Greetings, fellow shavers!
For some time I've had the urge to try out a new variety of shaving soap. I've been reading the comments and recommendations of others here on SRP, yet nothing really appealed to me. Whilst browsing around eBay a few months ago, I came across a seller here in Michigan. Her name is Deb Shively, and she is the proprietress of Handmade Naturals by Deb in Kalkaska, MI. I bought a boar's hair brush in April from her for traveling, and I've been quite satisfied with it. While looking at her other wares on eBay, I noticed she also sold her own handmade soaps with scents such as sandalwood, frankincense, patchouli, and cedarwood to name a few.
A few weeks ago I noticed that my tube of Proraso was getting pretty low, and I recalled Mrs. Shively offerings. I figured, "Why not give her goods a try?" After logging onto her website (http://www.handmadenaturals.com/), I found what I sought.
Last Saturday it arrived: "Cedarwood Shaving Soap by Handmade Naturals by Deb." I quickly ripped open the box, carefully opened the package inside, and took a deep whiff. MY! What a lovely scent! "SWMBO's really gonna love this!" As I'd not shaved since Thursday, I decided to wait until Sunday evening to test-drive it with a fuller beard.
The description on the package reads thusly:
"A nice, thick, lasting lather. These shave soaps are made with natural ingredients and are best used with a shave mug and brush. Contains: Propylene Glycol, Sorbitol, Glycerine, Olive Oil, Fruit Oil, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Trithanolamine, Water, Aloe, Vitamin E, Witch Hazel and Cedarwood Scented Oil. 1.5 oz."
Using hot tap water I soaked my Thater for a few minutes, and poured about 10-12 drops on top of the puck. I began loading the brush, then transferred over to the mug to begin whipping up lather. I didn't get much at all. OK, more water needed. I filled my Old Spice shave mug with enough water to cover the bottom of it and started swirling my brush over and around it for a full minute, then decided to face lather. I found some improvement in the lather, and it was enough to begin my desired face scraping regimen.
I am happy to report the glide was GREAT! My Robeson ShurEdge flew across my face as if it were coated in teflon! And the scent of cedarwood lasted for several hours -- long enough for me to go and pick up SWMBO from work on the bike. I take full responsibility for the lack of puffy lather due to operator error. SRP member Theseus has had amply satisfying experiences with these soaps, and emailed me these instructions:
"Soak the puck in warm water for a few minutes, then load your brush. start with almost no water in your mug, and slowly add water." Apparently, he means "Drown it!" Thanks, Theseus! :tu
Although I thought I'd soaked the puck enough, apparently it wasn't sufficient. Had I known of Theseus's tip beforehand, I'm sure the lather would have been much better as he indicated his satisfaction with her frankincense shaving soap.
Although I've not yet shaved with it again, I look forward to a second trial. As I wrote, glide and scent were terrific, and lack of lather my fault.
Disclaimer: I have no connection whatsoever to Handmade Naturals by Deb or Mrs. Deb Shively except as a consumer. With that in mind, if you wish to visit her shoppe online and peruse her shaving wares, go to: http://www.handmadenaturals.com/. My next purchase will most likely be her handmade sandalwood soap. For only $6 USD (and that includes shipping!), I highly recommend this to my fellow SRP members!
Respectfully,
Mapleleafalumnus
