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Strike Gold Shave Frank Misa is the founder and driving creative force behind Strike Gold Shave, an artisan men’s grooming house celebrated for meticulous craftsmanship, refined, highly wearable fragrance design, and distinctive, history-inspired narratives. A respected leader in the wet-shaving community, Frank draws on his service as a retired police officer and firefighter to mentor enthusiasts and foster a culture of camaraderie, collaboration, and mutual support. His brand is renowned for an uncompromising dedication to quality and an equally rigorous commitment to customer service. Guided by a deep love of history and a broad well of personal experience, he consistently delivers some of the most distinctive products in modern wet shaving. We were fortunate to catch up with Frank to explore his journey and philosophy. Here’s Frank… Your wet-shaving journey seems to have started with straight razors. What draws you to them, and how would you contrast their character with double-edge or single-edge safety razors? Do you still reach for a safety razor on occasion—and if so, when? My wet-shaving journey began with straight razors because I love their history, the required skill. They Offers infinite control over angle and pressure and although they demand skill, they give a highly personalized, close shave. I find them easier to use, safer, and more consistent due to a fixed blade angle and guard. I still use a safety razor occasionally—mostly when I'm in a rush or traveling.            You’ve become highly regarded for honing. What defines a quality straight razor in your view (steel, grind, geometry, heat treat), and what core principles guide your honing process? What common mistakes do you see, and what hard-won tips would you share? A quality straight razor is defined by the quality of its parts. The most important elements are the heat treat (how the steel is hardened), which allows it to hold an edge, and the geometry (the grind), which allows for an efficient shave. My core honing principles are: Set the Bevel!!: The two sides of the edge must meet perfectly before moving to fine stones. This is 95% of the process. Be Consistent: Use the same angle, pressure, and number of strokes on both sides. Learning pressure: learning how to read stones and adjusting pressure to match the s tone The most common mistake I see is moving to finer stones too soon. My best tip is to be patient and meticulous—focus on feedback, not just speed. MAKE SURE YOUR BEVEL IS 100% SET!! On your site you note that, after honing professionally, you fell in love with fine fragrance. Was there a particular composition that sparked that shift, or did it emerge gradually as you explored the world of scent?   The shift from honing to fragrance was a gradual, not a single event. After years of smelling various shaving soaps, I became fascinated with the art of scent.   Are there fragrance families or accords you’re consistently drawn to? When developing a new soap and aftershave, how do you decide between an original composition and a reference-inspired design? My consistent favorites are powder notes. I’ll draw inspiration from an existing fragrance when I want to share a high-quality, beloved scent with the wet-shaving world. For unique scents, I’ll create one to interpret a theme, like a unique and interesting event from history.   In your opinion, what qualities make a men’s fragrance truly wearable and memorable?   For a men's fragrance to be wearable and memorable, it needs balance, good silage (it projects well without being overwhelming), and a unique signature.      You’ve done several successful collaborations. What do you look for in a partner, and how does the creative workflow differ from working solo? Any moments from those projects that changed your approach to scent or product design?   I look for partners who offer creative and unique points of view. Collaboration involves constant feedback, unlike solo work. A key lesson was learning to be less rigid with my initial ideas. Many Strike Gold Shave releases draw on U.S. history and presidential themes. What attracts you to those narratives, and how do you pair a historical theme with a specific olfactory direction and visual identity? I'm attracted to U.S. history and presidential themes because they represent leadership. I pair the themes by researching a scent that symbolizes the person or era and then design the visual art to match the story. You’re a retired police officer and firefighter. Do you see parallels between those brotherhoods and the wet-shaving community—culture, mentorship, standards? There are indeed strong parallels between the public-service brotherhoods (police/fire) and the wet-shaving community which include a culture of mentorship and a demand for high standards in preparation and execution. How has your public-service background influenced how you build the brand—your approach to quality control, ethics, risk management, and customer care? My background influences the brand's focus on quality control, ethics (integrity and honest communication), and treating every customer interaction with respect and urgency. What’s next for Strike Gold Shave? Are there new bases, formats (EDP/EDT), or distribution initiatives you can share with the community?   We are always refining our formulas. The biggest upcoming projects include more collaborations like we have done in the past with established fragrance companies and selectively expanding access while keeping our commitment to small-batch quality. If you could leave the wet-shaving community with one message, what would it be?   Slow down and focus on the ritual. The true joy of this hobby is in the process and the skill, not just the finished PRODUCT. Visit Strike Gold Shave Frank Misa

Strike Gold Shave ShaveSplash is proud to announce a new affiliate partnership with Strike Gold Shave, one of the premier brands in Wet Shaving. Strike Gold Shave is the passion project of Frank Misa, a retired police officer and firefighter who began professionally honing straight razors in 2007 and later expanded into a full line of shave soaps, aftershaves, and eaux de parfum. The fragrance catalog blends original compositions with scents inspired by popular—and often discontinued—men’s colognes, with popular scents including Honest Abe, Uncle Jumbo, Bonnie & Clyde, Icon, Lewis & Clark, and many more. Over time, the full line of Strike Gold Shave soaps and aftershaves will be added to the ShaveSplash catalog, with the first review being Honest Abe , a bright and spicy melange of tangerine, blood orange, coffee, vanilla and mint, inspired by the iconic Ultra Zest, and a favorite among Strike Gold Shave fans. For those new to Strike Gold, it offers an innovative box set of 4 1.5oz shave soaps with 4 matching 1oz aftershaves. ShaveSplash is deeply grateful for its growing list of affiliate partners which includes Ariana & Evans , Phoenix Shaving , The Razor Company , and now Strike Gold Shave . A heartfelt thank you to both the artisans and the readers for your support. ShaveSplash

Alex Marshall is the kind of person to whom giving comes naturally. The son of a pastor, he grew up in small-town Indiana, where he was active in his church and community and after college joined the Tennessee National Guard, where he has now served for 13 years. After a decade spent honing his woodcraft, Alex began turning shave brushes in 2024, and they quickly gained popularity on Shave Dad and across the wet-shaving community for their beauty and performance. But while some artisans consider it enough simply to share their work, Alex looked for ways to give back to both his community and his country, launching an innovative program that donates a brush to an active-duty service member with every one he sells. His story is one of sacrifice, commitment, and generosity—one that deserves to be told. Q: Origins and craft – What first attracted you to woodworking, and how did you develop your skills? When did turning wood on a lathe become the springboard for Marshall Made Woodworking?   A: Growing up, my dad was a pastor for 37 years, and the church was a huge part of my life. As a kid, I spent many weekends helping the men in the congregation with things like landscaping and small home repairs – through this I started to enjoy working with my hands. That early experience sparked a real interest in building and creating, and eventually, I knew I needed to find someone to learn from.   Thankfully, a church member and lifelong family friend named Dean Bardonner stepped in as that mentor. I’ve peppered him with questions for years, and he’s always been generous with his knowledge. He’s a true master woodworker, and I feel very lucky to have learned so much from him. Beyond Dean, I’ve also sought guidance from many incredible people in the trades over the years, and their help has been invaluable. I’ve never shied from asking for help, especially when someone offers it. For me, this has been my key to developing the woodworking skills I have today.   I set a goal in 2024 to start woodturning, and I jumped right in. By the end of January that year, I’d bought a used lathe and began working. I’ve been woodworking for over 12 years, but after turning my first bowl, I haven’t been able to stop – woodturning is very addicting! I worry a little about losing my other woodworking skills, but honestly, I’d be happy even if I did. Turning really boosted my ability to consistently sell my work, which now funds new tools and materials. Since I started, I’ve really focused on branding and marketing myself, and while I plan to refine my brand over time, I think I’m starting to gain recognition in my local area.   Q: Joy of creation  – What do you find most rewarding about bringing a piece to life with your own hands? A: I love transforming raw materials into finished products. The specific material doesn’t matter; as long as I can creatively develop it into a functional piece, I’m captivated. Finding materials with a story—an heirloom, a log from a homeowner’s tree, or an old timber from a home remodel—excites me even more. I find immense joy in returning a significant or sentimental piece to its owner in a new and improved state.   Q: Wet-shaving journey  – When did you start wet shaving, what drew you in, and what keeps you devoted to the ritual today? Can you tell us a bit about your own routine and some of the gear you use?   A: I've shaved daily for almost nine years. As an active duty member of the Tennessee Army National Guard, I must maintain regulatory grooming standards. Like many, I started with a can of Barbasol and a cartridge razor. However, about a year ago, I had an epiphany: I could make shaving brushes on my wood lathe. I tried my hand at turning some, and then I made my first brush sale on Etsy to Adam VanCamp from Yeole Strait N Strop. His deep passion forwet shaving sent me down the rabbit hole.   As I messaged Adam more, I realized how great the wet shaving community was. He introduced me to others, and I've connected with them consistently. After I joined Shave Dad, that was it—it's all I ever do on Facebook anymore!   My daily routine begins with a 4:30 AM wake-up and a splash of hot water on my face. I almost always start with Proraso pre-shave cream to awaken my senses, then I choose from my variety of soaps. I regularly cycle through about eight shaving brushes and six safety razors. I recently acquired five straight razors and started incorporating those regularly as well. Compared to some wet shaving enthusiasts, I don't have extensive software and hardware, but I have enough to keep it interesting. So far, all my safety razors have come from antique stores, and I've really enjoyed the handful of Gillettes I've found. Now, I only look for shaving gear when I'm out shopping with my wife!   Q: Handle design essentials – In your view, which dimensions or design elements are truly critical to a shave-brush handle’s comfort and performance? Is there one feature that can make—or break—the brush?   A: I'll tread lightly with my opinion on this topic because I've found that everyone has their own preference for shaving brush designs; some are very specific and unique. But this makes brush making so exciting! I can make a brush that's attractive in every way for myself, and ten people will love it just the same. I can also make a brush that seems odd to me, and ten people will absolutely appreciate it for its uniqueness.   However, my personal view has remained somewhat consistent since I started making and using a variety of brushes. I like a brush with curves that allow for a very comfortable grip in the palm. I like both longer and stubby handles, so length doesn't necessarily matter. As long as it has an area to rest my thumb and index finger, and I can feel the base resting in the crotch of my hand, I can dig it.   Q: Material selection – How do you choose your woods and other materials, and do you have any personal favorites or “signature” species? A: I only use hardwoods for my wooden brushes; I believe they're essential for long-term durability. Exotic species are even better for their durability and character. As I mentioned, I prioritize wood with a story, so I’ll search for my own logs and branches vs. buying from the store. Beyond that, I'll use any species I can find to make a cool brush. Some of my favorite wood handles have come from mahogany, oak, walnut and old-growth pine.   I recently started casting my own resin blanks. I have much to explore here, but it's been a lot of fun. I hope to significantly elevate my brush designs over time, as the possibilities with resin are endless.   Q: Perfect loft – What’s your process for setting the knot and dialing in the ideal loft height?   A: I used to set my knots with epoxy, but I quickly realized that was too permanent. While epoxy works, replacing a knot requires drilling it out and cleaning the socket with hand tools or a rotary tool. It’s too easy to damage the brush this way. Since then, I've used silicone to set my knots. Silicone is waterproof and provides a strong hold, yet it allows for easy removal and cleanup of residue if you need or want to replace the knot.   I generally maintain a consistent loft height when setting knots, but I'm open to varying it. Depending on the knot, I might set it deeper if it lacks backbone. This is likely a personal preference for those highly attuned to these details, but I've never received a complaint when setting knots at my go-to loft height.   Q: Care tips – What maintenance routine do you recommend for keeping a wooden brush in top shape for years?   A: Some claim wooden brushes don't hold up well against water. While wood can be susceptible to moisture, wooden brushes can last a lifetime with proper maintenance.   After receiving your wooden brush, I recommend applying mineral oil or a wood conditioning product weekly or biweekly, depending on usage. I keep a small bottle of mineral oil under my sink; I rub it over the entire handle and let it sit overnight. Most times, the handle absorbs the majority of the oil. If some remains the next morning, I wipe it off, and the brush looks brand new. Stabilized wood makes the handle even more durable and extends the brush's lifespan. Of course, you'll also want to rinse all shaving soap from the knot and dry the bristles and handle after each use.   Q: Brush-for-service program – You donate a brush to an active-duty service member with every purchase. What sparked that initiative? What’s been your experience with the military?   A: As an active service member and recent wet shaving enthusiast, I wanted to provide other service members with wet shaving gear. The “Buy One, Gift One” idea emerged because I struggled with giving a lot of my work away. I'm unsure why, but exchanging money for my products has always made me feel uncomfortable, most likely due to being my harshest critic. My wife, an avid supporter of my craftsmanship, told me I needed to sell my product with confidence! So, I thought gifting a brush with each sale would satisfy both my need to earn a profit and my desire to give back. I've served in the Army National Guard for 13 years, joining after college. I've loved the experience, traveling to great places, participating in cool training (like clearing houses and shooting sniper rifles with The 5th Special Forces Group), and learning a lot about leadership. Giving back to the armed forces was an obvious choice.   Q: Military wet shavers – Can you share a memorable story from a recipient? How prevalent is wet shaving in today’s armed forces?   A: The most memorable part of gifting these brushes is reading the bios about the recipient’s military service. I understand most roles within the National Guard, but it's particularly neat to read about service members from other branches. Some of their jobs sound incredible, like working on submarines, ships, and aircraft. Ultimately, these service members are willing to do what it takes to keep their country and family safe—that's truly inspiring.   I recently gifted shaving brushes to a Lieutenant General, a Major General, and a Brigadier General. To my surprise, all three were wet shavers! The Lieutenant General's response was the best: “Wow man! This is a REAL man's gift! This is awesome!” That was a truly memorable experience.   I know plenty of wet shavers exist in the military, but unfortunately, I'm having a hard time finding them. It's proving more challenging than I thought, but thankfully, the more I spread the word, the more come out of the woodwork. If anyone wants to send me the contact information of a service member who wet shaves, I would be happy to add them to my recipient list!   Q: Looking ahead – What does the future hold for Marshall Made Woodworking? Where do you see the product line evolving next? Currently, you're on Etsy. Any plans for opening your own online store?    I work on a variety of woodworking projects, but turning wood is by far my favorite. Soon, I'll add hand-turned safety razors, lather bowls, and brush/razor stands to my Etsy shop. I'll also introduce resin shaving bowls to my product line, with experiments starting in July.   I plan to launch a website in 2026. Etsy works well for my current sporadic inventory, but once I can consistently produce more, I'll manage my own sales. My goal is to direct customers to one central location and control the website's management.   I also hope to collaborate with other artisans in this community. So, keep an eye out for a collaboration one day soon! Alex Marshall Visit Marshall Made Woodshop to view Alex's wares. A drop of new brushes will go live on Sunday 6/22/2025

Melody and Zach Kent love to create. On the surface, one would think Moon is simply about creating soaps. But, to look deeper and to know Melody and Zach, one sees that Moon Soaps is about creating much more: experiences, feelings, and products which delight. While Melody is a storyteller who creates fragrances which transport the user to a place or emotion, Zach brings the true artisan spirit of craftsmanship, which makes every Moon product a work of intense quality. Some artisans rapidly roll out new scents and bases, but Moon moves with an intentionality and care drawn from its passion to provide only the best for its customers, while at the same time making time for its family. What’s clear is that Moon is a collaboration of two passionately artistic and skilled artisans who are staying true to their values of integrity, craft, and joy, to make something which they hope is truly special. They love what they do, and their products are worthy of love. Meet Melody and Zach... Q: In your chat with Marcus Klinger and Sarah Vincent—the Barbershop Duet—you said you “love products.” What does that phrase mean to you, and where does the passion come from? Melody: I have always loved skin care and bath products. Since I was really young, I still remember getting a bar of French vanilla soap. I would use it every day to make me feel good and uplift my spirit. It’s amazing what a little scent can do! Moving forward to today, I just love products.  I completely understand when a shave enthusiast has 200 shave sets. They are searching for that moment when they had discovered what a scent/ shave soap can do for you. Makes your skin feel and look better but can also teleport you to a good feeling/vibe. That’s what we try to do with Moon. When I say I “love products,” I mean I genuinely enjoy creating things that people use and connect with daily. From packaging and scent to performance and experience—every element matters to me. Seeing someone enjoy something we’ve created—that never gets old. Zachary: For me, it’s about creating. I love the process of making something with my hands that will be appreciated and bring joy to the user. Whether it’s a brush or a soap, I’m always thinking: is this something I’d be excited to use? Something I’d want to display on my countertop? Q: You’ve been making soap since 2008. How did things change when Zachary joined and you launched your first shave soap, Old School, in 2017? Melody:  I had started Moon as a way to stay home with my kids and create something that could bring in an income. My daughter was very young, so finding the time was challenging. I was making cold process bar soap, sugar scrubs and lip balms. Zack was tinkering around with making a shave soap with tallow he had rendered from his day job.  We had a holiday craft fair coming up and decided to make enough to sell. Well, we sold out the first day! It was supposed to be a one and done kinda thing, but we see now what happened! LOL Everything changed in the best way. It really was the beginning of Moon Soaps as most people know it now. Zachary:  I wanted to add a shave soap to our catalogue just to give the women shopping with us a gift option for the men in their lives. I had no idea that doing this would change our demographic so severely. Shaving related products now account for about 90% of our sales. Honestly, I could never have predicted this shift in our business. Q: Many artisans roll out new scents almost monthly, but Moon grows its catalog slowly and keeps scents in steady production. What drives that strategy? Do you ever release seasonals or revive retired scents? Melody:  We’re intentional about everything we do. Rushing to release a new scent every month just doesn’t suit our approach. We want every product to feel special, have a purpose, and be made with care. Plus, keeping our core scents consistently available gives our customers reliability—they can come back to a favorite any time. Zachary: We’ve never done a seasonal drop or a one-off scent due to the fact that the process takes a great deal of time and energy. I’ve always felt that if we commit fully to a product and get it to where we are really happy, why discontinue it after a limited run? We don’t make stuff just to keep up with trends or just to make a quick buck, that’s never been our way. I don’t like making someone feel pressured to buy “right now” or they will miss the chance. We may be in a situation pretty soon where we have to discontinue an older product to make room for a new one just to keep things manageable on our side. Hard to say right now. Q: Moon is known for long development cycles. Walk us through your fragrance-creation process: how do ideas surface, how do you test them, and how do you know a scent is ready? Melody:  Scent ideas usually come from something real—a feeling, a memory, a place, a movie or even a song, from there, we start building it with fragrance oils, essential oils, and aroma chemicals. I feel like I’m a storyteller. I want to take the user to a place or feeling. Kind of what a writer does in a book. We make a batch of shave soap with whatever shave soap recipe we want to use. Sometimes we create a new shave soap base. We tweak, and retest… It takes months. We look at our scent catalog as a whole. If the new scent doesn’t bring something new to the table, we don’t release it to market. We test for skin irritation, scent longevity, post shave feel etc. We want the customer to be thrilled with their decision to purchase a Moon product. We try to bring a little joy to the mundane task of shaving. Zachary:  Once it passes Melody’s tests (which isn’t easy), I use it in a full shave. If we both love it, and it performs across formats—soap, cream, splash—then it’s ready… to sit for several months to ensure fragrance reliability. To elaborate on Melody’s statement, our main core value as a business, in my opinion, is building trust with our customers. Customers need to trust that what we release is worth their time and attention and that we have fully vetted every aspect. Once the soap is ready, then we move on to getting the art together. Sometimes the pieces fit together right away, but usually it takes many drafts and tons of fine tuning. Moon Soaps is my all-time toughest graphic design client! Q: You’ve said the base has evolved, with Bixby and Santa Cruz showing where it’s likely to settle—for now. What qualities in the current base make you feel it’s close to optimal? Zachary:  The base we’re using now hits all the marks we care about—rich lather, slickness, cushion, and post-shave feel. It’s super easy to use and doesn’t require dialing in. We’re always listening to feedback, but right now we’re in a place where we feel confident it delivers a luxury experience without being finicky. Melody:  And importantly, it still aligns with our standards: ethically sourced ingredients, skin-loving properties, and a creamy consistency that makes shaving enjoyable. Q: Moon doesn’t yet offer EDTs, EDPs, balms, or pre-shaves. Why have you held off, and might we see any of these down the road? Melody:  We’re not against expanding, but we take our time. Each product we release has to be meaningful and meet our standards. Fragrance products like EDPs are on our radar, but they require different formulation and testing—especially for wear, longevity, and safety. Plus, we want really great packaging that speaks to our customers and is convenient to use. We hope to have them available soon… Zachary:  What Melody said… Q: Zachary’s handcrafted brushes are a hit. How did he start—was he self-taught? Who supplies your knots, and are there plans to expand the brush line? Zachary:  I’m entirely self-taught, yeah. I started turning handles in our garage just to make a brush I personally wanted to use. From there, it grew fast. The creative side of brush-making really hooked me—designing shapes, experimenting with resins, working with my hands. I try my best to create a brush that is different from everyone else’s. To do this I put a lot of emphasis on the blank itself. I like to do intricate glue-ups like herringbone patterns, segments, laminates, and cool dyes when possible. I have a million things going all the time so making handles more often than I’m doing now isn’t going to happen. Batches are usually 10-15 handles per drop every couple of months. I definitely have way more ideas than time! Q: Moon partners with retailers worldwide while you stay focused on family. What’s the toughest part of managing those relationships, marketing, and scaling the business all at once? Melody:  Every email, every restock, every decision takes time. We’re incredibly grateful to our retail partners, but managing expectations while protecting our brand’s integrity and staying present for our family is definitely the hardest part. We make everything from scratch and do all of our social media, customer service, graphic design. I’m always wanting to do more and grow Moon. I only want it to grow and be bigger and reach more people. We are really thrilled to be available worldwide! Zachary:  We never want to grow so fast that we lose what makes Moon special. So we’ve been careful with who we work with and how we expand. We hope to have more retailers in the future. Q: Since Old School debuted in 2017, how has the wet-shaving landscape changed? Where is it heading, and how will Moon adapt to keep growing? Zachary:  The scene’s gotten bigger and more diverse. There’s a wider appreciation now for craftsmanship in wet shaving. People are more educated, and they expect more—which is great. It pushes everyone to level up. Collaborations are a current fad for sure and one we’ve always said no to. Like we’ve said before, getting a new product to market is huge work. Getting more people involved in our creative process would be crazy! Melody:  Recently the community seems to have more micro wet shaving soap companies, with the help of AI for labels and off the shelf fragrance dupes. Everyone seems to be pushing out new shave soaps incredibly fast. Like we have said before, we are in it for the long game.  We’re adapting but staying true to who we are while still evolving. We’ll keep refining formulas, adding thoughtfully to the line, and staying connected to our community. Q: If you could deliver one message to every wet shaver—current or future—what would it be? Melody:  Keep doing whatever brings you joy! Zachary:  And support the makers. This community thrives because of the people behind the products. Whether it’s us or another artisan, when you support small businesses, you keep the passion alive. Melody & Zachary Kent TP Please visit Moon Soaps to see their full line of products. Moon Soaps can also be purchased at The Razor Company .

Continuum 3 Top Notes:  Bergamot, Lavender, Lemon, Nutmeg Blossom, Tarragon, Rosemary Heart Notes:  Jasmine, Fir, Geranium, Cyclamen, Carnation, Rose Base Notes:  Oakmoss, Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Vetiver, Patchouli, Amber, Tonka Bean, Musk Phoenix Artisan Accoutrement’s Continuum 3 tips its hat to Gucci Nobile while tracing its lineage all the way back to Houbigant’s epoch-making Fougère Royale  of 1882. Its spine is the archetypal fougère triad—lavender, coumarin, and oakmoss—so the fragrance instantly feels floral, dry, and verdantly green. The overture is a brisk kiss of bergamot and lemon, sparkling like sunlight on cut crystal. Then the composition unfurls its most charming flourish: a playful duo of tarragon and rosemary. These herbs lend whispers of green licorice, cool mint, and peppery zest—much as tarragon enlivens Castle Forbes 1445—making the opening uniquely spirited. As the scent settles, the “second movement” emerges: jasmine, geranium, carnation, and rose step forward in elegant harmony, their petals warmed by the lingering herbs. Beneath them, oakmoss, patchouli, and a subdued musk evoke a moss-draped forest floor, while lavender drifts through it all, dusting the landscape with powdery barbershop nostalgia. The 1970s and ’80s marked a second Golden Age for the aromatic fougère—think Drakkar Noir  (1982), Azzaro Pour Homme  (1978), Polo Green  (1978), and, in later years, Tom Ford’s Beau de Jour  (2019). Continuum 3 stands comfortably among these icons. Its herb-bright overtone of tarragon and rosemary adds a touch of youthful sophistication that will delight collectors of classic greens. Here is a comparison of how Continuum 3 stacks up against some of the other venerable fougères of its time. Among the top notes, tarragon is the stand-out scent which truly sets it apart, with supporting roles played by rosemary and nutmeg. Like many fougères it has a floral heart, but the use of rose brings a unique softness which adds to its barbershop powdery quality. As with the others its base is deeply green, the quintessential Fougère hallmark. Continuum 3 Comparison Though it walks backward through time, Continuum 3 carries itself like a modern gentleman—polished yet spontaneous, steeped in tradition yet alive with whimsy. As it projects with impressive force, expect each spray to announce your presence and make a statement when you enter the room. As with all of Phoenix’ soaps, Continuum 3 employs the groundbreaking and beloved CK-6 formula, renowned for its blend of three Amazonian butters—bacuri, cupuaçu, and murumuru—with shea butter, cocoa butter, jojoba oil, and glycerin. The result is a voluminous, high-density lather with exceptional moisturization properties that offer excellent cushion, above-average slickness, and rock-solid stability. Aftershave Details Ingredients: Denatured Alcohol, White Sage Hydrosol, Essential & Fragrance Oils, Aloe Vera, Elemi Resin, Willow Bark Extract, Jerusalem Pine Resin, Benzoin Resin, Bayberry Extract Inspiration: Gucci Nobile (1988) Scent Strength: 9 Longevity: 9 Skin Food Breakdown Shave Soap Details Ingredients: Potassium Stearate, Glycerin, Potassium Cocoate, Aqua, Potassium Kokumate, Sodium Lactate, Potassium Shea Butterate, Potassium Castorate, Sodium Stearate, Potassium Cocoa Butterate, Potassium Avocadoate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Theobroma Grandiflorum (Cupuacu) Butter, Astrocaryum (Murumuru) Seed Butter, Platonia Insignis (Bacuri) Seed Butter, Parfum [Fragrance] Inspiration:  Gucci Nobile (1988) Lather Type: Textured Cushion: 9 Density: 8 Stability: 8 Slickness: 7 Scent Strength: 9 Longevity : 8 Skin Food Breakdown Purchase Continuum 3 Here

Barrister & Mann Kalyptos Scent notes:  Eucalyptus, Spearmint, Peppermint Scent Family:  Fresh Scent Sub-family:  Green Kalyptos is an exercise in the art of restrained composition, a fragrance that finds beauty not in complexity, but in the masterful pairing of just a few, deeply understood elements. At first glance, its olfactory structure may appear spare. Yet, as with a skillfully arranged floral bouquet, the brilliance lies in how each note amplifies and harmonizes with the others to create a unified chord. The foundation is eucalyptus, whose camphorous, green character anchors the scent with a crisp and invigorating clarity. Spearmint contributes a sweet, herbal facet, lending warmth and softness to the blend. Peppermint adds brightness and a cooling edge, enhancing the overall sense of freshness and energy. As the fragrance evolves, Kalyptos undergoes a striking transformation. The initial burst of spearmint yields to a more layered and nuanced bouquet, an herbaceous complexity that evokes dew-laden young ferns basking in dappled morning light. The natural menthol derived from the essential oils imparts a cooling sensation that amplifies the scent’s clarity and vivacity without overwhelming it. In terms of comparisons, Kalyptos most closely aligns with the spirit of Proraso Green, particularly in its mint-forward freshness. However, where Proraso incorporates powdery talc and subtle suggestions of lavender, tonka bean, and oakmoss, hallmarks of the classic fougère, Kalyptos remains more purely herbal, minty, and organically green. Ideal for warm weather, Kalyptos delivers a crisp, clean scent that feels both natural and uplifting. It is understated enough to wear in virtually any setting, even in professional environments, yet distinctive enough to make an impression through its quiet sophistication. Shave Soap Details Kalyptos is formulated in Barrister & Mann’s acclaimed Omnibus soap base, widely regarded as one of the most refined and performance-driven bases in modern wet shaving. Known for its rich, yogurt-like consistency, Omnibus produces a dense, creamy lather that applies effortlessly across the skin. The lather is heavy and well-hydrated, offering luxurious cushion, exceptional slickness, and outstanding residual glide. It remains stable throughout the shave, ensuring a smooth and consistent experience from first pass to final rinse. Much of this exceptional performance is owed to the carefully selected ingredients within the formula. Glycerin and sodium lactate act as powerful humectants, drawing moisture into the skin and helping to maintain hydration during and after the shave. Shea butter, kokum butter, cupuacu butter, and avocado oil enrich the lather with nourishing emollients that soften the beard and leave the skin feeling supple and conditioned. Potassium stearate and sodium stearate contribute to the dense, stable structure of the lather, while potassium tallowate enhances the creaminess and provides excellent cushion. Botanical extracts like marshmallow root and slippery elm lend soothing, anti-inflammatory properties, helping to calm irritation and reduce redness—particularly beneficial for those with sensitive skin. The result is a remarkably balanced shave soap that not only performs at a high level during the shave, but also leaves the skin soft, smooth, and well-nourished long after rinsing. Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Potassium Stearate, Glycerin, Potassium Tallowate, Sodium Stearate, Garcinia Indica Seed Butter (Potassium Kokum Butterate), Polyacrylamidomethylpropane Sulfonic Acid, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Juice (Coconut Milk), Sodium Tallowate, Potassium Ricinoleate, Sodium Lactate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Tetrasodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Xanthan Gum, Theobroma Grandiflorum (Cupuacu) Seed Butter, Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Mentha Spicata (Spearmint) Oil, Sodium Cocoa (Kokum) Butterate, Potassium Cocoate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Ricinoleate, Saccharide Isomerate, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Sodium Cocoate, Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Root Extract, Ulmus Rubra (Slippery Elm) Extract  Texture: Yogurty Scent Strength: 8         Scent Longevity: 6       Cushion: 8 Density: 9 Slickness: 8 Stability: 8 Aftershave Details Whereas many aftershaves rely solely on denatured alcohol and fragrance, perhaps with a token inclusion of witch hazel, Barrister & Mann approaches post-shave care with a more holistic philosophy—crafting a formula that delivers not just scent, but meaningful healing, protection, and nourishment to the skin. The alcohol base provides the familiar bracing, cleansing sensation expected of a traditional splash, yet it is expertly balanced and invigorating without being harsh or over-drying. The cooling effect is amplified by the natural menthol content found in peppermint and spearmint oils, creating a refreshing glow that awakens the skin. Despite its richness in skin-conditioning ingredients, the splash dries down cleanly, with no residual tackiness or greasiness, leaving the skin feeling refreshed, toned, and supple. This performance is made possible by the thoughtful inclusion of skin foods that actively support the skin's recovery and hydration after shaving. Allantoin calms irritation and accelerates healing, while glycerin and sodium lactate deliver lasting moisture by drawing water into the skin. DL-Panthenol (provitamin B5) reinforces the skin barrier and reduces redness, making it ideal for sensitive complexions. Botanical extracts such as licorice root and German chamomile provide anti-inflammatory and brightening effects, helping to even skin tone and soothe razor-induced trauma. Meanwhile, fermented proteins from chlorella and lupine, along with eleuthero root extract, offer antioxidant support and help restore the skin’s vitality and resilience. Together, these ingredients elevate the aftershave from a simple splash to a truly restorative skincare product. Ingredients:  Alcohol Denat., Allantoin Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Water, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) l. Extract, Water (and) Glycerin (and) Taurine (and) Chlorella Vulgaris/Lupinus Albus Protein Ferment (and) Acanthopanax Senticosus (Eleuthero) Root Extract (and) Sodium Benzoate (and) Potassium Sorbate, Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Mentha Spicata (Spearmint) Oil, Acetylsalicylic Acid, (Vegetable) Glycerin, DL-Panthenol (Provitamin B5), Sodium Lactate, Citric Acid, Matricaria Chamomilla (German Chamomile) l. Extract, Benzoic Acid Scent Strength: 8 Longevity: 7 Purchase Kalyptos at Barrister & Mann

Stirling Soap Co. When speaking of Stirling Soaps the words which come to mind are integrity, quality, variety, and affordability. The company built its reputation on a deceptively simple formula, but one which is hard to deliver: premium ingredients, consistent execution, thoughtfully crafted fragrances, and exceptional value. The business is a true Cinderella story, and one of the first in Wet Shaving. Rod and Mandy Lovan started the business on shoestring budget and a dream and have since grown Stirling into one of the most recognized and respected brands in the wet shaving world. I was fortunate enough to catch up with Rod and talk about some of the that journey and his plans for the future. Here's Rod… Stirling was among the first artisan brands to gain widespread recognition in the wet-shaving community (circa 2012-2013). In hindsight, which strategic choices proved most pivotal to that early success, and what—if anything—would you approach differently if you were launching the company today? I think there were two major factors. First, we kept our prices low enough that customers could take a chance on us without feeling like they were losing out if they didn't outright love a scent they bought. Adding in that we've had sample sizes since almost day one, and it made us very accessible to consumers. Secondly, I was active on reddit and the various wetshaving forums. I did my best to be helpful and get our name out there. I don't know that I would do anything differently. It was a learning experience and all the failures and successes taught me so many lessons about how to treat customers, humility, and how to stand out in a crowded niche market. You and Mandy are both spouses and co-owners. How does this dual relationship influence your day-to-day decision-making, division of responsibilities, and overall work-life balance? What advantages—and challenges—arise from blending family and business? I love Mandy. I can't imagine not having her running the business with me as she has since day one. We don't get sick of each other at work or at home. Most days, of course. Just like any married couple we have spats. Just like any business partners we have disagreements. But we've learned how to respectfully navigate disagreements. You have to for the sake of both the relationship and the business. In addition to the soap we have the coffee roasting business and a growing farm that we take care of with our sons. We both have our places in each of these ventures, and it's a pretty even share in terms of work and responsibility. The main challenge is just knowing when to shut it all off and leave work alone. It can be hard to do when you have so much going on, but sometimes you have to block everything out and just be a family relaxing and having fun, not just a family working. Our oldest son is 13, and he's started taking on some responsibilities around the farm, and as our other two sons age, they will do the same.  Stirling’s soap base is renowned for its dense lather, cushion, slickness, and hydrated post-shave feel. What guiding principles shape your formulation process, and where do you see potential for further refinement or new performance attributes in future iterations? We've always wanted to put out a product that leaves the customer feeling like they got more than what they paid for. That the quality of the product is higher than the price they paid. As for future iterations, there are none, barring raw material shortages. We've had the same soap formula since 2012, and I have no plans to change a good thing.  The brand is celebrated for maintaining affordable price points without sacrificing quality. What operational or supply-chain practices enable you to sustain these prices, and why do you think other artisans struggle to do the same? We started the business in central Texas outside of Fort Hood when I was still in the Army. We didn't need to turn a profit the first year as I was still receiving a paycheck from the Army. After I got out, we moved to rural Arkansas in 2014 and ran the business out of our master bedroom. We kept our prices lower than most businesses would, and operated on very thin margins with the mindset that if we were successful, it would pay dividends in the years to come as we grew and started buying larger quantities of raw materials at lower prices. That is exactly what happened. The cost of doing business in rural Arkansas is much lower than in many other parts of the country. So we have a very large space that we paid next to nothing for that allows us to buy our raw materials in very large quantities so that we are less susceptible to huge price fluctuations for the inputs to our products. Still though, a big part of it is that we just simply charge less. I look at what I would be willing to pay and that's what I charge. Probably makes me a bad businessman and means I'll likely never get rich doing this, but I feel like our pricing is a big driver of our success, so I'm okay with that.    Many companies merge balm and splash into a single product, yet Stirling retains separate formulations. What drove that decision, and what distinct skin-care goals and key ingredients define each product type? Splashes are old school. Manly. They burn. They wake you up and tingle your senses. I don't think a combo product gives you that full feeling that you get from just a splash. They give a connection to our dads and grandfathers and their dads and grandfathers who slapped on a fragranced high-alcohol splash after their morning shave and felt alive and ready to conquer the day for their family. There are ingredients in aftershaves now to help soothe and repair skin as well, but the addition of a balm adds even more skin repair and nourishment. Plus, the balm helps moisturize your skin to counter the drying effects of the alcohol. You can get by with one or the other, but I prefer both as separate entities.  Your catalogue blends tributes to classic colognes with original, in-house compositions. How do you determine when an existing fragrance merits a “Stirling homage,” and what creative process underpins the development of wholly original scents? Much of it depends on customer requests. If I get dozens of customers asking for an homage to the same scent, I do my best to find a way to make it happen because it's typically going to sell well. I also spend a ton of time on Fragrantica and BaseNotes as well trying to figure out which scents have greater followings. We sample so many fragrances and get so many requests that there is no way we can do them all, which sometimes disappoints customers. However, we simply don't have the ability to meet every request. There are also some times that we get  requests and then I smell the fragrance myself and think "Nope, no way. That has no chance of being successful in a soap."  For the Stirling originals, they are all over the place. Sometimes they are months (or years, in the case of Stirling Gentleman) of planning and experimentation, and sometimes they are spontaneous creations just because I was bored and had an idea. Either way, the homages are the big budget blockbusters that allow me to experiment with niche original ideas that aren't likely to sell as well. I love our original fragrances and I am very proud of the work we've done to create so many, but we wouldn't be the company we are today without the cologne dupes.  Beyond shave soaps, splashes, EDTs, and balms, Stirling offers an extensive range of items—from lip balms to bar soaps. Which non-shave categories have become standout performers, and were there any surprises—positive or negative—in consumer reception? We sell more bath soap than anything else by volume and revenue. Part of that is due to bath soaps being used up faster than shave soaps. Our bath soaps are great though, and typically once customers make the switch to our bath soaps, they stick with us as they find that their skin doesn't feel right when they go back to their old store-bought soap brands. The solid colognes sold much better than I thought they would. I did not realize there was such a market for them, because I have always been a spray cologne type of guy. There have been some items that I wish had or would sell better, but nothing I would really consider a negative. Some scents have been panned, but that's normal. We have so many scents that everyone will be able to find some they just don't like. I will say that the positive reception to "I, Rich Moose" was not entirely expected. I completely underestimated how many people loved the original Irisch Moos. Over more than a decade in business, how have consumer preferences, competitive dynamics, and product innovation within the wet-shaving space evolved? Which trends have had the greatest impact on your strategic choices? To be honest, I don't have an answer for this. I really don't keep up with the "innovation" or the competition in the market, and haven't for years. I focus on providing a good product at a good price and let the rest work itself out. I'm good friends now with a number of the artisans that started around the same time as us, and I wish them nothing but the best of success. I don't see them as competitors. Wetshaving is still extremely small compared to cartridge razors and canned gel or foam. Collectively the wetshaving industry isn't even a wart on Proctor & Gamble's butt. There is so much room for growth that there's no need to fight over market share with other artisans. The best way to approach it is to congratulate others on their success as it is good for the overall growth of our industry. The Stirling Roastery now lists ten coffee varieties. How rapidly has this venture scaled, to what extent do coffee buyers overlap with your shave-soap clientele, and what is your long-term vision for the roastery? We could not have gotten into coffee at a worse time. Coffee is a super-saturated market. Green coffee hit all-time highs right after we opened thanks to covid, and have just gone up and up from there. We've still managed to grow, but it's been slower than I had hoped. Typically, when we get a customer to try our coffee out, they stick with it if they use us for just a month. When you get high grade coffee that is freshly roasted, it really makes you realize just how stale most coffee you actually drink really is. Most of our customers are getting coffee that was roasted within 2 weeks of them getting it, and often sooner. Something you pick up at the grocery store is going to be 2 or 3 months old at best, and coming from lower grade beans to begin with. A month of drinking our coffee makes it really hard to go back to the old stuff. It just tastes awful.  Eventually, I hope the coffee is bigger than the soap, but that will take some work and likely some type of advertising to reach new customers. Coffee consumers are very loyal to their brands. H aving introduced more than 200 fragrances and numerous grooming products, are there new categories or markets you are keen to explore? Where do you perceive unmet needs that Stirling is uniquely positioned to address? We've been holding off on pomades for two years now. We have them ready, but we aren't in a position to release them yet. We also want to expand our beard lineup, and offer more women's products. We have a large amount of female customers, but overwhelmingly our customer base is male. Women can benefit from and enjoy wetshaving as well, and even if they don't we have the lotions, bath soap, body butters, etc. I also hope to eventually do a cream in a tube, but that is a long way off.  If you could convey a single message to the global wet-shaving community, what would it be? That what is best in life is to crush your enemies; to see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women.  Nah, just be kind to others. Wetshaving is not that serious. It's a fun hobby and a way to keep yourself well-groomed, smelling nice, and feeling confident. Visit Stirling Soap Co. Rod & Mandy Lovan

Visit Trotter Handicrafts Wet shaving is more than a set of tools; it’s a culture, a community, and a form of self-expression. Many of us feel compelled to contribute to it, yet doing great work demands more than passion—it requires sustained commitment, time, intellect, artistry, and skill. Paul Trotter embodies that standard. A digital designer by day and an amateur luthier by avocation, he fused his love of wet shaving with his woodworking background to become one of the most recognized and respected brushmakers in the wet-shaving community. His distinctive designs and colorways are widely sought after and have become staples for practitioners and collectors alike. I recently caught up with Paul to hear more about his journey—here’s Paul. You’ve described yourself as largely self-taught. In a Latherhog interview, you mentioned a Jet mini-lathe your father gifted you that sat in the garage for a year before you began tinkering. How did your relationship with the lathe evolve—what did you learn about how it works, and what breakthroughs changed your technique over time? Without revealing trade secrets, what hard-won lessons or “unlocked” insights would you feel comfortable sharing? My Father taught me how to use a lathe and tools at a fairly young age. He was a high school shop teacher and has always been a highly skilled Fine Woodworker. I remember making some small bowls on his lathe but never fully got into the hobby at a young age. Fast forward to Christmas of 2018, my Father surprised me with a small Jet mini lathe as a Christmas gift. I remember thinking, man that was generous but what am I going to do with this thing? It sat unused in my garage for about a year before I had the idea to bridge my wetshaving hobby with making brushes on the lathe. My first handles were all hardwoods that I could source from my local wood dealer. Mostly Maple, Oak, Rosewood and Walnut. They were not great, but I started making them every day and I slowly got better. I was hanging out on a couple of the wetshaving forums and posting my SOTD photos with my wood brushes. Some people on the forums started asking if I would make them brushes, and things took off from there. I think one of the initial challenges I had with the wood handles was how to finish them and make them as waterproof/resistant as possible. Afterall, it’s a wood product that constantly gets exposed to water and soap. I remember doing a lot of research on the topic and trying various wood sealing products. It took me a while, but I feel I have a solid product and technique for it now. The next challenge in the brush making journey was how to properly pour and finish out resin. Resin is clearly a different beast compared to making wood handles. There are a lot of variables and steps in the process. Getting cool pours and a glassy finish was certainly something I had to work hard for. Again, it took time and a lot of trial and error, but it was fun to learn the process and a good challenge for me. For the most part I keep my detailed finishing techniques info to myself, but I will say there are a lot of little steps and considerations for pouring resin, sanding and polishing that all make a big difference on the final product. I also use the highest quality products and tools I can. Oh, and a big dust collector that sounds like a jet engine. You gotta have one of those. Your handle designs have clearly matured over time. What were the key milestones that shaped that evolution—user feedback, your own use, deeper understanding of materials, refinements in technique, or changes in cost structures? Yes, they certainly have matured and evolved. My skills/understanding with the cutting tools and finishing improved over the years and this has led to more detailed handle shape designs. Of course, along the way I listened to user feedback and that helped too. I’m not sure if there were any specific milestones, but rather small subtle changes and improvements to my work process and designs over the years. From a maker who also shaves: what defines a well-designed handle? How do you think about ergonomics, weight and balance, wet grip, finish, and set depth/loft relative to knot performance? All those things you mention figure into the equation. There is a lot of personal preference in this hobby surrounding our gear and brushes are certainly no exception. I personally feel that a slightly larger brush is more comfortable to use. And I will say, it’s not exactly easy designing a handle shape that visually looks cool, feels super comfortable/grippy in the hand and a design you can call your own! Knot loft is something that is not only specific to the knot, but also to how the brush performs. I have tested my knots at different lofts and taken in a lot of Customer feedback on the subject. You currently offer nine core silhouettes. Where do you draw inspiration for those forms? Do certain shapes lend themselves to different use-cases (face vs. bowl lathering, hand sizes, grip styles), or is the choice primarily aesthetic? Good question. With the Portal shape, inspiration came from my interest in Astronomy, UFO’s, Space Exploration, Interdimensional theory … and probably the movie Donnie Darko. With the Kanon shape, I wanted to make something big, bold and polarizing. Perhaps something you could break a bathroom window and escape with if your house was on fire while you were shaving. Portal The Classic and Origins shapes are designs that progressively evolved from my original resin turnings. Classic Origins The Venus shape draws inspiration from the vintage Kent V7 handle but is bigger and has a few of my own twists on it. Venus The lower section of the Archer shape was loosely inspired by the vintage Ever Ready 100T handle, but I added my Classic shape top ferrule. Archer The newest handle I offer is the Barber shape. It’s a longer, skinnier handle. Excellent for bowl lathering and a nod to the old brushes used in Barbershops.   Barber Which design is your best seller, and why do you think it resonates? Do you have a personal favorite—what makes it special to you? The Origins shape has been the best seller in 2025. It’s very comfortable in the hand and looks cool with nearly any pour I offer. For a personal favorite, I have always loved the original Kanon design with a T1 Knot. Kanon   Early in my journey I gravitated to multi-color pours, but your solid colors showed me how striking a single hue can be—I now own three. What did you learn about color over time, and how do you achieve the depth and variation in your solid-core pours? I feel there is a lot of simplistic beauty in a solid color pour. To me, they display a bit classier and more elegant. That said, many Customers want wild swirling multi-colored pours. I see a place for both styles and variety is a good thing. My solid color depth is achieved largely on the unique and high-quality pigments I use in the resin and high polish finish.   For your multi-color pours, where do ideas originate? How do you manage contrast, translucency, and flow to avoid muddiness and keep results repeatable? The multi-color pours ideas often happen rather spontaneously and without much formal planning. I will often look at all the pigments and dyes side-by-side and try to envision how they will contrast/complement each other. That will then often lead to a theme or inspiration in my mind. Sometimes they just don’t work out, but a lot of times they do and become part of my permanent colorway rotation. I keep notes on the colorway mix recipes so I can reproduce them as needed. However, each multi color resin pour is unique in the exothermic reaction, so you will never see 2 exactly alike.   In addition to the roughly 65 colorways on your site (about 22 multicolor and 43 solid), you also release ad-hoc designs like Royal Emerald Crush, Sno Rhino, Curly Maple + the Pines, and Nocturnal Sky. How do these concepts come together—bespoke commissions, spontaneous studio explorations, or both? Can customers request a reproduction of a past one-off? They come together by trying something new that I haven’t attempted. I like to try to push myself out of my comfort zone. That seems to help develop my skills more than anything. As you mentioned, there are a lot of permanent colorways offerings. Many of these are pours I’ve been doing for years (Oscuro, Space, Fawn, Gothic, Sea Foam Storm, Patina, etc). I get asked the question a lot about “customs”. I did offer customs when I first started out, but I quickly learned this wasn’t an efficient way for me to work. I don’t currently offer them, but I do have a very extensive list of build options on the “Order” page of my website. My waitlist is an easy process. Basically, a customer just needs to shoot me a message and let me know what Color, Shape, Knot and Coin they want (from my typical catalog of work). I don’t take any money upfront and can usually have the brush finished and ready to ship in a couple weeks.   Your ready-made brushes seem to appear on the site as inventory allows. Do you follow a regular drop schedule, or do you prefer releasing work when it’s ready? How should customers watch for new drops—newsletter, Instagram, or a waitlist? There is not a formal drop schedule. If I do a larger drop of brushes, I will announce it well ahead of time on Instagram and Facebook. But often I will randomly add brushes to my website as I finish them. So check my Website/Instagram/Facebook pages often! Folks are also welcome to get on my waitlist when it is open. Info for that is on the “Order” page of me website. I also send brushes to my retailer The Shave Supply on a regular basis. They have a retail storefront location in Thousand Oaks California in addition to their website TheShaveSupply.com   Y our site notes the Trotter T1 Manchurian Badger as your best-selling knot. What can you share about its sourcing and specifications (density, loft targets, glue bump, backbone, tip feel), and what quality-control steps matter most to you? I started the search for my Badger knot back in 2021. I remember trying as many high-quality knots and suppliers as I could and even letting friends in the hobby test them as well so I could get some solid feedback beyond what just my opinion. I kept coming back to one knot that I felt had the perfect balance of attributes and ultimately decided to go with what I coined the “Trotter T1”.  It is my best-selling knot and has remained a Customer favorite year after year. I order them in batches and am currently on batch #14 (as of Sept. 2025). I have them handmade/handtied made to my exact specifications for shape, size, density, treatment, etc. Consistency matters to me and one thing I appreciate about the T1 is it has been fairly consistent throughout the 14 batches I’ve received over the years. That said, some batch variation on hair is normal and can be expected to some degree. I remember one batch early on that had overly gelled tips, but we course corrected and haven’t had an issue since. With the T1, Customers can expect a very soft 2-band badger knot, good backbone, doesn’t hog lather and just performs great day to day.   What does your personal shave routine look like? Which razors do you reach for most, and what do you value in a soap and aftershave? How does that day-to-day experience inform your handle and color decisions? I’ve been a wetshaver since 2013 and my personal routine is: Shower, 10 minute warm water soak for the badger knot, a great artisan soap like Ariana & Evans or Barrister & Mann and a machined stainless or titanium DE razor. Razors I reach for the most are: Atelier Durdan, Timeless, Greencult, Charcoal Goods, and Blutt. I feel a great product design is something that excites the owner to keep reaching for it. I try to apply that simple philosophy to the brushes I make.   You’ve said brushmaking is a part-time passion and that your full-time role keeps you busy. What is your primary profession, and are there skills from that work—or from your experience as an amateur guitar luthier—that transfer directly into brushmaking? For the last 22 years I have worked as a Contractor for a London-based Operator in the Energy sector. My role and area of expertise is CAD Administration/Design, Digital Twin and 3D Laser Scanning. It’s a very full-time gig, so for now Brush making is a side-business when I have the time. During the work week, I typically get an hour or 2 in the shop each evening. On the weekends I get more time and can really get some brushes made. At some point down the line, I may choose to go full-time with brushmaking.   What can we expect in the near term from Trotter Handicrafts—new materials, limited runs, collaborations, additional silhouettes, or refinements to existing designs? Any long term plans for the business? I think you can expect to see more mixed material brushes (wood, metal, resin). I do them from time to time but need to make it a point to offer those on a regular basis. I have a new shape design called “Hydria” that I have been trying to finalize. I’ve made a few for friends but need to lock down the final version. I also have a shape called “Imperial” that I’ve been messing around with for a couple of years. I would expect that one to be finalized in the near term as well. Long term, I would like to start offering resin scale blanks for straight razor and knife makers. I just sent a blank out to a very well-known straight razor maker in Austria, so it will be awesome to see what he does with it. Do you have a message you would like to share with the Wet Shaving community? Well, first thank you to everyone who has supported me and taken an interest in my work. I sincerely appreciate it! Second, if you enjoy this hobby that we all share, try to get involved and be welcoming to new joiners. There are a lot of social media groups that are a great place to hang out and share your experiences. Also try to attend an in-person meet-up. I have been to a few and they were very memorable. I have been fortunate enough to make some amazing life-long friends though this hobby. Paul Trotter Visit Trotter Handicrafts

Like all aspects of culture, popular fragrance trends evolve over time. Many things bring about these changes, some sudden and catalytic, others gradual and diffuse. Changes in society, such as gender roles, religion, or shifting political borders can have an impact on norms and cultural mores. Economic fluctuations can shift status or class structure or make resources scarce or abundant. Technological and scientific breakthroughs can make new processes and ingredients available or lower the cost of manufacture. Over the last 400 years, men’s fragrances have gone through three distinct eras which were defined by specific scent accords, Citrusy and Floral in the 18th and 19th century, Woodsy and Herbal (Fougères) in the early 20th century, and a collection of New Fruits in the late 20th century. The journey of modern men’s cologne begins in of all places, Cologne! In 1709, an Italian perfumer living in Cologne, Germany, named Giovanni Maria Farina introduced a citrusy, floral fragrance which he dubbed “Eau de Cologne”. Of the scent, he said “I have created a fragrance that reminds me of an Italian spring morning, of mountain daffodils and orange blossoms after the rain.” The scent was light, fresh, and citrus-forward, with a strongly floral element built around jasmine and violet. It was one of the first alcohol-based perfumes and was seen not just as a fragrance but a tonic, a hygiene product to clean the hands and body, and yes, an aftershave. It ushered in a new age in men’s fragrances. Eau de Cologne was wildly popular and worn throughout the royal courts of Europe. Even Napoléon Bonaparte was said to carry a bottle in his boots. It influenced countless perfumes which followed, including 4711 introduced in 1792, and many modern interpretations including Acqua di Parma Colonia (1916) and Dior’s Eau Sauvage (1966). Today, Farina’s fragrance company is still in operation and the world’s oldest fragrance company. As testimony to the revolutionary power of his fragrance, all men’s perfumes are now referred to as “Colognes”. Houbigant Perfumery in Paris 1882 It wasn’t until the end of the 19th century that a new trend in men’s fragrances emerged when in 1882 a perfumer named Paul Parquet who worked at the prominent Parisian perfumery Houbigant created Fougère Royale. Fougère means “Fern” in French and Parquet created a scent which was green and forest-like by introducing two new ingredients which hadn’t been used before, coumarin and oakmoss. Coumarin is an organic compound with a sweet, hay-like, vanilla and almond aroma. Although it occurs naturally in tonka beans and other plants, it must be synthesized and is therefore considered the first synthetic ingredient used in perfumes. Oakmoss provided a damp and earthy scent, which added richness and depth, with a distinctly green and woodsy character. The introduction of Fougère Royale was a seminal event in the evolution of the men’s fragrances which up until that point had been dominated by Citrusy-Floral accords. Its wild popularity spawned a wave of similar scents which employed the basic architecture of lavender, coumarin (or Tonka Bean), and oakmoss, and over time collectively came to be known as Fougères. Early examples including Guerlain Jicky (1889), Penhaligon’s English Fern (1910), and Yardley English Lavender (1913).   In the 1930s, a variation of the Fougère emerged which introduced powdery and spicy notes, and possibly due to affordability and availability became known as Barbershop scents. In 1934, Caron released an early take on a Barbershop called Pour un Homme which blended vanilla with lavender and tonka bean for a powdery, clean aroma. In 1936, Dana followed with a slightly spicier take called Canoe, which employed sage, carnation, geranium and vanilla. Then in 1937, the Shulton Company upped the spice quotient and released what became one of the defining scents of the Barbershop genre, Old Spice, which brought in anise, cinnamon, nutmeg, pimento, and benzoin to create an intensely masculine, fresh, bouquet. . Not long after, another iconic scent was released sometime in the 1940s by the American affiliate of Pinaud called Clubman, a mossy, powdery, vanilla Fougère which today is maybe most associated with vintage barbershop scents. Many barbershop Fougères followed, some of the most notable including Tabac (1959), Brut (1964), and Paco Rabanne Pour Homme (1973). Fougères maintained their hold on men’s fragrances through most of the 1970s and 1980s with popular fragrances including Polo by Ralph Lauren (1978), Drakkar Noir by Guy Laroche (1982), and Creed’s Green Irish Tweed (1985). It wasn’t until the 1990s, that a new trend emerged where notes of previously unused fruits began to be introduced which turned fragrances away from the intense herbal greenness of a classic Fougère, making them rounder, sweeter, and lighter. An era of New Fruit fragrances began. Examples of the New Fruit movement include Calvin Klein’s CK One (1994) which introduced papaya and pineapple and was sweet enough to be billed as unisex. In the same year, Issey Miyake launched L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme which introduced Yuzu, another sweet and exotic fruit. In 1995, Creed’s Silver Mountain Water brought in the use of Blackcurrant, and in 1996, Armani launched the iconic Acqua di Gio which introduced lime, mandarin orange, peach, and aquatic notes. Hugo Boss harnessed Apple notes in 1998 with Hugo Boss Bottled. The “new fruit” movement continued to gain strength through the 2000s with major hits including Dolce and Gabbana’s Light Blue (2001), which used mandarin orange and grapefruit, Hermes Terre d’Hermes (2006), a mainly orange accord, and Paco Rabanne 1 Million (2008), which leaned heavily on grapefruit. Then in 2010 one of the most iconic men’s fragrances of the 21st century was created, Creed Aventus, which used both blackcurrant and pineapple, becoming the benchmark for modern luxury men’s fragrances up to the current day. Men’s fragrances will surely continue to evolve as tastes change and new trends emerge. As to what will define the next era and pick up from the Citrus-Floral scents of the 18th and 19th century, Fougères of the 20th century, and New Fruits in the 21st century, we'll just have to wait and see.

There are a handful of voices that make the wet-shaving world feel like a true neighborhood, and Mark Szorady—beloved creator and host of the “Monday Morning Mailbag”—is one of them. Every week, Mark’s cheery greeting of “Hello Youtubers and wet shavers everywhere!”, with a steaming mug of coffee in hand, and an avalanche of viewer letters have turned Mondays from mundane to must-watch for thousands of shave enthusiasts around the world. Long before wet shaving, Mark was making readers laugh in print as the nationally syndicated cartoonist behind George and other puzzle features for King Features and DBR Media—a storyteller’s background that infuses every Mailbag with wit, warmth, and insight. Mark has tested countless pieces of shave gear – razors, soaps, splashes and more – and made over 1,800 review videos. When looking for guidance on how to build a lather, there are few wet shavers with more experience using the panoply of options in both hardware and software than Mark. Without further ado, here’s Mark… Rediscovering Wet Shaving Q: In one of your earliest YouTube videos—about eight years ago—you had just returned to double-edge (DE) shaving and were showing a Viking’s Blade butterfly razor. What sparked your renewed interest in the hobby, and was the 1957 Gillette you later featured (inherited from your father) the first DE razor you ever used? A: Let me start with some background. I was an electric razor shaver for many, many years.  My father would always tell me that the safety razor shave was the BEST shave. Well, I was unfamiliar with the process and held fast to my electric razor routine. After dad passed, I bought my parents’ home. Not only did I now own my parents’ house, I also had about 40 years of stuff in the basement, attic, etc. So, in trying to get things organized, I decided to first tackle the bathroom. While cleaning out the bathroom, I came across a box with Dad’s shaving gear. It contained his 1957 Gillette Silver Tipped Super Speed. It was in beautiful condition. It looked nearly brand new.  Anyhow, it was at that same time that I was looking to replace yet another electric razor. I had a box filled with old, worn out electric razors. I really did not want to buy another electric razor. I decided to give the safety razor shave a try. Instead of using my dad’s Super Speed razor, I decided to find a comparable safety razor that would allow me to learn the process. My logic was, if I didn’t like the process, I wouldn’t be able to blame dad’s razor.   I opted for the Vikings Blade TTO razor. I liked the look, the solid build, the fact that the razor blade end tabs were enclosed in the razor head, and the price. Their product page on Amazon had a lot of helpful information. Plus, it was Twist-To-Open. A safety razor with easy blade loading was a must. So, I started to learn the traditional wet shave process with the Vikings Blade Chieftain. It was also a rather fortuitous choice. The folks at Vikings Blade became the first major company to support my channel. Because of their support, I gained more experience with their different razors. Through Vikings Blade and viewers, I quickly learned about adjustable razors, three-piece razors, etc.   Once I felt I had enough experience using the Vikings Blade Chieftain (and, as it turns out, I LOVED the traditional wet shave), THEN I used my dad’s SuperSpeed razor. The Allure of the Hobby Q: What originally excited you about wet shaving, and why do you think it so often turns casual shavers into passionate enthusiasts? A: The hardware. There’s something about a well-made safety razor that just resonates with people. The weight, the material (stainless steel, bronze, brass, chrome plating, etc.), the gleaming finish. This also applies to shaving brushes. Some specialty artisan shave brushes like those form Wolf Whiskers are works of art. Plus, when both pieces of hardware, razors and brushes, are very well made they will last generations. So, I think there’s also that allure of being able to pass on to future generations some really beautiful razors and brushes. Additionally, there are so many choices when it comes to shave soaps and creams.  Artisans are everywhere offering some really top shelf products.  You can find any sort of scent.  The lathers these soaps and creams build are picture perfect! Like the stuff you see in classic movies. Finally, there’s a nostalgic quality to the traditional wet savage.  It’s a yearning to return to, even temporarily, a simpler time.  No batteries, no apps, no blinking lights.  Just a solid razor, a brush and some shave soap. Eight Years, 1,800 Videos Q: With more than 1,800 uploads, you may have tested more products than any other reviewer. How has the wet-shaving community evolved over those eight years, and are you still as passionate today as when you began? A: 1800? Is it really that many already? I guess that comes from my cartooning days in always meeting a deadline.  Many of those early videos are 4 or 5 minutes in length and edited in a very simple way. At the time I was learning about the traditional wet shave, I was also learning about how to edit video, audio, post to YouTube, etc. Through it all, the community was always there to lend a hand. Viewers not only contributed great info, tips, tricks, etc. on doing the traditional wet shave, many others were quite tech savvy and helped with setting up podcasts and other things. What Makes a Great Shave Soap? Q: From your experience, what qualities distinguish an excellent shave soap? A: I think it boils down to good skin food ingredients. Plus, elements that provide a smooth glide for the razor.  Artisan soap makers really know how to touch all those bases. Defining the Perfect Lather Q: What do you consider the hallmarks of an optimal lather—its appearance, texture, and function during the shave? A: Good body and density. A yogurty consistency. I like when I get those nice peaks that loop around like a Dairy Queen ice cream. I usually look for those qualities when building a lather. Again, does it offer cushion for protection and glide? Is there residual glide if you’re doing a little buffing and pick-ups with the razor? If the answer is Yes, then you’ve got a good one. Also, I’m amazed at how quickly a lather can be built with some artisan soaps. I mean, in almost no time at all, you’ve got a Boom! Lather! Common Lathering Pitfalls Q: What mistakes do beginners most often make when they first try to build a lather? A: The first mistake is not getting the proper shaving brush. When new wet shavers look for a brush, for some reason, low priced, low quality badger brushes get listed on Amazon searches. It happened to me and I had trouble making a lather. It was only when I switched to a synthetic brush that things really ramped up and improved. I always tell new wet shavers to get a good quality synthetic brush. They are sturdier and more forgiving when doing a bowl lather and face lather. Once you have the basics, then you can move to boar brushes, then to badger brushes. Badger brushes, especially, require a different routine when doing a face lather. I learned this from viewers. When using a badger brush for face lathering, a back and forth motion is preferred rather than pushing towards the skin to splay the hairs and move it in round, circular motions. That’s fine with synthetics.  Synthetics, as I mentioned, are forgiving in this area. Badger brushes require more finesse. Boar brushes are somewhere between synthetic and badger when it comes to technique, in my opinion. The other problem that new wet shavers sometimes run into is adding too much water when trying to build a lather. Use minimal water and then build from there. Add water as you go. You’ll see the volume of the lather increase while it maintains it’s nice, creamy consistency.  Your Step-by-Step Method Q: Could you walk us through your personal technique for building a lather, step by step? A: I always get a good, generous brush load. I really swirl the brush in the puck or tub. With some shaving soaps, you may not need to swirl as much as others. Regardless, get a somewhat damp brush, swirl to load the soap onto the brush, and be generous. Then when doing a bowl lather, I simply add a little bit of water as the lather starts to develop. As I always say, add water, rather than add soap. The lather will start somewhat pasty, but keep adding water little by little, and you’ll see this wonderful, creamy consistency emerge. The “Szorady Shift” Explained Q: You’ve mentioned the “Szorady Shift” on your show—what is it, and how did you develop it? A: During one video review, I happened to mention that I heard a noticeable tone drop as the lather came to the point of completion. I figured this was due to the increase in volume causing this tone drop. Viewer Jimi V mentioned that he also listened for this tone drop when building a lather (bowl lathering). He coined the phrase “The Szorady Shift” for this tone drop. Again, it’s an example of how viewers contribute in an original and organic way to the channel.  Choosing a Bowl and Brush Q: What advice would you give a new wet shaver on selecting a lather bowl and brush? A: As mentioned before, get a good quality synthetic brush if you’re just starting out. $20.00 will get you a good synthetic brush. When it comes to shaving bowls, regardless of material it’s constructed from (ceramic, stoneware, stainless steel, plastic, etc.), make sure it has some raised areas/ridges in the interior to give a little bit of resistance to the brush. This will help develop a lather more quickly. If the bowl doesn’t have raised ridges or bumps but instead offers a little bit of a rough texture, that’ll work, too. A smooth interior on a shaving bowl is fine, too. But those raised ridges, bumps, etc. really help. Inside Your Daily Kit Q: Away from the camera, what does your own shave kit look like? Which soaps, razors, splashes, balms, and brushes are personal favorites—and do you lean toward mild or aggressive razors, hard soaps, croaps, creams, badger or synthetic brushes? A: I lean toward mild razors. The Timeless Bronze Razor is a favorite. Any of the Chieftain Razors form Vikings blade are also welcome in the shave den. I love the Rex Supply Envoy. Phoenix Shaving’s Ascension razors are awesome, double open-comb, adjustable, and made from premium materials! Their Meta4 razors are wonderful mild and have a great vintage vibe. You cannot beat the Muhle R-89 for a mild shave. This one is perfect for beginners. Any vintage Superspeed (silver tip and blue tip) are must haves!  Some of my early favorite shaves came about due to the Gillette three-piece Tech razor. When I came back to the traditional wet shave, these Gillette Techs were only five or ten bucks. Now, due to their popularity and the increased interest in the traditional wet shave, they are somewhat pricier. Yaqi is coming on strong with some very well made stainless steel razors, although they tend toward the medium aggressive side. I also love the Pearl shaving razor offerings. The L-55 is a nice razor at a great price point. Looking Ahead Q: You’re a beloved voice in the wet-shaving community. What future plans or goals do you have for your channel and your role in the community? A: Thanks for the really nice words. Actually, I didn’t plan any of this. I’ve been flying by the seat of my pants since the channel started. It all happened and came together due to the wonderful generosity and contributions of viewers and the wet shaving community. I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing and let the viewers guide me with their insight and input.  Parting Wisdom Q: After years of experimentation, what single lesson do you value most and wish every wet shaver knew? A: I say it with every shave, “30 degrees, a light touch, let the razor do all the work, gentlemen.” One of the most satisfying emails/comments I receive is from new wet shavers who have said that this single phrase, repeated in their head while doing a shave, helped them to learn the traditional wet shave. That’s very gratifying. Mark Szorady Visit Mark's Youtube channel Shop with our partners

Ariana & Evans hosted a meet-up on June 7 at their showroom and production facility in Ansonia, Connecticut. I arrived a little late—the weather on the drive up was less than kind—but the moment I stepped inside I felt like Charlie walking into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. The vibe was warm and convivial, almost like a house party, and every surface was stacked with gorgeously packaged soaps and splashes. I was a kid in a candy store. Before I could take it all in, the chief “candy maker” himself, Peter Charkalis, bounded over with an outstretched hand. His easy warmth made it seem as though we were old friends—family, even. Still beaming, Peter whisked my family and me off on a tour. In the break room we found none other than rising superstar Doug Layne of Adopted Acres. Few artisans have created so much buzz so quickly: in just five months Doug has rolled out hits like Mint Cherry Barbershop, Homestead Barbershop, Emerald Leprechaun, Rookie Card, Texas Spirit, Pineapple Under the Sea, and Royal Bloom. He may be a rookie in soapmaking, but he has the nose of a master, blending scent notes as if he’s been doing it his whole life. Peter showing off the Break Room...and Doug Layne! Ever the fanboy, I had to get a photo with Doug—and I couldn’t leave without scooping up a set of Royal Bloom, an intoxicating blend of geranium, lemon, pear, Bulgarian rose, peony, oud, vanilla, cashmere wood, and patchouli. Doug Layne from Adopted Acres Right beside Doug stood Joe Dean of Subtle Art Soap, his table lined with an enticing array of creations. We chatted briefly about his years in the Coast Guard and how a casual passion for wet shaving had blossomed into a full-fledged business. One set in particular caught my eye: Following Seas. Its label features a vintage nautical chart from Joe’s own collection, and the fragrance itself is a fresh, blue-aquatic blend of bergamot, grapefruit, jasmine, geranium, rosemary, lavender, musk, sandalwood, and patchouli. Resistance was futile—I promptly added the set to my haul. Joe Dean from Subtle Art Soaps Peter couldn’t wait to show us the rest of the operation. After weaving through the storeroom, we stepped into the beating heart of Ariana & Evans—Peter’s design laboratory. Peter's Design Lab This is where the magic happens. He spoke of how he and his daughter, Thalia, spend long days here researching scent profiles and refining ingredient blends—cheering each other on, swapping notes, and offering honest feedback. As he spoke about Thalia, the pride and affection he feels for her practically radiated from him. From there, Peter led us to another essential part of the alchemy—the soap kettles! The Soap Kettles On our way back through the break room, we bumped into another community star—Mike from Long Island Shaving. Mike from Long Island Shaving One of the day’s highlights was meeting up with my good friend Mark Albert—whom I first met on Badger & Blade—at the event. Here we are, poised at the register with armfuls of goodies, while Thalia rings us up and graciously snaps the photo. Mark Albert who authored the ShaveSplash Feature "Confessions of a Stovetop Soapmaker" Afterward, Peter kicked off a raffle that sent at least a dozen prizes—soaps, accessories, and more—into eager hands. Fortune smiled on me: I took home a B1 Lancer razor. Peter starts the raffle The day flew by, and I didn’t speak with nearly as many attendees as I’d hoped. I did manage a quiet moment with Peter’s wife, Evelyn, who shared a few heartfelt words about her devotion to Ariana & Evans and its mission. Her sincerity, kindness, and warmth spoke louder than any words: that everyone at Ariana & Evans approaches their work with love and a deep appreciation for the community. And although some may think that the heart of Ariana & Evans is back in Peter’s lab, or in the soap kettles, or even spread out as seen here on the table in the main display room.... Main Display Table The real heart of Ariana & Evans is here... Peter & Thalia It’s in Peter, Thalia, and Evelyn. It’s in the love they feel for each other. It’s in the love they have for their craft and the wet shaving community. When the festivities wrapped up, a small, intrepid group followed Peter, Thalia, and Evelyn across the street to a cozy wine bar for dinner and story-swapping. It was the perfect capstone to a day of discovery, camaraderie, and most of all, heart. I headed home feeling richer for the experience—and with a respectable haul of loot to prove it. My Haul Thank you Peter, Thalia, Evelyn, and the entire Ariana & Evans team. To see everything Ariana & Evans has to offer, click here .

Peter Charkalis is living the life many wet shavers only dream about.  What began like it does for so many of us—with a simple Shave of the Day photo—has grown into one of the most adventurous, edgy, and sought-after brands in the wet shaving world. But Ariana & Evans didn’t emerge overnight, and Peter didn’t build it alone. His wife, Evelyn, and daughter, Thalia, have been with him every step of the way, through years of hard work, trial and error, hits and misses. The road has been long, but the trajectory has always pointed skyward. With a blend of savvy innovation and artistic boldness, Ariana & Evans continues to push the envelope of what’s possible in artisan grooming. I had the chance to catch up with Peter to talk about his journey, explore the philosophy behind the brand, and get a glimpse of what’s next. Here’s Peter… Q: Ariana & Evans has taken a unique approach by segmenting the traditional tub soap market into distinct price tiers—K2e for entry-level, Ultima for premium, and Legacy for ultra-premium. Has this strategy been effective? Are buyers aware of the differences, and has it helped expand your reach? A: Actually, our shaving cream is our entry level offering.  This has worked exceptionally well for us. In business, you want to 'touch' as many people as possible. We are now able to do this with unique offerings and a targeted pricing strategy. I believe we are uniquely positioned to offer products irrespective of price range now. I don't believe our offerings are too difficult to digest at all. I measure this by the success each base has been able to achieve . The Danielle Maullu line is our ultra premium line and has honestly done so much better than I ever dreamed possible. Has this strategy been effective? Yes. Our sales have literally doubled and has been on this track consistently since November. Our brand is unique and compelling to new wet shavers as well as seasoned veterans who expect nothing but the best. We measure our success many different ways, but I'm very keen on whether we are attracting new customers, are they then reordering, and is revenue increasing. I'm very thankful for our growth and pleasantly surprised how many new customers/first time buyers are discovering our brand. These new customers are returning and continue to choose our products which shows we're doing something right. Q: You've also launched parallel brands like Pedro Fiasco and the vegan Barbiere di Famiglia, based on the VR2 base. How have these lines performed, and in what ways have they helped broaden your presence in the market? A: Pedro Fiasco has now merged into A&E for simplicity. Our Shaving Creams have done very well. People are amazed how well our tallow base shave creams perform at this price point. The Barbiere di Famiglia line has done well. We have recently started offering the creams in aluminum tubes. Our 4th offering in a tube will be Nirvana and you'll get your nose on it at the event on June 7th. We will also release two new VR2 for the Barbiere di Famiglia line which are Trastevere and The Spanish Steps. Eventually all shaving Creams will be made in these aluminum tubes. I believe this will further expand our appeal for hobbyists as well as the non-hobbyist market. Q: With the launch of shaving creams, it looks like you're making a push toward the mainstream shaving market. What has the response been like so far? Have any mass-market retailers expressed interest? A: We will never be mainstream, as mainstream is boring and we're far from a boring brand. We're a traditional company with a very untraditional approach. I think the fact we're so different than other brands is why we're attracting so many new customers. It also helps to have a good product. The response has been fabulous! Have any mass-market retailers expressed interest?  We have no interest in a mass market offerings. You will not see our brand at a Target or some other large retailer. First, we are still a small family business and scaling up would be a challenge. We have the capacity to make 1,000 soaps per day because the equipment I have invested in. That doesn't mean we are making that many or have the staff to do it. Having the capacity and able to do it are two different stories 😆. I honestly would have no interest in making mass market crappy products. I like where we are and prefer to offer the best damn products in the industry at a reasonable price. The rest will take care of itself. Q: With Thalia’s help, you’ve begun moving into unisex fragrances—and possibly even a future line for women. What challenges come with extending the brand beyond men’s grooming? How do you plan to connect with this new audience? A: Thank you for mentioning Thalia. I'm so proud of her. She has a brilliant business sense, she's incredibly intelligent, thoughtful and artistic. Most of our fragrances are unisex. I mean, what's feminine & masculine anyway. Hell, I love a beautiful rose fragrance. Portrait of a Lady by Frederic Malle is magnificent and considered a woman's fragrance, yet a large percentage of men wear it. I'm one of them, it's gorgeous! Birthday Suit which has received a great deal of interest within the fragrance community is a composition created by Thalia. We're shipping these all over the world. It's crazy, in a good way. Thalia did an amazing job with this and to be honest it leans slightly masculine although it's a unisex fragrance. Many women are buying this as well, which to your question has further expanded our customer base. The fact that woman are buying our products now proves that our strategy to focus on skincare & fragrances for 2025/26 is the right strategy for our brand and our growth. Q: It’s clear from recent interviews that your collaboration with Thalia is deepening. How is she influencing the A&E brand and its product direction? Has she started her perfumery studies in New York yet? A: Ariana & Evans is a family business. My wife Evelyn is an unsung hero. She likes to keep a low profile, but the company doesn't exist without her. I just wanted to mention her because she really prefers to be in the background, but is every bit as important as Thalia and myself. Thalia has really become such an integral part of the business. She is initiating processes which will help streamline operations, as well as took over designing our labels, graphics and the web site. She also recently negotiated and arranged fantastic terms with a new partner to improve our labels. She has truly made her mark in a short period of time. I rely on her at this point for all aspects of the business. Most every decision I make is discussed with her. In most cases if she says no, then it's no! lol. She's the new sheriff in town and I couldn't be more proud and in awe at what she has accomplished in such a short period of time. I don't believe it's a coincidence that the spike in growth coincides with her working full time here. The world is her oyster. As far as her influencing the brands direction. This has been quite significant. Because of her, our goal is to be good stewards of the environment and be 95% plastic free (or more). Our goal was to achieve this by year end, but the tariffs and uncertainty of supply chains may have slowed this down a bit. We will be an ECO-Friendly brand. She is very involved in scent creation and nothing gets released at this point without her approval. I trust her nose that much. As far as the Pratt Institute, we had to put that on hold. We have been so busy and the cost was incredibly high. We just finished paying for her college (we never took a loan) and realized we needed a financial break. She will go because perfuming has become a passion and the success of Birthday Suit & Pistachio Silk have really stoked those flames for her passion of perfuming. Q: A&E seems to be gaining strong traction in Europe. To what do you attribute that growing popularity, and how might it shape your plans for international growth? A: We are doing quite well, but we can do better. Our growth is not limited to the EU. We are doing very well in India, China and throughout the Asian Pacific. I actually think there's tremendous opportunity throughout the world and in North America in particular. We just took our training wheels off and are ready to go full speed ahead.  We attribute our growth to having good partners and offering exceptional products. At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is the value you bring to the market. The European market is very important, so is the US (our largest market), China (fastest growing market) and beyond. Q: Your collaboration with Daniele Maullu has resonated with many. What’s next for that creative partnership? A: Daniele is a partner and a close friend. We recently released Latte e Menta and will make these available as soon as possible to retailers. Legacy, which was our first release for this line has done better than we anticipated. In fact, I had no idea how well received this would be but had no expectations on the success we have seen. There's really no limit, but we won't go crazy with a new release every month. I envision 4 scents in total with supporting products such as matching fragrances, brushes (we recently collaborated with Trotter Hand Crafts) and perhaps body soaps, beard oil, shampoos etc. Q: The community was relieved to hear that the recent fire above your facility didn’t cause serious damage. You also mentioned that A&E is on the verge of outgrowing its current space. Are there plans for expansion or relocation in the near future? A: We will stay put for now and see how things unfold with supply chain issues & tariffs. I don't know if people realize how much impact this can have for a business like ours. Ideally, I would like to own our building, so we'll see what the future holds. Q: Your showroom events have become one of the premier wet shaving meetups on the East Coast. How have they evolved over time? Any plans to expand or take them on the road? A: I just had a conversation about doing something outside the US. Literally just yesterday. I won't say where yet 😊. I think this is our 4th event in Ansonia and this will be our largest. I invited 2 artisan friends to join me at our showroom to sell their products as well. We'll have Doug Layne of Adopted Acres Soap Co and Joe Dean of Subtle Art Soap Co and they'll have tables setup as well. They are great guys and I'm thrilled they'll be here.  Several years ago, I rented a yacht in NYC which went around Manhattan down to the Statue of Liberty. It was a magical day with well over 100 attendees. I'll probably look into doing this again next summer God willing. Q: Like many in the community, your journey into wet shaving began almost by accident. What do you think it is about wet shaving that draws people in so deeply? A: I think it depends on the person. Some go into wet shaving to save money 😆, others for tradition or to get away from plastics. Others want something which will give them a better shave without harsh chemicals. Once they're here, what keeps them here is the camaraderie, friendships, the feeling of belonging and that their not the only one obsessed with smelling soaps lol. None of our outside friends understand, but WE do.  Some of my closest friends I've met through this wonderful hobby. Heck, I've gone from posting SOTD pictures to making a living doing what I love. What a great hobby and blessing this has turned out to be. Q: In a recent interview, you said what you love most is the act of creation. What is it about creating that fuels you? How does it make you feel? A: You have to understand, I never did anything like this before. I never knew I had this in me. I'm going to be 62 in a couple weeks and at an advanced age, this business unlocked a creative side I never knew existed. The best way to answer this is to tell you what I did after work today. When everyone left, Thalia and I were working together, she was making more Birthday Suit and I had an idea for a new fragrance. We are together creating. She added more of the whiskey Lactone and asked me to smell it. I had just added some Ambrox DL to what I was working on and we're sharing our glass jars back and forth and cheering each other on and she's suggesting more French Lavender (Grosso) for mine and we're just both in our own zone working and creating together. Words can't describe what a special moment this was for me. I love creating, challenging myself to be the best I can be and I see Thalia has this same passion. It's wonderful. Q: Looking ahead, where do you see Ariana & Evans in 10 years? What might the company and its product offerings look like a decade from now? A: I doubt I'll be here, but I believe A&E will be. I see the brand leaning more towards fragrances & skincare than it is at the moment. Fragrances have become a very big part of our business and I see this increasing significantly now and in the future. I also see our skincare line growing. I believe we will settle-in and in 10 years our shaving soaps will be highly regarded, but we won't be a part of the artisan base races any longer. Our brand will be more premium, luxury packaging, eco-friendly and respected as such (I hope). As the dust clears and sun sets on my career, I have much to be proud of. I went from being an obsessed hobbyist deep in the rabbit hole to making my own soaps in the kitchen. We then moved to an addition a year later I built on my house for more space and we quickly outgrew that and moved to a factory space 8 months after building the addition. Now our facility runs the length of a city block in Ansonia. We're still a small family business with a lot of hopes & dreams. I think in 10 years we will continue to lead, create & thrive. Peter & Thalia