Thread: Phoenix Shaving (PAA): Formula CK-6

In these days I have long tested the new Doppelganger line by Phoenix Shaving (formally Doppelgänger of Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements).
The product is shaving soap (thick paste) in the Black Label fragrance, a tribute to Christian Dior Sauvage 2015.

Shortly ...
PRO: quality, performance
AGAINST: price, availability, packaging

The new Formula CK-6 is definitely rich.
This is the comparison of the ingredients list (INCI updated) with the best of the PAA:
HTGM 1.0
Kokum Butter, * Mango Butter, * Cocoa Butter, * Avocado Oil, * Pumpkin Oil, * Castor Oil, Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, * Neem Oil, Safflower Oil, Glycerine, Purified Water, Sodium & Potassium Hydroxide, Soy bean protein, Chaulmoogra Oil, Aloe Extract, Maca Root, Yellow Dock Root, E.O., Frag, Unscented (* Organic)
Formula CK-6
Potassium Stearate, Glycerin, Potassium Cocoate, Aqua, Potassium Kokumate, Sodium Lactate, Potassium Shea Butterate, Potassium Castorate, Sodium Stearate, Potassium Cocoa Butterate, Potassium Avocadoate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Theobroma Grandiflorum (Capuacu) Butter, Astrocaryum (Murumuru) Seed Butter, Platonia Insignis (Bacuri) Seed Butter, Parfum [Fragrance]

You can see the relative simplicity, compared to the refinement of the original Synergy that for me remains unattainable.
The choice of functional principles, very performing, ultimately brings into practice what seems distant in theory.
Further example of how practical experience is as important as ... and sometimes more ... theoretical knowledge.

With all types of brushes used, ten seconds of load without even the veil of water are sufficient.
More than enough, since the amount of foam produced is very abundant.
Despite the very hard water (33 ° French), both in the bowl and in the face the assembly speed is high.
And even the water point is simple to find from the first moment.
Although slightly thirsty, however, it is less than other products of the same category for the wealth of the components.
Protection, cushion effect, lubrication, hydration and conditioning, all are perfect.
Even the yield is good, given that this week I consumed about three grams of product.
The best part is really the last one, which for me is the most important.
The conditioning of the skin, which maintains and perfects the comfort of all shaving, is on par with the best currently on the market.
Nothing to envy to Barrister & Mann, Freelander, G & G Grooming, Martin de Candre, Meissner Tremonia, Saponificio Varesino, Tallow & Steel, etc.
These (strictly in alphabetical order) are my favorite standards from a technical point of view.

I already knew and appreciate the new Sauvage, with its spicy notes, very different from the original Eau Sauvage.
The fragrance is a very faithful gift, and although it is not very powerful, it is clean and long lasting.
Mainly using its balm (new formula Star Jelly) according to fragrance.

Unfortunately, the only way to buy is from the manufacturer.
The starting price ($ 24.95) is correct for the quality of the soap.
Not so much can be said of the packaging, where the plastic jar and the labels are of lower quality.
In fact, the single-walled Parkway container (albeit thick) is in semi-transparent polypropylene, and does not offer great protection.
Even the plastic cover of the labels is quite yielding, and loses quickly in performance.
Not to mention the costs of transport and import, which make this soap less desirable.

In conclusion I am really very satisfied with this product.
I agree with the ultra premium definition that PAA points out in opposition to the myth of products with animal fats.
And I'm glad there is so much choice, and in the future it will increase, in the various fragrances available.
Surely it is a very interesting project and it is worth to try it.