#1
Iam in possession of Ken's new soaps; 5 scents and some initial public reactions that also smell. I will share what I know, what I care about, no more no less upwind of the others. Presentation is outstanding; black glass with it's drawbacks and advantages and well executed labeling. Quantitiy is a
generous five ounces of a non milled, but firm soap that will smooth and compress with firm pressure. I don't know who makes it for Paladin, others have named names of no import to me. This is a TALLOW soap and, to me importantly a NON PALM OIL product. I possess palm oil soaps, like them and
take no issue with you who do. But palm oil is today's 'blood diamonds' or 'black gold' with horrendous social and environmental impacts. Again, your call and no grief from me. The intitial $28 price found a catterwalling of protest and was reduced. I do not compare soaps with so many variables and
passions. It's a soap I'll hand over $28 to replenish.
Performance, always a nice thing to look at after passions have cooled over. It took me 3 shaves to figure out the right water ratio and I'm still tweaking it. I am an aggressive brush loader and then face lather. Four passes with everything else familiar and I was rewarded with a no weeper shave
and nice post shave feel. It rinsed well followed by a post shave palm also offered.
I expect readers want to know the scents. All are very subdued and the warning DISCONTINUE USE IF IRRITATION OCCURS joins DO NOT EAT FROZEN PIZZA BEFORE COOKING in things not to worry about.
Natchez Trace is easy; Bay, Pine and Cedar and it smells like grandmother's cedar chest holding the family story you don't know and should Visit your grandmothers people.
Pythian way; Lillium, Woods, Vanilla and a delightfull floral with wood nymphs being chased by satyrs my favorite. I like wood nymphs.
Silk Road; Vetiver, Lavender, Anise OMG! another forum's member thought it named after the busted digital grey market for drugs and firearms. I thought of spice boxes unloaded from a long line of camels in a caravanseri.
Tobacco Road; Spices, Leather,Pipe Tobacco It's a guy thing going on here.
Crossroads; Tobacco Leaf, Sandalwood, Menthol. Folklore says you can meet Old Scratch at midnight on a crossroad. That, or a State Trooper heavy in leather and starched uniform who wants to know why you're stopping there so late and what's that pungeant smell in your CA plate PRIUS? The menthol is devilish and he will confiscate it, so don't stop, at least in Texas and Idaho.
So, that's my review. I like it. I figure you will too.

Matsilainen, SCShaver, bakerbarber and 8 others like this post
#2
Thanks for the review - I have Silk Road and Natchez trace on the way and am looking forward to it.
This increases my anticipation.
#3

Member
Detroit
Well done! Happy
- Jeff
#4

Member
Woodstock, VT
(This post was last modified: 12-06-2016, 08:08 AM by vtmax.)
Nice job. Pythian Way sounds intriguing as well as the other scents. Quality ingredient list but not a novel. They look great.
#5

Vintage Shaver
Seattle, WA
Thanks for the review, Chris. I tend to stick mostly with vintage shaving soaps, but after reading reviews and hearing a glowing report from a visiting friend, I think that if I were to be tempted by any modern soaps at all it would be by Ken's.
John
#6
I really like Crossroads. Nice tobacco scent with just the right amount of menthol.
#7
Nice write up Chris. Thanks for taking the time to do so!

"He who hasn't faced adversity doesn't know his true strength. "
#8
This was a very helpful and informative review.
#9

Member
Atlanta, GA
Thank you for taking the time to do such a nice write up.

SCShaver likes this post
Clint
#10
Great review-- I need to try Silk Road.


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