I had no idea I was so picky about scents!

[DesertJake]

I'm still early in my wet shaving experience and already in the midst of SAD. I had bought a number of Razorock, TOBS and Proraso soaps. But today I got a package from the BST with 22 different soaps (thanks Jboone!!).

It's a bit overwhelming, but going through them I'm surprised how many popular soaps I absolutely hate the scent of! I don't like the much-loved RR XXX. I hate the scent of Proraso Red, Barrister and Mann Lime/Lavender/Cedarwood, C&E Sandalwood, C&E Sienna Erasmic, Godrej shaving round,.

What's wrong with me?

The Haslinger Sandalwood is almost okay, maybe because it's not that strong. TOBS Jermyn Street isn't bad. But I think of all the cologne-ish scents, I like RR XX best. Palmolive, La Toja, and Nivea (German) all seem inoffensive. I think I like Speick. I'm not sure about Institute Karite.

Anyway, no real point to this post other to say it's strange to find out my tastes are so different from most of the reviews I've seen on here.

 

[Mr5x5]

Scent preference is interesting. Some scents that I like in other circumstances I just don't like in a shaving soap. Always a good idea to get a sample if possible before committing to a full purchase.

 

[flat_tire]

I find that my opinion of the scents also change a little from the initial receipt, especially when smelling multiple soaps. I always have to check the scent a few days after I initially receive it, and by itself, to determine if I really like it or not. Other scents have grown on me with use. The most confusing example for me was tabac. When I initially smelled it I absolutely loved it because it reminded me of the barbershop I went to as a kid. Then a few days later I smelled it again and it just smelled like a dirty ashtray (which was also in the barbershop from my childhood ). Then as I used it the scent grew on me and now I love it again (and have for the past 2+ years).

I guess ultimately what I am saying is don't give final judgment for these soaps based on one sniff test.

-CZ

 

[Niles]

don't give final judgment for these soaps based on one sniff test.

Good advice.

 

[DesertJake]

I plan on giving most of them a try or two, except for a few that truly repulse me. What's funny, is Arko doesn't seem that bad based on a sniff. Maybe it's just that I expected the worst after so many comments about its smell!

 

[BrookR1]

I have the exact opposite problem. Every scent that I sniff I like. The only exception is RR Don Marco. I guess I'm not a fan of orange scents.

I used to hate almond scented soaps, but after a few tries, I like them.

 

[u2u]

I find many to be acceptable but few to be puck/tub/bottle worthy. Often hard to tell from a sample size unless it is a generous one.

 

[jasonb8736]

I did not like the smell of DR Harris Arlington when I first got it. It was a blind buy based on the absolute love of this soap at B&B. I think the floral scent turned me off. Theses days I usually sneak a whiff of Arlington when I pass by it and really love the smell. I can't explain it, but it grew in me.

 

[john parker]

I did not like the smell of DR Harris Arlington when I first got it. It was a blind buy based on the absolute love of this soap at B&B. I think the floral scent turned me off. Theses days I usually sneak a whiff of Arlington when I pass by it and really love the smell. I can't explain it, but it grew in me.

Jason, think you are the first person I have heard that says Arlington has a floral scent! Tell me more! What kind of flower? What else? Reason I ask is that I have never really gotten a smell of any of the Harris soaps except the lavender and almond that I have. I have gotten samples of the others, but afraid they were sufficiently "exposed" that they had lost their scent.

 

[bassopotamus]

I agree with those above who say you should shave with them first for a couple reasons
1 a soap may smell different when lathered. Often they are more muted.

2. Scent is closely linked to emotional memory, largely due to brain structure. It's possible that you have some strong negative association. It seems that maybe you don't like sandalwood. Maybe your parents were eaten Nya bear wearing sandalwood cologne or something. On the other hand, it is possible to form new memories with a smell. True recent story: mr Parker above was kind enough to PIF me some Klar Kabinett. I really didn't care for the strOng rose smell and just let it sit. The stuff is really potent. In an unopened envelope it made my whole office smell. I finally decided to try it when there were rumors it was discontinued, since I figured if I was going to buy some, my window is short. Long story short, I tried it, didn't like the smell of the lather, but had a fantastic shave. Then another. Then I started craving the smell. I'm convinced that the positive association between the good shave and the smell changedMy feelings about the scent.




Bottom line:try it, you might like it

 

[jasonb8736]

Jason, think you are the first person I have heard that says Arlington has a floral scent! Tell me more! What kind of flower? What else? Reason I ask is that I have never really gotten a smell of any of the Harris soaps except the lavender and almond that I have. I have gotten samples of the others, but afraid they were sufficiently "exposed" that they had lost their scent.

First of all, I have a damaged sniffer. It's been broken and operated on a couple times and my sense of smell is below average. That said, I tend to prefer woody/citrus scents; however, I detect a floral smell of some sort. According to various reviews, the scent I detect is "fern". To my nose, it's floral. It's a very refreshing summer scent.

 

[john parker]

First of all, I have a damaged sniffer. It's been broken and operated on a couple times and my sense of smell is below average. That said, I tend to prefer woody/citrus scents; however, I detect a floral smell of some sort. According to various reviews, the scent I detect is "fern". To my nose, it's floral. It's a very refreshing summer scent.

Thank you! Appreciate the description!

 

[jasonb8736]

Thank you! Appreciate the description!

You are most welcome! I suggest you put Arlington into the "quick search" for further research. There are a few B&B members who have provided a much more specific and eloquent review. Best regards!

 

[ricardo9505]

I'm still early in my wet shaving experience and already in the midst of SAD. I had bought a number of Razorock, TOBS and Proraso soaps. But today I got a package from the BST with 22 different soaps (thanks Jboone!!).

It's a bit overwhelming, but going through them I'm surprised how many popular soaps I absolutely hate the scent of! I don't like the much-loved RR XXX. I hate the scent of Proraso Red, Barrister and Mann Lime/Lavender/Cedarwood, C&E Sandalwood, C&E Sienna Erasmic, Godrej shaving round,.

What's wrong with me?

The Haslinger Sandalwood is almost okay, maybe because it's not that strong. TOBS Jermyn Street isn't bad. But I think of all the cologne-ish scents, I like RR XX best. Palmolive, La Toja, and Nivea (German) all seem inoffensive. I think I like Speick. I'm not sure about Institute Karite.

Anyway, no real point to this post other to say it's strange to find out my tastes are so different from most of the reviews I've seen on here.

WOW. I love many of those scents. do understand that they grow and develop when they lather. Scent is more soapy and works well usually with the lather. I have Proraso red and love the sandalwood, you may not like that scent. Try Mikes Orange Pepper or Ogallala's lime bay rum. You may think you dislike a scent, at first, and then grow to love it (Mikes Peppermint Rosemary, great summer soap)