Grooming Dept. After The Fire DFS pass around/PIF

WyzeOne,

My address is:

This is my first pass-around. What is the protocol on this, specifically:

How long do I keep it?
Who do I send it to next?


And thank you for putting this together.

yours,
David

Better to delete this and PM Jeff your address

This is my favorite of the scents I've tried from Grooming Dept. Looking forward to the posts on it.

Just a note to wyze0ne : I let the previous gentleman know that I will pass on the soap this time. I've been having a dandy of a time with skin issues (dry, irritation, etc). I didn't think that would be a good (or fair) way to evaluate a soap. Thank you for the opportunity to try it, however.

Sorry to hear that Red Tipped Cobra. I hope those issues clear up for you soon.

Sorry to hear that Red Tipped Cobra. I hope those issues clear up for you soon.

Kind of a reoccurring thing. Sensitive skin sucks. I wouldn't advise being born with it.

Gentlemen,

I am the most recent recipient of the soap in this passaround, and earlier today sent it on its way to the next man in line.  I thought this thread might be a good venue to share my impressions.

I had no prior experience with Grooming Dept soaps, but had heard plenty of favorable buzz, here and various places online.  I was  curious about the soap and the artisan, so I am glad I was able to participate in the passaround.  I would like to thank wyzeOne for organizing it.

The first thing I did when I got the soap was to sample the scent off the puck.  The scent was middling strong, with smoke as the principal recognizable component.  Per the scent description on the GD site the scent is

"predominantly a lime forward barbershop scent with smoke and resin as something extra! The smoke is light but complex partially from Cade + Guiacwood and a hint of Labdanum resin".

Well, I got the smoke, but I struggled to identify either lime  or 'barbershop scent'.  I could not name what I smelled, though it struck me as vaguely medicinal.   My initial encounter with the scent off the puck did not sweep me off my feet.  By way of background, some soaps that did so sweep:  B&M Fougere Gothique,  PdP 63,  L&L Rose Santal.    

I took a total of five shaves, varying the brushes to include badger, boar, and synth.  I had no problems lathering, none.  Great easy lathers every time. I'll note my home town does feature nice soft water.  The scent once lathered was consistent with what I got off the puck.  Over the course of five days I warmed up to it a bit, but I can't say I grew to love it.  This is not a criticism of the soap or the scent.  I think that I encountered a very well crafted scent that is just not my thing.  I've certainly had  that happen before, for instance,  both Leviathan and Lavanille quite put me off.  Enough about that.

Performance:   I kept the razor and blade consistent across the shaves, a Timeless .68 straight comb with a Polsilver super irridium blade.  And here is where it gets good.  No irritation, no nicks, no weepers.  I like to build a very wet lather with the intent of maximizing slickness, and found the GD soap was just what the doctor ordered.  I went for BBS every time, and very much enjoyed every shave.  Post shave feel was good. The soap was not particularly drying so far as I can tell, but I do apply balm after every shave, which tends to obscure whether or not a soap might be drying.  

Searching for a comparable soap base that I have used, what comes to mind is Wholly Kaw donkey milk.  Which in my book is a very flattering comparison.  So much so that I decided to pull the trigger on an order of Grooming Dept 'Magnolia'.  I do realize that Magnolia is their vegan base, not the same as that of 'After the Fire', but my experience with AtF convinced me that GD is making some very fine soap.  I may not appreciate smoke scent, but I very much appreciate florals, and as a southern boy I am familiar with the lovely Magnolia flower.  Looking forward to it, and to hearing what the rest of the participants have to say.

This is really nice of you to do.

Gentlemen,

I am the most recent recipient of the soap in this passaround, and earlier today sent it on its way to the next man in line.  I thought this thread might be a good venue to share my impressions.

I had no prior experience with Grooming Dept soaps, but had heard plenty of favorable buzz, here and various places online.  I was  curious about the soap and the artisan, so I am glad I was able to participate in the passaround.  I would like to thank wyzeOne for organizing it.

The first thing I did when I got the soap was to sample the scent off the puck.  The scent was middling strong, with smoke as the principal recognizable component.  Per the scent description on the GD site the scent is

"predominantly a lime forward barbershop scent with smoke and resin as something extra! The smoke is light but complex partially from Cade + Guiacwood and a hint of Labdanum resin".

Well, I got the smoke, but I struggled to identify either lime  or 'barbershop scent'.  I could not name what I smelled, though it struck me as vaguely medicinal.   My initial encounter with the scent off the puck did not sweep me off my feet.  By way of background, some soaps that did so sweep:  B&M Fougere Gothique,  PdP 63,  L&L Rose Santal.    

I took a total of five shaves, varying the brushes to include badger, boar, and synth.  I had no problems lathering, none.  Great easy lathers every time. I'll note my home town does feature nice soft water.  The scent once lathered was consistent with what I got off the puck.  Over the course of five days I warmed up to it a bit, but I can't say I grew to love it.  This is not a criticism of the soap or the scent.  I think that I encountered a very well crafted scent that is just not my thing.  I've certainly had  that happen before, for instance,  both Leviathan and Lavanille quite put me off.  Enough about that.

Performance:   I kept the razor and blade consistent across the shaves, a Timeless .68 straight comb with a Polsilver super irridium blade.  And here is where it gets good.  No irritation, no nicks, no weepers.  I like to build a very wet lather with the intent of maximizing slickness, and found the GD soap was just what the doctor ordered.  I went for BBS every time, and very much enjoyed every shave.  Post shave feel was good. The soap was not particularly drying so far as I can tell, but I do apply balm after every shave, which tends to obscure whether or not a soap might be drying.  

Searching for a comparable soap base that I have used, what comes to mind is Wholly Kaw donkey milk.  Which in my book is a very flattering comparison.  So much so that I decided to pull the trigger on an order of Grooming Dept 'Magnolia'.  I do realize that Magnolia is their vegan base, not the same as that of 'After the Fire', but my experience with AtF convinced me that GD is making some very fine soap.  I may not appreciate smoke scent, but I very much appreciate florals, and as a southern boy I am familiar with the lovely Magnolia flower.  Looking forward to it, and to hearing what the rest of the participants have to say.

Thank you for taking the time to try After The Fire. I'm happy you enjoyed the performance of the soap. I hope Magnolia's scent is to your liking and I look forward your thoughts on it.

Thanks for the update and detailed write up drc! Nice!

Hello gents, I received the soap last night and took it for a drive this morning. There must be something in here that bothers my sensitive skin. Regardless, I’m going to give it one more go tomorrow and see how it goes. If it bothers again I’ll let it air dry for the next full day and then send it on to the next person. Other than the burning it was easy to lather and gave great slickness and post shave results. The scent isn’t necessarily one I’d say I like, but it might could grow on me.