Barrister & Mann and Stirling Soap Co. are two of the most respected names in wet shaving. So when Will Carius, founder of Barrister & Mann and the creative force behind its fragrances and formulas, announced that Stirling would be taking over soap production, it caught the community’s attention immediately. ShaveSplash caught up with Will to talk through the decision, what it means for Barrister & Mann going forward, and what shavers can expect next. Here’s Will… You announced you will be moving production to Stirling. What led you to this decision and why is now the right time? It’s time for me to do something other than burn myself on hot equipment for 15 hours a day. I need to focus on running and growing the business rather than making soap (and whatever else) all day, every day. As for the right time, it would have been six months ago, but we couldn’t manage that, partly due to extreme personnel restrictions, partly due to having to deal with the fallout from my father’s sudden passing in December 2024. Why did you choose Stirling as your manufacturing partner? The list of manufacturers that can accommodate this kind of work at this kind of volume is extremely short. I would go so far as to say that Stirling is likely unique in that respect. There are other, larger companies, but their minimum order quantities are generally in the tens of thousands of units per fragrance, which we could not possibly afford, let alone sell in a profitable time period. There are also smaller companies, but most of them either have facility issues or would not be able to absorb the volume increase without seriously disturbing their current business models. Which Barrister and Mann products will Stirling produce, soaps, aftershaves, balms, bar soaps, EDPs, and will anything remain made in house? Only fragrance production will remain in-house. Everything else will either be produced by Stirling or will be made by a production lab with which I’ve worked for many years. They’ve made the aftershave base (what used to be called “Barrister’s Reserve”) almost since its creation. What will the transition look like for customers in terms of timing, availability, and any changes they might notice? Ideally, our customers won’t notice any change at all once production resumes. As for timing, as soon as possible, I’m afraid that I don’t have a more concrete answer than that. This is an extremely labor-and-time-intensive undertaking, and, while we’re working as fast as we can, much of this will be finished and done at the absolute last minute. The weather, including the most recent storm, is also likely to interfere, so we’re going to have to work around that as well. Omnibus is prized for its performance. How will you ensure the shave feel, lather characteristics, and overall quality remain consistent after the move? Lockhart’s Authentic Grooming produced a product identical to the one made in my lab, and I didn’t even have to fly out there to teach them. So far as Stirling adheres to the formula and production methods they are taught (and I see no reason why they wouldn’t), there will be no issue. What quality control standards and testing will be in place to make sure each batch meets your specifications? That’s between us and Stirling, I’m afraid, but I have every confidence that they are up to the task. Fragrance is central to Barrister and Mann. How will you ensure every scent stays true to what customers know today? I will continue to produce the fragrances myself in my studio in Massachusetts. There will be no change in the fragrances because they’ll still be made according to my formulas and by my own hand. Will your role in fragrance creation and blending change at all once production is outsourced? Not in the slightest. I consider our fragrances to be the single most important aspect of Barrister and Mann, one that I would never entrust to anyone else (except in a collaborative format), and I will continue to blend and compose them as I have always done. Do you expect this shift to affect pricing, either increasing, decreasing, or staying the same, and why? I expect pricing to remain unchanged. The shaving soap business is enormously cash-intensive and requires considerable labor without the aid of many millions in commercial equipment. I’ve seen speculation that Stirling might purchase a soap mill to accommodate the increase in volume but, speaking only for myself (and thus not for Rod and Mandy), I rather doubt that such a thing is possible; soap mills, properly called extruders, require industrially-dried soap base in order to function correctly, and commercial soap noodles are in no way suited to the manufacture of bespoke shaving soap formulas. They’d have to set up giant kettles and drying rooms before even considering an extruder, which would require massive capital investment. It’s just not likely to happen. The primary benefit of handing off production to Stirling is that it will give me time to focus on the parts of the company that require my direct attention. The product's scalability will remain about the same, at least for now. How do you see outsourcing changing Barrister and Mann’s mission and your ability to innovate going forward? Honestly, I doubt it will change much. I’ve spoken publicly many times about the idea that I largely consider the Base Wars to be over. Additional innovations in shaving soap formulation will yield only small increases in performance over the long term, and I’m much more concerned with offering an excellent product in interesting fragrances than with pursuing that last little percentage of lubricity or cushion. I will continue to develop fragrances myself in my studio and formulate new products on a small scale, as I have always done. If I come up with something exotic or truly revolutionary, I’ll head back down to Arkansas and get them set up to scale it for full production. What were the some of the biggest changes you’ve made to your website and eCommerce strategy, and how do they improve the experience for visitors? I haven’t really overhauled our website in years. I’ve made incremental changes, and a full redesign is coming, but everything else has been what I can spare the time to do. That’s part of the problem, actually: I don’t have a webmaster or design team and currently don’t have the time to work on the website myself. All I can do is little things here and there, which results in broken, buggy code and confusing web design. I hope to change that once I have more time available. Looking ahead, what can you share about upcoming products, releases, or initiatives for Barrister and Mann? For the time being, my ability to plan that stuff is limited, largely because I am almost completely focused on moving production and returning everything to availability. However, I can say that we will resume export to the EU in the next few months, though I’ve still been unable to convince our distributor to carry any colognes other than Fougère Gothique. I’m also hoping to offer a micronized silver deodorant at some point in the future; anyone who’s heard/read me talk about it knows how much I love Super Deodorant (which is currently available on our site), and, with Super Deodorant itself pivoting to some kind of new, top-secret formula that they’ve been teasing for months, I’m very interested in developing my own version, which I’d love to offer in fragranced varieties. I’m also hoping to complete my lip balm formula, which I started a few years ago and had to set aside after things got too busy for me to continue. My longstanding view is that most lip balm is pretty terrible, and, having grown up in a place that becomes extremely dry in the cold months, I’ve been looking for a better version for years. I’ve nearly finished it, so I’d love to be able to put it on the market. Will Carius Visit Barrister & Mann

Visit Phoenix Shaving There isn’t much about Phoenix Shaving that isn’t bold. From the artwork and fragrances to the ultra-rich soap base, and even the gear, everything radiates adventure, creativity, and a maximalist spirit. Spice Bot carries that signature DNA, but tempers it into something more composed: a sonorous, captivating composition that is equal parts inviting and intriguingly complex. Inspired by Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme, Spice Bot lands firmly in the Oriental/Amber family, while sending clear signals toward an aromatic fougère structure. Where Spicebomb Extreme aims to be loud, immediate, and unapologetically forceful, Doug and Fran show real finesse, coaxing a spice-forward blend with restraint and elegance. It reads unmistakably masculine, yet never feels abrasive or overbearing; instead, it plays the role of a confident companion fragrance: present, polished, and remarkably wearable. Spice is the headline, but it isn’t the whole story. At moments, the warm aromatic core gives a friendly nod to classic barbershop territory, think Old Spice, Brut, and even the swagger of certain Bay Rums like Clásico or Bastardo. The departure, and the elevation, comes from the more exotic detailing: saffron, cumin, pimento berries (allspice), and black pepper. Those notes add a textured, worldly intrigue that keeps Spice Bot from slipping into familiar, well-trod spice motifs. The real cleverness, though, may be in what frames the spices above and below. Up top, grapefruit cuts through with a bright, bitter-citrus lift that keeps the opening energetic rather than heavy. Down below, a classic oriental foundation of labdanum, amber, and vanilla provides a resinous, golden warmth, delectable, but not syrupy. In the heart, lavender introduces a soft aromatic polish and a faint powdery bloom, creating that fougère shape without turning the scent into a barbershop pastiche. And then there’s the masterstroke: tobacco. Used with a measured hand, it brings an earthy warmth and a subtle smokiness that feels quietly luxurious, an echo, in spirit, of the darker richness Phoenix Shaving has explored in scents like Malbolge, but integrated here in a way that feels smoother and more broadly approachable. It’s the note that gives Spice Bot its individuality: less “spice explosion,” more “spiced velvet.” Spicebomb Extreme is often called a cold-weather king for its fiery intensity. Spice Bot certainly oozes warmth and richness, but it does so with gentlemanly refinement: modern, inviting, and adaptable. It’s the kind of scent you can apply generously before running out the door in sweats, and still feel perfectly at home wearing to an elegant night out. Versatile, always appropriate, and expertly balanced, Spice Bot feels like a new staple in the well-rounded rotation. Top notes: Grapefruit, pimento berries, black pepper Heart notes: Lavender, cumin, saffron, warm aromatic spices Base notes: Tobacco, labdanum, woody, amber, vanilla Shave Soap Scent Strength: 6 Longevity: 5 Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements’ flagship CK-6 soap base is a vegan formula that founder Douglas Smythe calls the “Mystical Trifecta of Slick.” It blends three Amazonian butters, bacuri, cupuaçu, and murumuru, with shea butter, cocoa butter, jojoba oil, and glycerin to create a textured lather reminiscent of dense cottage cheese. The result is a voluminous, high-density lather with exceptional moisturization properties that offer classing-leading density, excellent cushion, high slickness, and rock-solid stability. Skin Foods (unconfirmed) Glycerin : humectant which pulls water into the skin, boosts hydration, and supports a plumper feel. Kokum butter: firm emollient and mild occlusive which softens dry patches and helps reduce moisture loss without feeling greasy. Shea butter: rich emollient and mild occlusive which nourishes, calms dryness, and supports the skin barrier. Cupuacu butter: emollient with strong water-binding ability which boosts suppleness, cushions the skin, and helps protect against dehydration. Jojoba oil: lightweight emollient (wax ester similar to sebum) which softens, helps balance oiliness, and reinforces the barrier without cloggy heaviness. Bacuri butter: rich emollient which comforts very dry skin, supports barrier repair, and helps improve softness and elasticity. Murumuru: silky emollient butter which smoothes roughness, reduces transepidermal water loss, and leaves a velvety protective finish. Aftershave Scent Strength: 7 Longevity: 6 Skin Foods (unconfirmed) Aloe vera: light humectant which soothes irritation, calms redness, and supports skin hydration. Elemi resin: aromatic resin with mild soothing and skin-conditioning properties, often lending a smooth, balsamic feel. Willow bark extract: gentle exfoliating and clarifying agent (natural salicylates) which helps refine skin texture and calm irritation. Jerusalem pine resin: aromatic resin which adds a protective, comforting feel and mild skin-conditioning benefits. Liquid silk (vegan): skin-conditioning polymer which adds slip, smoothness, and a silky afterfeel. Benzoin resin: aromatic resin and mild occlusive which comforts dry skin, helps reduce moisture loss, and adds a soft, balsamic smoothness. Coming Soon to Phoenix Shaving

Frost Chapel Phoenix Shaving has released Frost Chapel, a superstar from the past Advent Calendar. Scent Profile: Eucalyptus, Mint, Powder, Amaretto, Spruce, Moss, Evergreen, Tonka, Balsam, Cedar, Amber, Rum, Musk, Oud. Douglas Smythe writes... There was just something extremely special about this accord, so much so it had the community begging for a full release. I get it, believe me, I get it. Also, don't let the name fool you, Frost Chapel is not mentholated...that'd be too easy! The eucalyptus and mint do however offer a little coolness at the edges, but just a little. To me, this is possibly the perfect winter, cool weather frag but...I could easily see some of you wearing this juice in the warmer months too (psychos). A solid, original PAA performer and destined to be one of our cult classics! Welcome to Frost Chapel where the doors are always open, but do lower your voice, and try not to alert whatever is definitely living in the trees. (yup, there's something bigger than bats in our belfry for sure...but you would expect that with a PAA drop, no?) The first thing Frost Chapel does is flick you in the nose with something resinous and familiar...until eucalyptus and mint kick the doors open like overcaffeinated ushers. WHAM. Something inside your brain suddenly snaps awake. And that is when the winter forest tackles you. Spruce, evergreen, and balsam pile in like a Boy Scout troop that has gone feral. This is not “holiday candle” forest. This is “you should have told someone where you were going” forest. Because there's no going back after this; needles, sap, dead leaves, snow, trees, prismatic sunlight exploding thru icicles swinging like inscensors at mass. And that's just the beginning! Soon the moss moves in. Damp, dark and a little uncanny. At this point, Frost Chapel stops being a scent and becomes a situation. Just when you’re wondering if you should start building a fire, talc floats through and throws a scruffy wool blanket over the whole thing. The accord gets softer. Quieter. Now, a glowing warmth sneaks in. Tonka shows up first. Amaretto follows, nutty and cozy-like. Then rum wanders through, not drunk, but definitely smelling like it knows where the barrel is buried and it feels a sermon coming on. Amber thickens the air, turning the whole forest into something really different. (in a good way) Then the base notes roll in like bouncers to make sure none of this gets too out of hand. Cedar shows up with a toolbox and starts building walls. Dry wood. Solid beams. Cedar is very responsible. Musk makes cedar nervous and adds an animal element. And finally, oud drifts in like a confession of sorts; Dark. Smoky. Sitting quietly, and making intense eye contact with your soul. Admittedly, there are a lot of priests in the pulpit here, and somehow, none of it collapses. It stacks. It balances. It just works. And most importantly, it blows minds. (I'm serious) You don’t wear Frost Chapel to smell “good" (but you will). You wear it to smell like you know where the secret door in the forest is. (because you now do) Frost Chapel: a totally unique and wonderful winter scent that I know you are absolutely going to love! Just when you’re wondering if you should start building a fire, talc floats through and throws a scruffy wool blanket over the whole thing. The accord gets softer. Quieter. Now, a glowing warmth sneaks in. Tonka shows up first. Amaretto follows, nutty and cozy-like. Then rum wanders through, not drunk, but definitely smelling like it knows where the barrel is buried and it feels a sermon coming on. Amber thickens the air, turning the whole forest into something really different. (in a good way) Then the base notes roll in like bouncers to make sure none of this gets too out of hand. Cedar shows up with a toolbox and starts building walls. Dry wood. Solid beams. Cedar is very responsible. Musk makes cedar nervous and adds an animal element. And finally, oud drifts in like a confession of sorts; Dark. Smoky. Sitting quietly, and making intense eye contact with your soul. Admittedly, there are a lot of priests in the pulpit here, and somehow, none of it collapses. It stacks. It balances. It just works. And most importantly, it blows minds. (I'm serious) You don’t wear Frost Chapel to smell “good" (but you will). You wear it to smell like you know where the secret door in the forest is. (because you now do) Frost Chapel: a totally unique and wonderful winter scent that I know you are absolutely going to love! Aftershave Ingredients: Denatured Alcohol, Peppermint Hydrosol, Glycerin, Essential & Fragrance Oils, Aloe, Vegan Liquid Silk, Jerusalem Pine & Benzoin Resin 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) Classic Glass Flask Soap 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] Soap Net Wt 4 oz (113 g) Learn More About Frost Chapel Here

Strike Gold Shave Details are limited but according to Frank Misa the scent is inspired by Killian's Apple Brandy, which has the following scent notes: Top Notes: Cardamom, Bergamot Heart Notes: Apple, Rum, Brandy, Pineapple, Vanilla, Moss Base Notes: Cedar, Ambroxan A beautiful blend which falls in the Fresh Aromatic/Fruity category. Visit Strike Gold Shave

Here's the latest from Will Carius at Barrister & Mann. ShaveSplash will be interviewing Will for more details in the coming days. "In the wake of my announcement earlier this week about moving production to Stirling Soap, folks pointed out that I was a little less clear than I could have been. So I wanted to offer a few points of note regarding the move: I did not sell Barrister and Mann to Stirling. Apart from the fact that the soap will now be made at Stirling's facility in Arkansas, the two companies will remain separate. This is not an unusual arrangement; many cosmetics and shaving companies in the US have their products made by third parties. Most of them are just less transparent about it. I will teach the folks at Stirling how to make our products using our formulas, on our equipment, and with our materials. There will be no changes to formulation, to the bases used for our products, or to other any aspect of Barrister and Mann apart from the production location. Stirling products will not use Barrister and Mann bases/formulations either. We are not shutting down, nor are we leaving the soap business. Fulfillment will continue from Square1 in Missouri. Any orders that you receive from Barrister and Mann will come from the Missouri warehouse, not from Stirling. I will continue to compose and blend new and existing fragrances from my studio in Massachusetts. I am in no way separating from the company, and this will remain my full-time employment for the foreseeable future. We expect to start restocking soaps and other products in February. 🙂"

Scent Profile: Camphor, Citrus, Spicy, Floral, Powder, Lavender, Sandalwood, Patchouli Douglas Smythe writes: This scent was voted one of the top scents of this past holiday advent calendar! And rather than make people wait for a release, as we have done in the past, we thought we'd deliver on the goods! (you're welcome!) "Lab Below, a new, unique, original scent from Phoenix Shaving will easily become your new favorite Sandalwood...for real!" Centuries ago, sandalwood was worth its weight in gold, literally traded along the fabled Spice Trails for gold, guarded by caravans and whispered about by monks. This original Sandalwood forward blend nods to that pilgrimage: camphor winds, citrus sparks, and the deep, resinous pull of patchouli and sandalwood. In medieval perfumery, sandalwood was prized not just for scent but as a “carrier of memory.” Scholars believed it helped the mind hold onto knowledge. You’ll now be sure to remember that! Learn more about Lab Below here

Jerry Plesi The wet shaving community prides itself on a culture of sharing, collaboration, and support. Few have done more to foster that spirit than Jerry Plesi, founder of Shave Dad. A former New York City police officer, Jerry has lived a life of service—an ethos he carried forward through his dedicated, selfless leadership of Shave Dad, which has become a source of joy, camaraderie, and connection for thousands of wet shavers and artisans around the world. Jerry was recently diagnosed with cancer and is now facing one of the greatest challenges of his life. Those who know him have no doubt he will meet this fight with the same strength and determination that have always defined him. The costs of treatment, however, can be overwhelming. Now is an opportunity for our community to give back in support of someone who has given so much to all of us. A GoFundMe site has been set up to help Jerry in his fight. Any support you can give will be greatly appreciated. Visit the site here . To learn more about Jerry, here is an interview he did with ShaveSplash. Visit GoFundMe for Jerry Plesi

The world of wet shaving has a way of growing right before your eyes, one new fragrance, an innovative soap base, a unique razor, a beautiful brush, or sometimes something even better: a new friend. At its beating heart is the community itself: artisans who create the tools of the craft, practitioners who put them to use, and many who are proudly both. 2025  was a year of fabulous new releases and fresh new faces, made even richer by the camaraderie and friendship that define this passionate community. Notable New Releases of 2025 1. Latte e Menta – Ariana & Evans Launched in May 2025, and the 2nd release in the Daniele Maullu line using the Legacy Base, Latte e Menta introduced something completely new and immediately iconic. Based on the Italian summertime drink of the same name, Peter Charkalis expertly crafted a sweet and delectable fragrance which is both playful and eminently wearable. A masterful blend of mint, cream, spice and woods, which both surprises and titillates. A must own for the serious connoisseur Top Notes: Spearmint, Peppermint, Thai Mint Heart Notes: Creamy Milk, Ambroxan, Iris, Saffron Base Notes: Guaic Wood, Hinoki Wood, Vanilla Learn more here 2. Pine + Clementine – Happy Chap Launched in May 2025 by newcomer Kyle Olson, Pine + Clementine deftly and expertly reimagines a time-tested combination of citrus and green accords to create something masculine, intensely fresh, and sure to get noticed as a mark of refinement. The scent notes are deceptively simple, but together they create something with depth, energy, and a touch of magic. Top Notes: Clementine Heart Notes: Petitgrain Base Notes: Pine Syrup Learn more here 3. North French Broad Avenue – First Line Shave Launched in June of 2025, North French Broad Avenue was First Line’s first soap to introduce its ground-breaking Wagyu base, renowned for its richness and silky texture. The scent is an interpretation of the classic Barbershop fragrance, which itself is an Aromatic Fougere. It contains the classic Lavender, Tonka, Oakmoss lattice, surrounded by an airy and refined blending of violet, myrrh, honey, and amber, which make it sweet and powdery, yet with an air of masculine refinement. Top Notes: Lavender, Violet, Pear, Cardamom Heart Notes: Myrrh, Honey, Pepper, Water Notes, Brandy Base Notes: Amber, Tonka, Leather, Patchouli, Cedar, Oakmoss, Ambergris, Balsam Fir. Learn more here 4. Our Thing – Shave Dad & The Wet Shaving Store Launched in February 2025 as a collaboration between Shave Dad, the Wet Shaving Store, Subie Shaves and Elysian Soaps, Our Thing is an homage to an oft overlooked Aromatic Fougere, Ferragamo’s Acqua Essenziale. Sea notes and mint build on a classic motif of lavender, labdanum, and patchouli to make it feel current. While rosemary adds an herbaceous sophistication with echoes of Castle Forbes 1445 or Martin de Candre Original. With a base from Elysian Soaps, performance is also superior. Top Notes: Mint, Lemon Leaf Heart Notes: Sea notes, Lavender, Rosemary, Germanium Base Notes: Vetiver, Musk, Labdanum, Patchouli Learn more here 5. Air Force One – Strike Gold Shaves Launched in November of 2025, Air Force One is an homage to Pegasus Exclusif, a genre-defying scent from the legendary Parfums de Marly. The fragrance blends elements of both a green Fougere and a Woody Oriental to create a fragrance which captures the gentlemanly elegance of an earlier time but with a modern gourmand twist. The result is a bouquet with sophistication and panache, which is both alluring enough for a night out but grounded enough for a day in the office. A truly versatile scent which is eminently wearable. Top Notes: Cardamom, Heliotrope, Pink Pepper, Bergamot Heart Notes: Bitter Almond, Lavender, Jasmine, Geranium Base Notes: Vanilla, Guaiac Wood, Oud, Sandalwood, Amber Learn more here Major Happenings of 2025 Declaration Grooming Closes its Doors After 10 years of providing highly regarded soaps and aftershaves, Scott Stewart announced Declaration Grooming will close its doors at the end of January 2026. Seaforth Finds a New Home and Patron Resurrected by Dennis from Spearhead Shaving in 2019, the Seaforth brand will now move to House of Mammoth run by Ben Esposito. All Seaforth products will continue to be produced by Chicago Grooming Co and a new release, Epee, will be released after the brand is relaunched in January 2026. Southern Witchcraft Announces End of Operations Founded by Courtney Brooks and Stephen Joiner in 2017, Southern Witchcraft stopped production and moved all its remaining inventory to Maggards in April of 2025. A Special Note on the Original Shave Dad: Jerry Plesi The much beloved founder of the Facebook group Shave Dad, Jerry Plesi, is facing a serious medical challenge. After giving so much to the wet shaving community, a Gofundme page is being established to help Jerry through this challenging time. For those who don’t know Jerry, you can learn more about him and his amazing contributions here . Jerry Plesi Look for a link to the Gofundme page soon. ShaveSplash Giveaway Reminder There’s still one day to participate in the Giveaway for a brand new Above the Tie Windsor set. A winner will be chosen on December 31st. See details here . As the year comes to a close, ShaveSplash sends its heartfelt thanks to the readers, artisans, and all the members of the wet shaving community for your support. Happy New Year!!

The Razor Emporium writes: Join the Razor Emporium team and 100+ wet shaving enthusiasts for a full day celebrating traditional shaving, craftsmanship, and community. Whether you’re a longtime enthusiast or brand new to the hobby, this is a laid-back, family-friendly event built around great people and great gear.⁠ ⁠ Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026⁠ Start Time: 9:00 AM⁠ Location: Razor Emporium 210 S. 37th Street Phoenix, AZ 85304⁠ Admission: Free⁠ Family Friendly: Yes — bring the whole crew⁠ ⁠ What to Expect⁠ -Meet shaving vendors and artisans from around the world⁠ -Behind-the-scenes Razor Emporium shop tour⁠ -Live plating demonstration⁠ -Hands-on soap making class⁠ -Shopping opportunities with exclusive products⁠ -Relaxed, welcoming community vibes all day long⁠ ⁠ Join us Saturday, February 21st, 2026 starting at 9:00 AM for the AZ Shavers Meet Up at Razor Emporium. Free admission and family-friendly. Meet shaving vendors from around the world, take a behind-the-scenes shop tour, watch a live plating demo, join a soap making class, and enjoy great conversation with an even better community. Come for the craft—stay for the vibes.

Like many wet shavers, Jason Miller discovered traditional wet shaving almost by accident, sparked by curiosity and a humble twist-to-open razor from the local dollar store. What he found, however, went far beyond a better shave. Along the way, Jason found a community of friends who became a genuine support system on his journey towards greater wellness in both body and mind. In his Instagram Live shaves, Jason often says we’re living in the “Golden Age” of wet shaving. But for him, the real gold isn’t the gear. It’s the people. The community he now proudly calls family. Jason’s story is honest and deeply relatable, pointing to something many of us recognize, that wet shaving isn’t just an appreciation for well-made tools and great scents, but a commitment to the values behind the practice: self-care, dignity, mindfulness, and the daily practice of showing up as a better version of ourselves. Jason was gracious enough to share part of his journey with us. Here’s Jason.. Could you share a bit about your wet shaving journey? What got you started? Was there a soap, a razor, or an experience that pushed you down the wet shaving rabbit hole? My wet shaving journey started out in a dollar store in 2022. I was angry about life walking down the health aisle. I was looking for cartridge razors and shave gel, then I saw this razor. It was a butterfly razor. A few weeks later, I used it, and it destroyed my face. I watched some YouTube videos. A few more weeks later, I then got a Wilkinson Sword blade tuck, Pears bar soap, and a brush for $1.75. My goal was to save money, 😆 what a joke. My 1st contact with wet shavers wasn't a pleasant one. They constantly put me down for the way I spoke or asked questions. I then stumbled into my current group of wet shavers, that I am blessed to call my family. My wet shaving family has healed my wounds mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. They helped make me the person I am today. I am a perfect example of the saying "It takes a village to raise a child". I thank God for my wet shaving family.   When did you decide to start hosting live shaves on Instagram, and what motivated that move? Was there a goal you had in mind? I seriously started doing my live shaves the weekend after the Superbowl of 2025. I did a few lives before that, but not consistently. My therapists and wet shaving family kept on encouraging me to do live shaves. My goal was to feel comfortable hearing my own voice and not focus on my speech impediments. I struggle with the way I sound. Doing lives also helped me filter what I say and how I talk to people. It's now evolved to educating others on wet shaving, sharing my passion and love for the wet shaving community that I call my family, and most importantly being myself while putting smiles on other people’s faces for a moment of time in there day. Your handle is “@thegoldenagewetshaver.” What does “golden age” mean to you, and why did you choose that identity for your content? It started out over a year ago when hardware or software artisans would launch a product. I would say that "We're truly living in the golden age of traditional wet shaving”. At the beginning it was about the products. As I became more comfortable in my own skin and learned "How to interact with people in a socially acceptable way". I came to realize it's the people in my wet shaving family that makes it the golden age. I was thinking for the longest time to take that as my screen name. Carlos A.K.A. S_O_G, Shave On Gents, told me DUDE!!! Just do it 😆. He kept on encouraging me until I did it. I truly appreciate him and the wet shaving family for everything they do in this community. What do you enjoy most about hosting live Instagram shaves? Is it the real-time interaction, the teaching aspect, the routine itself, or something else? I love the teaching and learning aspects of traditional wet shaving, while interacting with members in the greatest community of people in any multiverse. I enjoy being in the present while honoring the past to present a gift to the future generations of traditional wet shavers. I take pride, joy, and love setting up my S.O.T.D. line up. I'm mostly a daily Shaver and love the numerous possible hardware/software combinations. Doing these lives or being a guest on lives is a form of building my self-esteem and confidence. You’ve spoken openly about your mental health journey during your live shaves. In what ways has wet shaving supported your well-being—whether through ritual, mindfulness, self-care, or community?   I struggled with my mental health most of my life and still have bad moments. My wet shaving family is the 1st community of people that A) didn't abuse me mentally or emotionally, B) accepted me as I am, C) didn't ask me to leave or turn their back on me. D) are always checking up on me. Wet shaving started out as a way to save money 😆, then ended up saving my soul because of the family that loves me for being me. You often emphasize how meaningful the wet shaving community has been to you. What qualities or experiences make this community stand out as special? My wet shaving family is the 1st true community that has accepted me for my good, bad, and ugly moments in life. They all have nurtured me into the person I am today. Without them I wouldn't be able to grow as a person. I'm in a few online mental health groups that I am thriving in and finally found a program that's helping me in my life. I give credit to my wet shaving family for this. The wet shaving community taught me how to evolve into a better human being. Tell us about your current shaving setup. What types of razors do you gravitate toward, what do you look for in soaps and aftershaves, and which blades tend to work best for you? I'm what you would call an ADD/ADHD wet shaver, 😆. I love various types of razors ranging from modern, vintage, double edge, artisan club, injector, 1/2 DE, gem, and lather catcher razors. I’ve participated in SEptember every year since I became a wet shaver. I only use a DE in SEptember for Never Alone events. I love Single edge razors so much I sometimes have a 2nd or 3rd month dedicated to it. I use a wide variety of blades in my wet shaving arsenal. My scent wheel has drastically grown since day 1 as a wet shaver. I tend to go to gourmand scents. I sometimes get lost in the scent from gourmands and snack on my lather 😆. I love changing my hardware line up from various razor/blade combinations, to materials of razors, and aggression levels. Walk us through your usual shave routine. How frequently do you shave, and what role do pre-shaves, balms, or other products play in your process? I look at all my gear while sitting on the floor in total silence. Then I look at my list of S.O.T.D.'s from previous shaves. Sometimes it takes me a minute and... SHABABABA!!! My S.O.T.D. is set for the next shave. Sometimes I lose track of time because I'm trying to connect with my hardware/software that unifies me for that shave. When I envision myself as a QB under center I usually do an "Audible ", meaning I change something in my S.O.T.D. line up. I'm usually a daily Shaver, but sometimes things pop up that derail my shave that day. I used to be a "pre-shave" type of shaver. Now I basically use Noxzema cream or Thayers soap on a silicone scrubber. I focus more on post shave care. I'm a firm believer in my post shave care sets up my next shave care. Looking ahead, where would you like to take your wet shaving journey and your content? Do you see your focus remaining on Instagram Live, or expanding into other formats? I would love to learn more about A.I. in social media. I'm open to having guests on my live shaves. I would love to learn how to use and focus on my YouTube channel and other social media platforms. I would love to be a guest on other people's live shaves on various social media platforms. I'm eager to learn and teach others about wet shaving to the best of my abilities. To close, what message would you like to share with wet shavers around the world? I'm a big believer in the preservation of wet shaving products that are no longer made, especially hardware, vintage or modern. I consider myself a custodian and guardian of these products. We need to protect these wet shaving products to inspire future great hardware and software makers. I am personally interested and open for collaborations with any other content creators, hardware, and software artisans in the future. As I grow as a wet shaver, I'd like to leave a legacy of growth that pushes the boundries of traditional wet shaving. I personally believe in honoring the past, while being in the presence of greatness in the present, while giving a gift to the future of wet shaving. I need to remind wet shavers around the world how special this family community is. How wet shaving is a tool for making this a better world. Jason Miller See Jason's videos on Instagram here.

Happy Chap ShaveSplash is pleased to announce a new affiliate partnership with Happy Chap Shave Company, an emerging name in the world of wet shaving. Founded in Los Angeles in 2024 by Kyle Olson, Happy Chap offers a full line of premium men’s grooming products, including shave soaps, aftershaves, and pre-shaves. With a strong design sensibility and a modern point of view, the brand delivers stylish, innovative, and high-quality essentials for today’s gentleman. In the coming months, the full Happy Chap lineup will be added to the ShaveSplash catalog. Our first review is Pine + Clementine , a finely balanced composition that pairs bright citrus sparkle with crisp forest notes for a scent that feels both fresh and distinctive. Other Happy Chap fragrances include: Vanilla + Vetiver (Bitter Vanilla Caviar, Vetiver, Palo Santal) Smoke + Caramel (Balsam Butter, Juniper Smoke, Salted Caramel Latte) Oud + Tonka (Cardamom, Black Pepper, Amber Vanilla, Patchouli, Guaiac Wood, Tonka Bean, Cedar) Oak + Leather (French Oak, Vetiver Moss, Sueded Leather, Oakmoss, Sandalwood, Amber) Fire + Hickory (Feu de Bois, Charcoal, Hickory Smoke) Pulp + Petal (Illusive Pineapple, Mangosteen, Passionflower, Bougainvillea, Coconut Cream) Sea + Juniper (Dry Gin, Juniper Zest, Coastal Pine) ShaveSplash remains firmly committed to editorial independence and will continue to publish objective, experience-based reviews. We are grateful to the wet shaving community for its continued support. Visit Happy Chap to learn more about its full line up. There's still time to participate in the giveaway for a new Above the Tie Windsor razor set. Enter at least one comment to be included in the drawing. See details here .

Happy Chap Happy Chap is a little over one year old and has already made a big splash in the world of wet shaving. Its first scent, Oak + Leather, launched in Fall 2024 to critical acclaim, followed by a rapid succession of hits including Smoke + Carmel, Los Angeles, and its latest Vanilla + Vetiver. Everything about the brand feels fresh, including its young founder Kyle Olson, a renaissance man who has harnessed his entrepreneurial spirit, knowledge of chemistry, and passion for wet shaving, to create something genuinely distinctive. The message behind the brand is simple...to inspire and empower men to be their best as they tackle their roles as husbands, fathers, brothers, and friends. As the name says, to make them Happy Chaps. Its gone from a standing start to running in the lead pack of artisan brands, and the future looks blindingly bright. ShaveSplash had the opportunity to catch up with Kyle and learn a little about his journey. Here’s Kyle… Could you tell us a bit about your background and how you came to wet shaving prior to creating Happy Chap? I am originally from Southeast Idaho. I currently live in Southern California with my beautiful wife and our cute Whoodle puppy. I am a man of many interests; I love producing music, being in nature, reading, and cooking. When I first started shaving, I tried using cartridge razors and didn't have a great experience, so I switched to an electric razor. About three years ago, I wasn't loving my electric razor and wanted a closer shave. My mother-in-law gifted me a Supply Single Blade which then led me to buy the Merkur 34c. Around this same time, I met my good friend Drew Chu, a veteran wet shaver. He set me up with a Semogue boar brush and way too many blades to try. After that I was hooked into the wet shaving universe. When did you realize you wanted to take your wet shaving passion a step further and try your hand at commercially producing grooming products? Do you have a second career, or is Happy Chap now a full time focus? I love entrepreneurship, and I have run a few businesses in the past. My dad is a chemist, and I have always had a natural inclination towards chemistry. At the start of my wet shaving journey, I started researching the chemistry behind soap making. After a year of testing formulas that eventually led to my current base formula, I knew I was onto something good and decided to start sharing my products with the wet shaving community. The rest is history! I also work full-time as a data strategist at a start-up construction lending firm. The way you compose and blend your fragrances suggests a deep familiarity with scent and a level of expertise typically associated with professional perfumers. Do you have a formal background in the fragrance industry, and how did you develop your skills and design philosophy as a perfumer? There are very few things I outsource in my business, but my fragrance is one of them. I am passionate about the soap and aftershave formulation, but unfortunately I don't have a lifetime of scent experience. I am extremely blessed to work with a professional perfumer who has a lifetime of valuable perfume experience. My goal is to produce the highest quality artisan products possible and working with an expert perfumer allows me to accomplish that goal. If I’m not mistaken, your first two releases were Oak + Leather, in a Mossy Woods style, and Smoke + Caramel, which leans toward an Amber Gourmand profile. What drew you to these particular themes for the launch of Happy Chap, and where did you find the initial inspiration for those scents? Yes, OAK+LEATHER and SMOKE+CARAMEL were the first two scents Happy Chap released. I tend to release new scents according to the season. OAK+LEATHER was released in Fall 2024 and SMOKE+CARAMEL was released in Winter 2024. I wanted OAK+LEATHER (my first scent) to be symbolic of where Happy Chap Started. Where I live in California is covered in beautiful oak trees, so I wanted the scent to capture that feeling of home. You followed up in early 2025 with Los Angeles, released in the aftermath of the large fire, and it quickly became a favorite among many shavers. How did you go about assembling the notes for that fragrance, and what was your goal with that composition? First, I would like to say that my heart goes out to all who were affected by the January 2025 Southern California wildfires. Thank you to the first responders who worked to protect our community. All of the proceeds from LOS ANGELES were donated to fire relief efforts, so I wanted the fragrance to embody Los Angeles. I spend a lot of time at the beach, so I wanted the scent to capture the natural, raw vibes of the Pacific Ocean. The collection now includes nine fragrances, although my understanding is that Los Angeles may have been a limited run. Is there one fragrance you’re especially proud of, and is there a particular scent you would recommend as a starting point for someone who is new to Happy Chap? VANILLA+VETIVER is my favorite scent right now. My professional scent tester (AKA my wife) thinks that VANILLA+VETIVER is Happy Chap's best scent yet. It's a really unique blend because vanilla is typically sweet, but this scent moves the vanilla into a more bitter note. You really can't go wrong with any of the scents. For someone new to Happy Chap, probably don't start with FIRE+HICKORY because it's very smokey and smells just like a barbeque, haha. Truthfully, I take great pride in all of the Happy Chap scents. I don't sell anything that I don't use myself. Additionally, all of the scents are approved by a committee (AKA my wife). I’ve been using Pine + Clementine and in addition to the fabulous scent really enjoy the soap base, its rich lather, and well-hydrated post-shave feel. Your soaps are tallow-based and incorporate butters such as kokum and mango, along with jojoba oil and even hydrolyzed silk. When you design a shave soap, what qualities are you looking for in the lather and overall experience, and how do you personally define a “good” soap base? Here are my top three shave soap qualities: Ultra Slippery - I blind tested different ingredients to boost slip and nothing beat the glycerin and hydrolyzed silk combo. Quick and Easy Lather - Most people have a very limited time to shave, so building a lather should be quick. Sturdy Cushion - When I shave, I want my skin to be comfortable and protected. Happy Chap shave soap has all three of these qualities! Your aftershaves use a classic foundation built around alcohol, witch hazel, jojoba oil, and glycerin, but you also include hydrolyzed wheat protein, which is a less common addition. What led you to incorporate that ingredient, and more broadly, what is your philosophy on what makes a well-balanced, effective aftershave splash? Funny Story - Originally, I thought that hydrolyzed wheat protein added extra hydration. After doing blind testing, I found that it didn't make any significant difference in post-shave skin hydration. The older scents still have hydrolyzed wheat protein, but the newer scents do not. Many readers will be curious about the story behind the name “Happy Chap.” How did you arrive at that name, and what message or feeling do you hope the brand conveys to people who use your products? At the start of the business, I went through a few iterations of names. I wanted the name to be catchy but also have a deeper meaning. Happy Chap truly embodies our mission to inspire the modern man to fulfill his role as a husband, father, brother, and friend by providing him with the highest quality shaving goods. Our goal is to make you a happy chap! Looking ahead over the next year or so, what are your plans for Happy Chap? How would you like to see the brand and product line evolve, and are there any upcoming releases or projects you can hint at for our readers? My plan is to keep providing high quality products with unique scents to the wet shaving community! Happy Chap plans to collaborate with international partners in the near future. There are also a couple new products in the works for 2026. Hint: Look out for a new scent with notes of Black Cherry, Leather, and Incense coming in 2026 To close, is there one message, insight, or fact about you or Happy Chap that we haven’t covered yet, but that you would particularly like readers to know? Every Happy Chap product is made by hand in small batches in my garage. Happy Chap will never sacrifice quality for convenience and neither should you. Thank you to everyone who has supported the business thus far. It makes a difference in real people's lives when you shop small. THANK YOU! Kyle Olson, his lovely wife, and adorable Whoodle. Visit Happy Chap to learn more.