Thread: Wholly Kaw

I just tried 'Jamestown Gentleman'. I have damaged olfactory nerves and I was still able to enjoy the scent during and after the shave. I like the scent, but that fact tells me that it is pretty strong. It is too sweet to my wife's nose smelling my cheek after the shave, not a turn off, but she just didn't care for it. TO MY TASTE the donkey milk base is a bit over superfatted. I tested the soap by rubbing a snurdle onto my stubble with my fingers and then face lathering. I felt like I was rubbing Crisco on my face. Obviously loading a different way would avoid this feeling, but that's not how I roll.

I had previously used up a sample of the rose scent with the same base. All of the above could be said of that sample also.

I should add that this soap base has a very strong following and there are many people that love it. The post shave feel is very good.

Interesting point Vic, I never thought of using Crisco as an aftershave balm, will give it a try... j/k.

I like WK products, don't get me wrong, it's not an MDC but I have it in my weekly rotation.
The scent is very personal, but I like the consistency and aftershave properties it delivers.

Agree with the super fatted comment. Performance is good, price is meh. I only used a sample of the unscented which was nice. Would not re-buy and from what you said of the scent they sound to strong for me

That is the interesting thing about soap evaluations. One person can think a soap has great post shave feel and conditioning; someone else can think the soap is too greasy. It all depends on your skin type and your preferences. My only aftershave is witch hazel, so I love the superfatted WK soaps.

Scents are also subject to personal preferences. I agree with Victor on his assessment of Jamestown Gentlemen. It is a little sweet. I use WK for the performance more than the scents.

Originally Posted by RayClem

That is the interesting thing about soap evaluations. One person can think a soap has great post shave feel and conditioning; someone else can think the soap is too greasy. It all depends on your skin type and your preferences. My only aftershave is witch hazel, so I love the superfatted WK soaps.

Scents are also subject to personal preferences. I agree with Victor on his assessment of Jamestown Gentlemen. It is a little sweet. I use WK for the performance more than the scents.

+1; I also happen to think this is an excellent soap as I enjoy the 'superfatty' soaps. Nonetheless, I don't really enjoy any of the scents that they offer as I find them a bit too strong.

Originally Posted by celestino

+1; I also happen to think this is an excellent soap as I enjoy the 'superfatty' soaps. Nonetheless, I don't really enjoy any of the scents that they offer as I find them a bit too strong.

Me either, and I love a strong scent! I feel robbed.

Hmmmm, this has me interested.

Yeah, I think some artisan soaps, notably WK, seem to just have more of everything: fat, scent, all of it. Personally, I like that, but then again I like strong aftershaves, cask strength whiskey, and other things that some might consider to be too much.

There is truly something for everyone in this hobby.

I've noticed something odd. Every time I've used WK I get a great shave and have a great post shave, but then in the evening, I'm a morning shaver, I start to feel a slight irritation that I don't get with other soaps. I do have oily skin and this may be part of it, but it often feels as if the stubble ends are cut sharper. Does anyone else feel irritation like 8-10 hours later?

I can see why there is a lot of buzz on these soaps, as they really are different. I'm certainly glad I had the chance to try them. Personally enjoyed the strong scents, as I can actually smell them. I do worry that if I can smell the scent, it could be over the top for people around me.

Did not have a reaction like that. I used unscented though. Also I don't use soap as a skin conditioner so I rinse a lot to make sure all is off my face. Probably why I tend to avoid the super fatted stuff. I like that nice squeaky clean feel after a cold water rinse. I can fine tune what I need post shave after that with product.