Shaving Product Review - Dr. Jon's Shaving Soap Co. "Krampus"
Today's SOTD brought to you by... Dr. Jon's Shaving Soap Co. Krampus #soap and #aftershave! Do you smell the FEAR?!
Be sure to check out my very detailed first impression from yesterday on Krampus! Today I'm doing more of an actual review of the goodies... How does it shave and smell?
Long and short of the soap, really, is that it performs like other #DrJonsSoapCo soaps, and that is to say - excellent! Loading up the soap with a soft, slightly wetter than usual brush presented no issues, nor did whipping up the suds in the #GTP scuttle with the #Dovo silvertip badger brush. The lather produced was ample and creamy - with plenty of cushion and outstanding glide. I maintain that Dr. Jon's is some of the slickest soap out there, and Krampus certainly does not disappoint in this regard.
Though it's the same tried-and-true formula as the other soaps, this one seemed a bit firmer, easier to load. I suspect that cooler temperatures nationwide have a lot to do with this. The heat of summer really softens up these soaps during shipping, it seems. To fix that, leave your tub open on the counter 24-48 hours. This should markedly firm it up - but if you still need more, stick it in the fridge for a couple of hours as well.
The aftershave also performed as other Dr. Jon's aftershaves have for me... A nice alcohol effect up front, tempered by menthol - followed by a very nice face feel. It's not at all tacky and provides ample moisturization of the skin... Soft and smooth, thanks to the other ingredients of witch hazel, rose water, glycerin, aloe and alum. A winning combination for any aftershave.
Now, let's talk about the scent... From yesterday, I wrote: What does Krampus smell like? Put simply, Krampus smells like the holidays (or is it the other way around?)! A sort of woodsy, spicy, berry vibe... Just like you might expect when surrounded by all the holiday decorations and finery. Visions are evoked of firewood and wooden toys, scented candles on the mantle and a mug of hot spiced cider in your hand - a plate of anise cookies nearby... You even get the cranberries garnishing the tree, and the wreath upon the door. Amazing, absolutely amazing. No need to fear this scent - though Krampus can certainly smell it in children that don't behave!
On a more practical level, and in use - I get a sweet vibe on the top from the berries, with some honey rounding it out. As it dries down into the middle notes, I get the cider along with some anise - giving the scent more of a spicy holiday pizzazz. On the base I distinctly get the sweetness of the honey, tempered by the woodiness of the myrrh and there's still cider present, providing spice. While not really complex, there are multiple distinct layers to the scent profile - all truly enjoyable - with a great (and lasting) base. This IS the holidays! I rank it among the top of Dr. Jon's offerings (Savannah Sunrise, Anne Bonny, Aphrodite and Hydra IMO)
The cleaver of choice was my #Mühle #R89 razor fitted with a fresh #PolSilver blade - making quick work of the stubble.
I have to say, Krampus is a true winter holiday scent - really well done. The well-regarded performance of Dr. Jon's products with an awesome scent - not to mention labels. If you're looking for something different for the holidays, you definitely should give Krampus a try! I suspect it'll be an instant classic and look forward to using it again... Soon!