The Bomb, Dense, bayrum

OK....I don't know if this should go in "Reviews" or here, so I'll put it here.

Got my dense variation of the bomb in bay rum yesterday.

First impression, nice, fresh bayrum scent, and not quite as dense as I was expecting to be honest. Seemed less dense than Castle Forbes

Laterhering: Al is NOT kidding when he says it's a challenge to get a nice lather. When he says it is hydrophobic at the beginning, he MEANS IT. I tried a few different small practice runs (ruined one or two with water up front), and decided that this is the way to go for me: Scuttle with hot water, medium firm brush, loaded directly from the jar. (I loaded WAY WAY WAY too much, more on this later). I loaded about the same as I would if loading other hard creams, such as CF or Aqua Di Parma.
I started swirling/whipping until I had a nice rim of dense DENSE protolather (I don't know what else to call it), I whipped and swirled for about a minute, fast and active. I then added a few drops (perhaps five?) of water. Back to whipping/lathering, and it perhaps doubled in volume. Had I not so excessively loaded the brush, this might have been all that was neccesary. A half minute or so of this, and I added another 5-7 drops of water, and I am telling you, the lather EXPLODED. The bowl of my scuttle was FULL of lather so dense my brush would almost stand up in it. BUT, it was creamy and SLICK SLICK SLICK.

I spread it on my face like somewhere between whipped cream and cake frosting, then let it sit while I stropped a 8/8 Joe Chandler Damascus (freshly honed). I went to wash it off and I realized that the peaks in the lather were still perfectly formed. When I rinsed, my skin felt soft and lubricated. I re-lathered, still not really having made a dent in the volume of lather in the scuttle, and started shaving.
I AM NOT KIDDING WHEN I SAY THAT THE LUBRICATION AND CUSHIONING PROVIDED WERE THE BEST I HAVE EVER FELT FROM A CREAM, AND RIGHT UP NEAR THE TOP OF WHAT IVE EVER FELT FROM A SOAP.
When I was done shaving, I should point out, there was ZERO sign that the lather was ready to dry out or break down, and I took my time with this shave.

I finished a three pass shave, and I have a nice BBS shave that needs a great lather and a great razor to do its job. I rinsed, and just to see JUST how much I had over-loaded by, I relathered, rinsed, relathered, rinsed, relathered, rinsed, and then squeezed out EASILY another two passes worth of lather. So....uh, yeah, I could have shaved three times (more if I have been conserviative with lather) on the amount I used.
So, in jar-loading, one must be very careful to not waste this cream.

Scent: 9+ (it would be a 10, but it is just of a SLIGHTLY different "style" of bayrum than my absolute favorites like Ogallala)
Lathering EASE: 2/6 (this is not an easy lather to build. I could see it being VERY frustrating for the new user or the latehr-challneged who doesn't like to experiment. BUT...now that I tried a few ways, and think I know the best for me, it is not too terribly hard, just time consuming. Hence the split rating.) Al has never made any claims otherwise, in fact, he is the first to tell you this is not an easy cream to lather. He even gave tips on lathering with my order.
Lather quality: 10 (only because I can not give a 42)
Cushion: 10
Lubrication: 10
Skin conditioning: 10

The short story is this: If you are willing to learn what might be a slightly new technique for lather, and work for it a tad....you can not be displeased with this fantastic prodcut. Al...look for a new order from me...this time in that wonderful lime!!! And thank you for bringing this wonderful product to the market.

I have the lime dense version, it is somewhat challenging, but your efforts are rewarded.
I use mine as I would a soap, swirling the brush directly on the bomb in the tub. I find it easier to build lather that way. My lime Bomb is thicker than CF fwiw.....

Rich

Ok, I keep seeing the reviews. Where can I get this?

Simply put, the Lime is lather monster! I'm too cheap for Brita dispenser so have to make due with hard water. The Atom Bomb is the bomb! Ease of lathering. Outstanding cushioning and moisturizing features-as the blade glades seamless and effortlessly. Doesn't even feel like you're shaving at all! That's how good it is.

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Originally Posted by Oglethorpe

Ok, I keep seeing the reviews. Where can I get this?

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PM Alraz mate!

Nice review!

If you don't mind, can you describe the scent a little more? What kind of bay rum is it? Clovey; cinnamon-y; lots of bay; etc?

Thanks in advance.

After reading this thread I broke out the bomb. I haven't used it in a while because I have too many soaps/creams in my rotation probably 75, I'm working on reducing that. Anyway, The Bomb. I don't know if it improves with age or what, but I put a small amount that I scrapped with my finger in the bottom of my heated scuttle, I had loads of lather quick. Very impressed. It stayed nice and moist on my face while I stropped. Just awesome, Ranks right up there with CF, and T&H, if not better, really really impressive....

Ogie, Alraz has the bomb....

somkelaw1, let me begin by saying that your review is excellent, very objective and containing ALL! the observations that a person should make when using The Bomb for the first time; this certainly says a lot. I appreciate your effort. I normally do not interfere with the review process but think that it is a good idea to comment on a few things:

1) The density of the Castle Forbes changes a bit with the scent and the batch. With The Bomb I have observed this as well and it even changes a bit as it cures. I notice that the first tubs of the batch are not as dense and yours was the 1st of 2010 ;-). I can certainly make it denser but if I do that, it becomes more challenging as well ;-). Do not panic, the density of yours should increase a bit overtime ;-).

2) No surprises, it is different and may be puzzling at first. You will see that as you get used to The Bomb, like with any puzzle, it becomes a lot easier ;-). I believe that your rating would change after you use it a couple of more times (no objection to your rating whatsoever).

3) Excellent term!!!, give this guy a cigar!!!! ;-) I will use it from now on in my lathering tips.

4) Yeah, if you take the time a put a bit of extra effort, it will do this every time.

5) Thank you, it is extremely refreshing to hear these comments from users that have used the top tier products, thanks.

6 and 7) I said that The Bomb is pretty economical ;-), and the longevity of the lather is outstanding in my opinion.

8) I am glad that you liked your Bomb ;-). Nice razor to try The Bomb with, thanks.

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Originally Posted by smokelaw1

1) First impression, nice, fresh bayrum scent, and not quite as dense as I was expecting to be honest. Seemed less dense than Castle Forbes

2) Laterhering: Al is NOT kidding when he says it's a challenge to get a nice lather. When he says it is hydrophobic at the beginning, he MEANS IT.

3) I started swirling/whipping until I had a nice rim of dense DENSE protolather

4) I am telling you, the lather EXPLODED. The bowl of my scuttle was FULL of lather so dense my brush would almost stand up in it. BUT, it was creamy and SLICK SLICK SLICK.


5) I AM NOT KIDDING WHEN I SAY THAT THE LUBRICATION AND CUSHIONING PROVIDED WERE THE BEST I HAVE EVER FELT FROM A CREAM, AND RIGHT UP NEAR THE TOP OF WHAT IVE EVER FELT FROM A SOAP.

6) When I was done shaving, I should point out, there was ZERO sign that the lather was ready to dry out or break down, and I took my time with this shave.

7) So, in jar-loading, one must be very careful to not waste this cream.

8) Al...look for a new order from me...this time in that wonderful lime!!! And thank you for bringing this wonderful product to the market.

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Originally Posted by Oglethorpe

Ok, I keep seeing the reviews. Where can I get this?

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Oglethorpe, just send me a PM. I am the sole distributor of The Bomb for the universe, including Antartica, The Shara and Mars ;-). I do not have a website, I can explain but probably not here.

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Originally Posted by Allen

Nice review!

If you don't mind, can you describe the scent a little more? What kind of bay rum is it? Clovey; cinnamon-y; lots of bay; etc?

Thanks in advance.

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The bay rum I use is 100% P. racemosa essential oil and comes from a Caribbean island. I do not find it clovey or cinnamony but it can be if people would like it ;-). As scent perception and taste is very personal I would let people comment on their impressions rather than giving my own.

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Originally Posted by zib

I put a small amount that I scrapped with my finger in the bottom of my heated scuttle, I had loads of lather quick. Very impressed. It stayed nice and moist on my face while I stropped. Just awesome, Ranks right up there with CF, and T&H, if not better, really really impressive....

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This is the way I use The Bomb. I am not sure if it improves much overtime of that you get more used to it, see the comments about the puzzle above. Definitely using a heated scuttle should work loosening it up at first. You have so many that it is hard for The Bomb to find space in your rotation ;-).

I think that I have covered everybody's comments. Needless to say, I am very excited but also humbled, thank you. I am glad that The Bomb brings smiles to your faces when you shave;-). Thanks SiRed8 for your always complementary remarks.

Al raz.

Thanks, Al :)

I wouldn't go so far as to post this in the review section, but I wanted to make a few comments on the Bomb as well. I'm also working with the same Bay Rum scent in the dense formula. Bottom line if you don't want to read a lot: This stuff is awesome! Get some!

The scent: IMHO, Al hit the sweet spot with the scent. It doesn't blow you away or make you open the windows, but the bay rum smells sweet from start to finish. It lingers just enough on the skin. (Al sent me a sample of the tangerine scent and I can't wait to try that one next!)

The latherability: as previously mentioned, it takes a little work to get the right lather, but it's so worth it. I didn't get it right until I got a few tips from Al and made a test batch. The real trick is to scoop that "protolather" back into the bottom of the bowl. After a good 2-3 minutes you've got some mean, explosive lather going - so much so I might need to buy a bigger shave bowl. :) If you wind up getting a batch, you'll find Al is really helpful with instructions and tips and he'll work with you on getting it right. (Thanks again Al! :tu)

The lather: Really, really thick and rich. You can feel how cushiony and slick your shave will be as soon as you brush the lather on your face. It keeps those meringue-like peaks throughout the shave, and stays moist until the end of your clean up. (I felt bad dumping an entire shaves worth of lather when I was done.) It may be easiest to imagine it as "uber-lather with no assembly required."

The shave: The lather gives premium glide and cushion as you shave. There must be some really good skin conditioners in there because your face doesn't dry out mid-pass like with some other soaps/creams. I have pretty dry skin (it's ashy, really) and almost got away with no ASB at the end, which is saying a lot. My mug is now soft and smooth.

Post Shave: Because my face was so well protected, I walked away with no razor burn or irritation after three full passes. I'm a newbie here, so again I owe a lot of that to the Bomb. I used Al's homemade Bay Rum AS (which has a lot of alcohol) and felt nearly no sting. So I must have gotten a really smooth shave to not have that "Home Alone" moment. :cry: hehe

Instead of going piece by piece with a number rating, I'll just give the Bomb a whole-hearted 10 out of 10 - it's a perfect stand-alone shave cream. :bow I also want to point out that it's very economical. I used maybe a pea-sized amount to get three full passes with a bunch of leftover lather.

For my fellow newbies: the latherability might be tricky at first, but once you get it right, the cushion and slickness makes the shave a little more forgiving. A huge plus!

This thread had convinced me to contact Al and inquire about the Bomb. He has obliged me and is working on a new scent. I will comment on it once I've had a chance to try it. I am excited, to say the least.

A new scent!?!? Oooo what is it?

Lemongrass is one of my favorite scents, and Al said he could whip me up a batch. There is no guarantee how it will turn out, but I think it will be just fine. :tu

Just finished a shave with Al's Tangerine scent - Wow! I love this scent!

On another note - if you haven't tried it yet, take a turn face lathering with the Bomb. I rubbed it over my beard until I had an even white paste then went at it with the brush. Works like a creamy charm!

OK, I received my lemongrass Bomb today. I have one tub of Lemongrass, one tub of Lemongrass/Vetiver, a sample of lemongrass/allspice and a sample of lemongrass/cedar. I'm excited to try them all!

I decided to try out a Lime scent. It is a great scent with some clove in there also, very light so the scent doesn't overpower at all but is still pleasent while your shaving.

I'm normally a bowl latherer but the airline broke my bowl and the replacement isn't in yet so I face lathered for my first experiment with it.

I soaked my brush (SRD's Stephen's working silvertip) while I showered and then let the brush drip and give it a couple of shakes. I then loaded a small amount onto the brush and started working it onto my face. At first it seemed like I was going to need more water but after reading the threads here I decided to wait before adding any, good thing too. Shortly there after the lather started to form nice and thick with great lubrication properties and lots of cushion.

The only thing I should have done was added a little bit more cream when I first loaded the brush. I started to run low on my third pass but considered how little I did put on this is not a complaint just an observation for next time. I can't wait to try this stuff in a bowl.

Great stuff Alraz.

I got the sage scented Bomb, and was floored by the performance.
Rich lather, that did not dry , unlike other creams I have used, during the shave. Cushioning was great and my sin did not dry during and after shave.
I eperimented with superlather with different soaps. It worked just great with Lilac Ice, Sandalwood Rose, Tobacco Leaf , Aged spice from Mama bear's.
I also got great results with tallow based soap from Prarie creations and my homemade glycerin soap.
Definitely recommend The Bomb its a great product.

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Originally Posted by mainaman

I got the sage scented Bomb, and was floored by the performance.
Rich lather, that did not dry , unlike other creams I have used, during the shave. Cushioning was great and my sin did not dry during and after shave.
I eperimented with superlather with different soaps. It worked just great with Lilac Ice, Sandalwood Rose, Tobacco Leaf , Aged spice from Mama bear's.
I also got great results with tallow based soap from Prarie creations and my homemade glycerin soap.
Definitely recommend The Bomb its a great product.

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You made uber-lather with the bomb?!?! I sorta think of this stuff as "uber-lather in a jar" and don't mix it with anything. Then again, I'm not a big uber-lather kinda guy. :shrug:

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Originally Posted by BingoBango

You made uber-lather with the bomb?!?! I sorta think of this stuff as "uber-lather in a jar" and don't mix it with anything. Then again, I'm not a big uber-lather kinda guy. :shrug:

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Technically its super lather I did not use glycerin. I like to experiment and see what happens.

Some bay rum arrived in the mail for me today. I will use it for tomorrow's shave, but I am impressed with the scent and looking forward to trying something new. I got samples of lavender and vetiver-lemongrass, too (thanks, Al!). Very nice scents.

This and CarrieM's creams are the first new shave preps I've been truly excited by in some time. Here's hoping they live up to their billing (I have no doubt).

Regards,
Tim

As a follow up to my OP here, I tried face-lathering with the bomb this morning. WOWOWOWOWOWOW!

I think I'm going to stop using my scuttle with the bomb! I loaded right on the jar. I pre-face latherered on my hand for about 5 seconds, then tried to face lather. It came out very thick, I decided to leave it on and think about next step while I stropped. A quick 30/60 later, I washed it off my face, and relathered...I guess it was the extra water on my face, but once agaon...BOOM! More lather than I needed!!
Slick, smooth, close shave. Man, I love this stuff! The bomb is now my travel cream, the nice small tub will be perfect.

Well, I'm four shaves in with Alraz's The Bomb. I'd consider this a preliminary review, but I expect my experience will remain consistent over time, as I'll explain in a moment.

Alraz is a very communicative guy, easy to work with and incredibly helpful, though I still want to know more about this formula...but that's just for selfish reasons, so I can market my own version:):angel:. He's a great guy and was willing to make me a tub of 100% Pimenta Racemosa EO scented cream.

Appearance: The cream is very bright white and exceptionally dense. For those who have used Castle Forbes and Cella, it's sort of midway between the two in terms of density. Of course there's a "dense" version available, but I can't imagine it would be any different from Cella at that point. The cream is presented in a small, brown, screw-top tub with no label of any kind. Just the way I like it.

Scent: Outstanding. In addition to my "bay rum" cream, I got a sample of lavender (also EO) and a sample of lemongrass/vetiver (FO/EO). I'm very impressed with all three, and the latter sample in particular has my attention. Many scents are available. It's my impression that Al will usually make a custom-scented batch if requested.

Latherability: Superb. The first time I used the cream, I took a half-almond size dollop (I would say pea-size, but I want to emphasize that it's half the amount I use with most other creams), put it in my scuttle, and loaded my brush from there. I had some difficulty, as you would expect, since this is nearly the consistency of soft soap. Nevertheless, after some time, I got outstanding lather. Very rich, very dense, and very long-lasting. The second and third shaves I did with this cream, I loaded directly from the tub as though it were a soft soap (or CF). I then face-lathered. The lather was greatly improved, as dense as what I get from the very best soaps and creams, and came together as fast as any lather does. I face-lathered again for shave 4, and felt like I really got this cream dialed in. Just incredibly rich next to most shave preps; like gelato next to low-fat frozen yogurt.
There are comments here and there about the cream's density, the extra time needed to lather effectively, and the fact that the end results are worth the work. I'll just say that's all much ado about nothing. Those who take a long time to generate good lather are usually trying to treat this like a cream instead of a soft soap, I think. That does bring me to my one minor quibble with the Bomb: the tub is a shade too small for effective brush-loading with my brushes, which are usually Omega Pros. It is hard, especially with a large boar brush, to get the brush loaded without losing a bunch of water. On the other hand, I'm told that the Bomb prefers a drier brush to start, so perhaps this is to my advantage without my realizing it.

Cut: The cream provides ample protection, but it also allows for a close cut. I believe this may be due to beard-softening capability, as my blade seems to encounter essentially no resistance during the shave.

Skincare: The cream does leave the skin feeling moisturized, again not unlike Cella. No aftershave necessary (though I have trouble resisting a splash of Dominica or Superior 70 after using a bay rum cream).

Cost: Some may object to this cream on the basis of cost, as it is not cheap. However, as I stated previously, it is incredibly dense, and I suspect a 4 oz. tub will last a long time (my 1/2-almond snurdle on the first day generated enough lather for 4-5 passes). Nevertheless, it isn't the best value in wetshaving; I'll let Arko and Cella duke it out for that title. It is, though, well worth trying, especially if the thought of, say, bay rum or vetiver-scented CF, sans parabens, appeals to you. And anyway, you'll be supporting a true entrepreneur who is doing things the right way.

I'll be ordering more as soon as I have sold off some colognes to finance the purchase. Thanks, Al, for giving me an AD within an AD: The Bomb Acquisition Disorder, TBAD. Really, thank you for making such a fine product.

Regards,
Tim

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Originally Posted by TBoner

Scent: Outstanding. In addition to my "bay rum" cream, I got a sample of lavender (also EO) and a sample of lemongrass/vetiver (FO/EO). I'm very impressed with all three, and the latter sample in particular has my attention. Many scents are available. It's my impression that Al will usually make a custom-scented batch if requested.

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I am really enjoying the lemongrass/vetiver scent. I was unsure of it first (I had never heard of or smelled vetiver before) but it has really grown on me. Al had also sent me a sample of lemongrass/vetiver aftershave that is awesome! Another scent that he sent me that I also love is lemongrass/allspice. The scent just fills the room, and it kinda smells like Christmas.

Al's products really are top notch :tu

Yes, they are. I'm going to have to amend my comment about this not being the best value in wetshaving. I have scarcely made a dent in the stuff. I could have easily believed it had never been used. I believe it may take many more shaves to go through this than through a comparable weight or volume of any other cream or soft soap I've used, in turn making it a superb value.

Also, Al was one of the best guys I've ever worked with on any forum as far as shipping, samples, etc. Buy this stuff, guys.

Regards,
Tim