yours, you might not.  It's entirely up to you. 

Thanks for reading,
Nick