Knize Ten Issues...

[adonnellyr]

I purchased one of those 1oz decants that Rudy Vey has been generously putting on the BST, as I'd been really wanting to try this scent but had found it relatively difficult to find at a remotely affordable price. Now, I'm a fellow who loves his colognes. I really enjoy a nice scent, not just for the impact a great cologne can have on others, but for the personal experience. I enjoy constantly sniffing myself throughout the day and noting the perfume's evolution. I even keep notes of every colognes I've bought or sampled, marking the notes that come out on me and how long they last, the level of silage, etc... But even with my love of samples, I still haven't been able to find that one signature scent I can adopt as my own. I thought it might be C&S 88, but it doesn't have the staying power on me it has on some. Then the mail arrived yesterday. With Knize 10 I found a scent that finally sticks around as long as I'd like. K-10 by FAR lasts longer for me than anything else I've ever tried, but here's the problem: I don't like the smell. It makes me feel physically sick--dizzy and sort of ill. I want to like it, but all I can smell are cigarettes and something really sweet that makes me almost vomit (no exaggeration). It's too bad, because I really wanted to like this one. I'm still going to give it another wear or two, which may sound foolish, but I have to be sure... So what do you guys think, does it sound like I'm too far gone to ever like this scent?

I might also add that perhaps my reaction to it is partly psychological and if I had a positive way of thinking about this smell I might be able to trick myself into liking it. Perhaps someone who really loves this cologne could describe what they like about it and I could make myself approach it with a new nose. Perhaps I'm one of those people who just puts too much belief in the power of mind over matter...

 

[blantyre]

K 10 needs only the lightest application - a light mist. It changes from a turpentine-citrusy opening to a leathery-vanilla finish - unique and potent juice. Apply too much and it is overwhelmingly strong and repellent and you can't get rid of it easily. It is also a bit heavy in the warmer weather. I strongly recommend giving it a few more chances - hopefully your first negative reaction won't tarnish it for you.

 

[Sluggo]

No, you are not alone on this. My wife litterally gagged when I sprayed it on me...she said it smelled like a urine cake made of leather

 

[atlguitfiddle]

I recently got a decant of Knize Ten from Rorschuck, and I was thoroughly disappointed (with the cologne, not the seller )

I guess it is just my skin chemistry, but the juice only lasts about 3 hours on me, and it begins to fade almost as soon as I put it on.

I'm also with you on the scent...I suppose it could do it for some, but I find it to be really vile. I can't quite place what it reminds me of...maybe some sort of plastic?

To each their own, I suppose.

 

[The National Razor]

In my opinion, If you don't like it, don't force it. I really wanted to like Blenheim Bouquet--I love the history, the description of the notes, the pedigree--but I can't like the scent. So I moved on, to my chagrin.

Personally, I love K-10. But it's clearly not for everyone.

 

[kingfisher]

So what do you guys think, does it sound like I'm too far gone to ever like this scent?

Yes.

Why even give it another try?

 

[The Nid Hog]

I agree--if you don't like it, don't force it. If you are looking for a signature fragrance, maybe you might want to put staying power on hold. It's a lot to ask of a fragrance that it smells great, suits you and lasts a long time. Find one you like and stick an atomizer in your pocket if persistence becomes an issue.

I wouldn't feel apologetic at all for not liking K-10 either. You'll hit on something--in fact, probably several. And whether it's a boutique concoction from Le Labo or a bottle of Grey Flannel from the drugstore, you'll like it because you like it. Keep looking!

 

[Thomas]

Hang on to your decant and wait a while. I first tried Knize Ten years ago and was overwhelmed by the powdery flowers and gave my decant away. It kept coming up in conversations, reviews, boards, what-not, and I sampled ferociously in the interim. Two years later, I can wear it now, finally.

U-turns aren't that uncommon for complex scents: I've personally turned around on Habit Rouge, Kouros, Bulgari Black, and Knize Ten.

 

[professorchaos]

I didn't care for The Knize Ten the first several times I wore it. One morning, I put it on and had an epiphany. Been a die hard addict ever since. FWIIW, it is most definitely not a summer cologne. Might want to revisit in cooler weather.

 

[jakespoppy]

I tried K-10 for the first time in Colonial Drugs two weeks ago, and the first time I smelled it in the store, I passed on it, only to return the next day and buy it. I'm very glad I did. The first test in the store I got too much, and it overwhelmed me. The next time I applied it lightly and was surprised at how much milder, lighter, and more complex the fragrance was. I've found I enjoy it more if I apply it more "indirectly" - on my chest and just below my neck, rather than applying it on my neck or anywhere above my shirt collar. I like a little on my hands/wrists, too. If you don't like it you can't/shouldn't force it. To each his own. But you might give it another chance with a slightly different approach, and as someone else suggested, don't get rid of it yet, just put it away for a while if it doesn't work now. You might change your mind later.

 

[bokaba]

I tried Ten for a few days. It certainly is regal, but it is scent of leather and tobacco. So if you don't like leather or tobacco, you probably won't like it.

 

[jpkunst]

Put the K10 away for a while and come back to it later, with a very light application. I didn't like K10 at first (I was not as repulsed as you, though) but I've grown to like it.

 

[Rutgers Football]

I got one of Rudy's decants too.

Used it once -- stepped into a light mist -- I really like it.

Came home from work and my wife HATES it. Says it gave her an instant headache, and she said it smelled awful.

So my dilemma is a little different.

 

[adonnellyr]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I think I might just wait a little and then try it out on a day when the weather is nice and cool.

I got one of Rudy's decants too.

Used it once -- stepped into a light mist -- I really like it.

Came home from work and my wife HATES it. Says it gave her an instant headache, and she said it smelled awful.

So my dilemma is a little different.

And isn't it weird people are having this headache reaction to the smell? I wonder why that is... It's not even like I find the smell bad per-say, it just physically makes me ill and brings upon an instant headache. It's the weirdest thing...

 

[Emmett]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I think I might just wait a little and then try it out on a day when the weather is nice and cool.



And isn't it weird people are having this headache reaction to the smell? I wonder why that is... It's not even like I find the smell bad per-say, it just physically makes me ill and brings upon an instant headache. It's the weirdest thing...

Lots of colognes give me headaches. I didn't wear any fragrance for years b/c of it. Marine scents are especially bad.

 

[msandoval858]

I'll admit, Knize was one that had to grow on me. The first time I wore it, the stuff overwhelmed me. I had one of the small spray samples and had no idea how much to put on. Three good shots directly to the chest is not a good idea, trust me, I know this now.

I've tried it in both splash and spray format and while I usually like almost my fragrances in splash, this one needs to be sprayed. One shot about 18 inches from the chest allows the fragrance to really open up and soften a bit. The stuff has amazing staying power and definately a must have if you like true leather scents.

 

[Emmett]

Well, I have worn this 3+ times now, trying to decide if I like it. I still don't get any leather. I get stank. Bizarrely, it is somehow a sexy stank, like phermones or something. Not repulsive, but neither is it a "good smelling" odor. This is the wierdest thing I have ever tried.

 

[cymric]

With Knize 10 I found a scent that finally sticks around as long as I'd like. K-10 by FAR lasts longer for me than anything else I've ever tried, but here's the problem: I don't like the smell. It makes me feel physically sick--dizzy and sort of ill. I want to like it, but all I can smell are cigarettes and something really sweet that makes me almost vomit (no exaggeration). It's too bad, because I really wanted to like this one. I'm still going to give it another wear or two, which may sound foolish, but I have to be sure... So what do you guys think, does it sound like I'm too far gone to ever like this scent?

My story with Kinze 10: Once you frequent these forums more regularly, Knize 10 invariably pops up as a 'classic' which more or less stood the test of time and can be 'trusted' to the extent that it can be bought safely. I was very fortunate to locate an interesting beauty store in the heart of Amsterdam where I then lived which sold a lot of these 'classics', so I could sample them at my leisure. Amongst those was Knize 10. I walked up, trembling with anticipation, sprayed it on a little sampling stick, and...

... turned my nose up in disgust, while trying to quell the bile that was rising up in my stomach.

To my nose, 10 smells disgusting if not downright revolting to the point where I honestly think there must be something wrong with other people's olfactory senses in that they willingly apply this vile brew to their skin. I recognise the 'powder' in it, and the sweet undertone is kind of nice, too. But there is a yucky stomach-turning soury-sulphury element in it which puts me off. 10 reminds me of the fragrance of a bicycle tire repair kit which is sold here locally. That kit comes in little metal boxes containing little strips of vulcanised rubber, and a tube of solvent-rich glue. The scents are quite similar. I cannot see myself donning tire repair set fragrance, ever.

And yes, I tried 10 a few times with a break of a few months in between. After the fourth time or so I stopped trying. It's a lost cause.

I might also add that perhaps my reaction to it is partly psychological and if I had a positive way of thinking about this smell I might be able to trick myself into liking it. Perhaps someone who really loves this cologne could describe what they like about it and I could make myself approach it with a new nose. Perhaps I'm one of those people who just puts too much belief in the power of mind over matter...

Don't deceive yourself: 10 is a lost cause for you. And don't force yourself to like it: that just won't work.

 

[jakespoppy]

My story with Kinze 10:.....turned my nose up in disgust, while trying to quell the bile that was rising up in my stomach.

To my nose, 10 smells disgusting if not downright revolting to the point where I honestly think there must be something wrong with other people's olfactory senses in that they willingly apply this vile brew to their skin. I recognise the 'powder' in it, and the sweet undertone is kind of nice, too. But there is a yucky stomach-turning soury-sulphury element in it which puts me off. 10 reminds me of the fragrance of a bicycle tire repair kit which is sold here locally. That kit comes in little metal boxes containing little strips of vulcanised rubber, and a tube of solvent-rich glue. The scents are quite similar. I cannot see myself donning tire repair set fragrance, ever......

Okay, but how do you really feel about it? Don't hold back, now.

 

[Thomas]

(...)

... turned my nose up in disgust, while trying to quell the bile that was rising up in my stomach.

To my nose, 10 smells disgusting if not downright revolting to the point where I honestly think there must be something wrong with other people's olfactory senses in that they willingly apply this vile brew to their skin. I recognise the 'powder' in it, and the sweet undertone is kind of nice, too. But there is a yucky stomach-turning soury-sulphury element in it which puts me off. 10 reminds me of the fragrance of a bicycle tire repair kit which is sold here locally. That kit comes in little metal boxes containing little strips of vulcanised rubber, and a tube of solvent-rich glue. The scents are quite similar. I cannot see myself donning tire repair set fragrance, ever.

And yes, I tried 10 a few times with a break of a few months in between. After the fourth time or so I stopped trying. It's a lost cause.


Don't deceive yourself: 10 is a lost cause for you. And don't force yourself to like it: that just won't work.

oh, you're just trying to get me to sell my decant, aren't you? I see through your ruse.