Razor: Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements Ascension Select Twist
Blade: Shark Platinum Super Stainless
Lather: Hendrix Classics & Company Sci-Fi Cowboy (Unscented) w/ Italian Plum fragrance oil
Brush: Yaqi Purple Haze 24mm
Bowl: Fine Accoutrements Fine Lather Bowl
Post 1: P.A.A. Alum w/ No-Slip Grip System & Dry Dock System
Post 2: Dickinson's Enhanced Witch Hazel Deep Cleansing Astringent w/ Menthol & Eucalyptus
Aftershave: Hendrix Classics & Company Magique
With this shave, I begin my exploration of the "scent-your-own" way of doing things. For this first experience, I chose Italian Plum.
Ever since I heard that HC&C was releasing this scent I was intrigued. It's just one of those shave soaps that gets me by the name alone. Immediately I get thoughts of elegance with something deeper and darker mixed in.
Italian Plum comes across to me as a sweet, get-closer, cologne type. It has notes of citrus zest, sandalwood, winter orchid, and of course plum. I find the brightness of the citrus sitting just behind the plum and orchid accord. Overall the fragrance has character, is dark, and in my opinion, makes a really nice date night scent. I'm digging this one.
I started with 5 drops, putting them in when my lather was about 80%. I'm not sure if it makes a difference to add the oil right from the beginning or later like I did but that's what makes experimenting a fun learning activity. I'm naturally a very curious person and love learning so this is fun for me.
I did three passes with a Shark blade in the Ascension Select and well, had a great shave. I haven't used this blade in a while so it felt a little "unfamiliar", if you know what I mean. But it did what I needed it to do so...
I went with Magique (Sauvage) aftershave because it's of the same vein as Italian Plum and it matched up pretty well so I was cool with that.
I highly recommend HC&C and all their shaving gear. If you don't have any, go get some.
Alright, my friends. Thanks for reading. Now go enjoy your shaves.