I just learned about this soap a couple of weeks ago. I don't need any soap right now, but I had to try it because of how much I love the scent. It came yesterday and I used it for the first time this morning. For those unaware, this is the same scent as Razorock XXX, but it's a different soap base, and adds camphor and menthol. I prefer the scent of XXX to Stirling Piacenza, and I generally say Razorock soap is a good value but performance isn't as strong as my preferred soaps (B&M, Stirling, Tabac, Captain's Choice)--and Razorock soaps tend to dry my skin. However, XXX smells so good I've gone through at least 3 tubs of it and haven't had any on hand since last fall so I was planning to order some, anyway.
My set up this morning was an Omega boar, Gillette fat boy set to 4, and a new Persona lab blue blade; followed by some Thayer's witch hazel and a spray of cologne.
First, the smell. I love the XXX smell because it reminds me of the barbershop my dad took me to as a kid--and the menthol and camphor are really quite mild. I love to overdo the menthol (Stirling Glacials are just about right...), but I'd say the Fresco has less menthol than Proraso Green; it's very subtle. So for those who don't love menthol, I wouldn't worry about this soap. For those who love menthol, you'll want to keep some menthol drops on hand.
Second, the soap base. This soap is a softer than regular Razorock soaps. So despite being 8.5 ounces, I wonder if it will really last much longer than the regular 5 ounce soaps. However, I used an Omega boar this morning and it quickly had enough soap on it to build up enough lather for probably 4 passes (I only did two, then washed a lot of soap down the drain). So I already learned not to load it as heavily as some other soaps which may mean the container could last a good, long time.
Third, performance. This soap is so much creamier than regular Razorock soaps (* I haven't tried the new super tallow formula being used). I'd say the performance formula matches other soaps in the price range. Good stuff--I'm very happy with it. I don't know how to rate things like glide, slickness, cushion, etc.--but they were all awesome and at 3:30 this afternoon, my cheeks are still smooth. Best thing, my skin didn't feel dry afterward, which is pretty good considering I don't see a bunch of super fats in the ingredients.
Overall, I'm very happy with the new soap. I'll still buy the new super tallow XXX next time I need to place an order, but this is a great product. I'm not sure how often it'll be in stock since the website warns it's made in very small batches (which I'm sure contributes to the price) and also says it may not hold up in mailboxes if shipping in summer (which is when many of us want menthol).
Final comment--I'd love for them to change the name! I saw another thread where people were warning not to Google XXX Fresco. I think Razorock products are top notch, especially for the price, but I can't tell people to go search for XXX soap or XXX Fresco for fear of what they'll think of me! I have to send them links on where to find it. Despite the name, this will continue to be a staple in my shave den.
My set up this morning was an Omega boar, Gillette fat boy set to 4, and a new Persona lab blue blade; followed by some Thayer's witch hazel and a spray of cologne.
First, the smell. I love the XXX smell because it reminds me of the barbershop my dad took me to as a kid--and the menthol and camphor are really quite mild. I love to overdo the menthol (Stirling Glacials are just about right...), but I'd say the Fresco has less menthol than Proraso Green; it's very subtle. So for those who don't love menthol, I wouldn't worry about this soap. For those who love menthol, you'll want to keep some menthol drops on hand.
Second, the soap base. This soap is a softer than regular Razorock soaps. So despite being 8.5 ounces, I wonder if it will really last much longer than the regular 5 ounce soaps. However, I used an Omega boar this morning and it quickly had enough soap on it to build up enough lather for probably 4 passes (I only did two, then washed a lot of soap down the drain). So I already learned not to load it as heavily as some other soaps which may mean the container could last a good, long time.
Third, performance. This soap is so much creamier than regular Razorock soaps (* I haven't tried the new super tallow formula being used). I'd say the performance formula matches other soaps in the price range. Good stuff--I'm very happy with it. I don't know how to rate things like glide, slickness, cushion, etc.--but they were all awesome and at 3:30 this afternoon, my cheeks are still smooth. Best thing, my skin didn't feel dry afterward, which is pretty good considering I don't see a bunch of super fats in the ingredients.
Overall, I'm very happy with the new soap. I'll still buy the new super tallow XXX next time I need to place an order, but this is a great product. I'm not sure how often it'll be in stock since the website warns it's made in very small batches (which I'm sure contributes to the price) and also says it may not hold up in mailboxes if shipping in summer (which is when many of us want menthol).
Final comment--I'd love for them to change the name! I saw another thread where people were warning not to Google XXX Fresco. I think Razorock products are top notch, especially for the price, but I can't tell people to go search for XXX soap or XXX Fresco for fear of what they'll think of me! I have to send them links on where to find it. Despite the name, this will continue to be a staple in my shave den.