Thread: Martin de Candre

I don't pay much attention to the composition of the suds container when the contents perform so superbly but after reading this thread I find that my plastic version of MdC limits the danger of this sport pretty nicely.

Especially upon recalling how slick that sucker became during my last shave...

Martin de Candre is now offering samples for those that want to well, sample a scent. They’re saying 7-12 shaves per sample envelope. Might be a good way to take several scents for travel too.

https://savonnerie-martin-de-candre....-original.html

Originally Posted by Obie

...My morning shave is one of the highlights of my day and I embellish it with all the riches that I can afford.

I understand this completely. When everything clicks, and you have just the right razor, edge (especially if you put that edge on yourself), brush, right soap or cream, prep, and make time to enjoy - straight shaving is an amazingly positive and uplifting experience. Addictive. It's why we obsess over this stuff. One of the posters on this or another shaving forum (sorry I can't remember whom) had a great quote from Dean Martin as his signature line: "I don't want to be a millionaire, I just want to live like one." With a great cream or soap like MdC or CF, and everything clicking with your shave, you can get a better shave experience than a millionaire with a personal valet. For $55 shipped to my door from France, I 'm willing to foot the bill for these little luxuries.

Originally Posted by BobH

I am lucky because I do not feel the huge difference in shaves between using Arko shave sticks and my MdC. While MdC lasts a long time, I wonder if it will last longer than 24 Arko shave sticks bought for $48 totalling 1,800 grams of product. In any event use what works for you.

Bob

Arko is one of the very best performing soaps I've ever used, and nothing else is even in the same universe at it's price point. In terms of latherability, slickness, and cushion, I think it matches or exceeds even Mitchell's Wool Fat. Which is saying a lot. But I just can't get past the scent. When I smell it, I can't help but think: "urinal cake". If I could get Arko unscented, it might be the only soap I ever use for the rest of my life. Since it only comes in a shave stick, I never would have even tried it if I hadn't used Speick's shave stick and been totally impressed. And I love the Speick scent. But the Speick shave stick is so tiny (50g) and expensive for it's size, that by the time you factor in shipping, you're well into MdC territory (500g tub). And MdC smells even better than Speick. Again, from me, this is saying a lot, because I really, really like the Speick scent.

Originally Posted by ScoutHikerDad

So I got my tub of MDC Vetiver in the other day....
And the scent on this one is just intoxicating-pure intense vetiver heaven, very grassy and "green" for lack of a better word, which is kind of my latest jam. Seriously, if they determine that huffing MDC Vetiver causes brain damage or something, I am screwed, because I can't get enough of that scent!

I love Vetiver, I have to try this.

After reading this thread (and many other posts for years), I finally broke down and tried MdC soap. I went with the Fougere scent as my first try. My understanding is that their Original scent is primarily Lavender, and if I found a Lavender that out-did Castle Forbes Lavender, it would depress me. Rose wasn't in stock, it would have been my first choice. And I've been disappointed with many scents advertised as Vetiver, so for my first shot was the Fougere.

The Fougere scent is heaven (to me). It reminds me of a soft Creed Green Irish Tweed maybe, mixed with Speick's herbal softness, but without the citrus note. The instructions say to leave it uncovered so it dries and lasts longer, and doing that makes my whole bathroom smell amazing.

Much easier to lather than Mitchell's Woolfat, not as easy as Arko. I don't get huge billows of soft cream, I get a fairly dense, slick soap that I don't have to charge tons of soap to get to last through three passes and touch-ups. Slick like MWF but thicker, not as luxurious as Castle Forbes.

The scent is killer. My experience is not that it fades; after rinsing my face really well after my shave, I splashed on a ton of Captain's Choice Bay Rum (as always with any Bay Rum). And after that quickly faded, I could still smell the MdC Fougere on my face all day. Now for me, that was a plus because I like the scent. But YMMV. I could see how this might clash with a cologne or EdT. I usually don't wear either on a daily basis, so not a big issue for me.

The shave, slickness, cushion, and scent of MdC has put it at the top of the heap for me for now, even edging out Castle Forbes by a nose. Great stuff, worth every penny.

Just an FYI-I just got Maggard's sale newsletter. They have added MDC to their ever-growing lineup. Plus he is having some kind of sale on other things, a deal on shipping, etc. That boy is going to bankrupt me lol!

Originally Posted by ScoutHikerDad

Just an FYI-I just got Maggard's sale newsletter. They have added MDC to their ever-growing lineup. Plus he is having some kind of sale on other things, a deal on shipping, etc. That boy is going to bankrupt me lol!

Brad and Cassie always did like you best! I haven't gotten 'MY' newsletter yet!

Originally Posted by cudarunner

Brad and Cassie always did like you best! I haven't gotten 'MY' newsletter yet!

Roy-I've put in a few orders with them, so they know they've got me pulled in. If they weren't so far away, I would get a ticket to that meet-up. It may be the biggest razor meetup in the country now; they are doing some pretty amazing things with that business-I've gotta hand it to 'em (and I do (money, that is!)).

Originally Posted by ScoutHikerDad

Roy-I've put in a few orders with them, so they know they've got me pulled in. If they weren't so far away, I would get a ticket to that meet-up. It may be the biggest razor meetup in the country now; they are doing some pretty amazing things with that business-I've gotta hand it to 'em (and I do (money, that is!)).

I too have ordered from them several times---that why I said that 'MY' online notice hadn't come in---and it still hasn't

I would also like to make their meet but I doubt that will ever happen due to distance and funds available.

I'm in western Ma and it would only be like a 16hr drive so I wanna go this year. I usually strictly go to Maggards, unless they are out of stock of something I want. Just got my second order in this month from them of a synthetic knot, and Seville, plus a few samples. Supposed to use my credit card once a month or else it's pointless to have apparently, so what better use than this hobby.

So I just tried MDC for the first time tonight and really liked it. Gasman gave me a small sample to try when picking up my razors today. I used a little tonight while shaving my head. It felt great. I do believe I will be enjoying this!

Be careful. Once you get to like MDC, all others don't seem right.