A solid performer, this soap really only has two shortcomings relative to its overall quality: the scent is not as prolific as I might prefer and the cost is slightly higher than some of its contemporaries.
Price: $13 - $15 for a refill isn't too bad a price, actually, but there are soaps with similar performance available for $8 - $10. For this reason, I have given it a moderately low rating. You are effectively paying for the name, in this case.
Quality: The reason you're paying so much for the name is that this is a quality piece of kit from an outstanding company. The soap is flawlessly made and packaged. If you spring for the bowl (especially the mahogany-effect one), it exudes quality on the counter.
Scent: A lovely lavender, to be sure. It's just faint. Easy to smell on the soap, it disappears during lathering. This is okay with me, but I would have liked it even more if it filled the room with a lavender bouquet when I shaved.
Lather: And lather it does. In 20 swirls, this gives my Rooney Finest 3/1 or my B&B Essential enough soap for two or three passes. Thick and lovely, it's an excellent lathering soap. Forgiving on water balance, it will lather even in hard water.
Efficacy: Which also glides nicely. This is a slick soap and I never feel like I'm dragging a razor, even when my prep isn't as sound as I'd like it. Never have irritation when using this soap.
Moisturizing: Not just no irritation, but my face does feel softer afterward. I have failed to use aftershave on two occasions with this soap - once intentionally and once accidentally - and each time my face still felt well-moisturized.
Overall, a solid product from a reputable company. Sure, you pay a little extra for the name. It is a good investment, in some ways, because it's such a no-brainer product. It always lives up to the expectation of a good shave, even making up for slight oversights in other parts of the routine.
Price: $13 - $15 for a refill isn't too bad a price, actually, but there are soaps with similar performance available for $8 - $10. For this reason, I have given it a moderately low rating. You are effectively paying for the name, in this case.
Quality: The reason you're paying so much for the name is that this is a quality piece of kit from an outstanding company. The soap is flawlessly made and packaged. If you spring for the bowl (especially the mahogany-effect one), it exudes quality on the counter.
Scent: A lovely lavender, to be sure. It's just faint. Easy to smell on the soap, it disappears during lathering. This is okay with me, but I would have liked it even more if it filled the room with a lavender bouquet when I shaved.
Lather: And lather it does. In 20 swirls, this gives my Rooney Finest 3/1 or my B&B Essential enough soap for two or three passes. Thick and lovely, it's an excellent lathering soap. Forgiving on water balance, it will lather even in hard water.
Efficacy: Which also glides nicely. This is a slick soap and I never feel like I'm dragging a razor, even when my prep isn't as sound as I'd like it. Never have irritation when using this soap.
Moisturizing: Not just no irritation, but my face does feel softer afterward. I have failed to use aftershave on two occasions with this soap - once intentionally and once accidentally - and each time my face still felt well-moisturized.
Overall, a solid product from a reputable company. Sure, you pay a little extra for the name. It is a good investment, in some ways, because it's such a no-brainer product. It always lives up to the expectation of a good shave, even making up for slight oversights in other parts of the routine.