All things Grooming Dept

I had a tub of Frankinlime go rancid. That was the only one for me. I was issued a credit immediately. I've had others where I didn't like the scent, such as Molten, but it didn't smell foul. The only one that bothered me as far as the scent of the base goes was Tacit, but that was more of an animal fat smell that put me off, not something rotten. I guess the smell of the base doesn't bother me when scent is there to conceal it.

The comments regarding Grooming Dept base smell do not reflect my experience since a fix was announced a year plus plus ago.  While I haven't purchased nor inspected every soap coming from Mo's shop, have purchased or handled dozens without a single one having any issue regarding scents other than intended.  Most have been unscented in every base available until Nai.  Just want to make it clear this is my experience.  Swear to God, were there a scent issue in my experience, would join this thread albeit more kindly.  The only issue can comment on is wish the soap was more readily available but this is the nature of artisan products.  Mo doesn't pay me nor provide free product other than a sample from time to time as he does even new customers.  Others have a right to report their experience but I also have a right to share mine honestly and without prejudice.

I guess I just lucked out and randomly bought 5 GD soaps that smell terrible. Must be bad luck.

I guess I just lucked out and randomly bought 5 GD soaps that smell terrible. Must be bad luck.

I have no dog in this fight but I do have a tub of Pura which smells like an old stale prawn cracker, and it’s supposed to be Unscented.

It could be that indeed you were the unlucky winner but that in no way marginalizes my experience as empirical and honest.  My perspective is to refrain from badmouthing honest operators delivering a product of middling or inferiour quality but also not to pimp such products under any circumstances.  The products raved about in posts are what have worked for me - when expensive (ahem ABC Balms ahem) also comment on the price whilst praising.  However, under no circumstances will I pimp a product unless wholeheartedly believing it the best.  WK and GD are the 2 soaps constantly pimped by me - Hell WK has never even provided a sample!

I guess I just lucked out and randomly bought 5 GD soaps that smell terrible. Must be bad luck.

I have no dog in this fight but I do have a tub of Pura which smells like an old stale prawn cracker, and it’s supposed to be Unscented.

Mmmm delicious. Definitely want shrimp smeared all over my face and neck.
Thanks for sharing with everyone.

My Pura is as unscented as soap can possibly be and have 3 tubs.  I store unused shave gear in a spare bedroom closet - is it possible that has something to do with the results?  Only the current soaps being used are kept in the bathroom where humidity might be having an impact.  Also pull soap from the container using a knife to bowl lather - is it possible tub loading/lathering is having an impact due to residual water?

If any of you folk are in Atlanta or willing to pay postage will gladly ship you some samples from my current soaps: Agnus, Pura, Pekin, Tacit & Asinus - pretty sure have a Lusso Chypre somewhere here too but damned if can find it.  Truth told am curious - wife thinks they are unscented as well without bad notes (and she has a bloodhound's sense of smell).

Being kind and liked personally does not mean you have a product that doesn't smell terrible. I've received several PMs from guys who have sided with me on this issue.

It's really annoying to see people who ignore this, and sweep it under the rug.

How many formulas have had a terrible smell in the base? How many times are you gonna let that slide and post superlative positive reviews that CONVINCE OTHERS to WASTE THEIR MONEY. Is that ethical? No, it's not.

And no, I'm not talking about a subjective scent... I'm saying they smell rancid. Think spoiled milk or worse.

Thank god you’re here. What a fantastic service you’re providing for your fellow man. We need more men(?) like you with solid moral footing. I only wish I knew WHERE to spend my money instead!

My dog just took a dump, maybe I can send it to you since you like terrible scents. What's your address? I can overnight it.

Then you can tell everyone I sell a great product!!!

Please tell me what soap I should be buying? Why are you playing so hard to get? It’s almost like you enjoy this. I want to know where I should spend my money!!!

I have had over the past few years about 40 various tubs of GD. I try to get at least one of each release. The majority I keep, others I give to friends and family. Some of the scents I don’t initially like, such as Molten and Charbon, have ended up as favorites after some time of using them.
None of them have ever smelled rancid. Some scents I love, some are ok and some are not to my taste. None have gone bad or smelled as they were not intended to be. All perform exceptionally well.

The latest releases of Nai, Kairos and the Janus updated formula have given me excellent and luxurious shaves.