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Christan's Wetshaving World Christian Ortlepp is a passionate traditional wet shaver from Schleswig-Holstein, Germany’s northernmost state, nestled between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. A trained businessman with a degree in business administration, Christian brings both curiosity and enthusiasm to the hobby he has come to love. Outside of shaving, he enjoys cooking, taking walks, spending time with his two cats, Leo and Blacky, and hunting for the next great bargain in the world of wet shaving. Through his two YouTube channels, Christian's Wetshaving World (German) and Shave-Off (English), and his involvement in the broader shaving community, Christian has become a thoughtful and engaging voice for traditional wet shaving. His passion for the ritual, the gear, and the people who make up the hobby, along with his unique window into the German wet shaving community, make his programs uniquely appreciated by his many followers. ShaveSplash caught up with Christian to learn more about his journey and his YouTube programs. Here's Christian... Outside of wet shaving and YouTube, what are some of the interests or parts of everyday life that help shape who you are? I’m naturally curious and always open to new things. I really enjoy learning, and I try to discover something new every day. Can you take us back to the beginning. How did you first get into traditional wet shaving, and what was it that drew you in? My journey really began around 2010. I had always wet shaved, but I became curious about how our grandfathers used to shave and liked the idea of using something more environmentally friendly than cartridge razors. So I bought myself a Wilkinson Classic and the small five-pack of blades that came with it. At that time, though, it was surprisingly hard to find good information online. There wasn’t much guidance for beginners, especially about things like the difference between a closed comb and an open comb razor, or which type would suit you best. Do you remember the moment when wet shaving changed from a simple grooming routine into a real passion or hobby for you? Yes, definitely. In 2023, I really fell down the rabbit hole. Before that, shaving was just something I did because I had to. My setup was very simple and budget-focused: a Baili butterfly razor, an Arko shave stick, and only a small selection of blades. Then in 2023, I started watching several wet shaving YouTube channels and became fascinated by the world of artisans, premium gear, and the culture around the hobby. I also joined a German shaving forum, met a lot of great people there, and received some soap samples. Around that same time, I bought my first CNC-machined safety razor, a RazoRock MJ-90A, and from that point on, wet shaving became much more than grooming. It became a kind of wellness ritual for me. What do you love most about wet shaving today. Is it the ritual, the craftsmanship, the scents, the results, or something else entirely? For me, it’s really my personal wellness time each day. I love that sense of “me time,” and I also love the feeling of being fresh and smooth after a great shave. I enjoy using high-quality products, but I also still appreciate an occasional inexpensive shave because it reminds me why I value the really good artisan products so much now. What do you think makes the German wet shaving community unique? Are there any practices, views, or equipment that set the German wet shaver apart? From my point of view, a big part of what makes the German wet shaving community unique is the long tradition of manufacturers in Solingen and the respect for the quality that comes from that heritage. Many German wet shavers begin with, and continue to appreciate, that tradition of well-made safety razors and straight razors. I think that history still shapes the community quite strongly today. What inspired you to start your YouTube channel, and what made you feel that sharing your shaves and opinions publicly was worth doing? A big inspiration was Winni Wittkopp’s channel. When he began making wet shaving videos, I was watching regularly and leaving comments all the time. He was surprised by how much knowledge I had about wet shaving and kept telling me that I should start my own channel and share that knowledge with others. It still took me about another year. A few other people also encouraged me to begin with tabletop videos because at that point I wasn’t yet comfortable being on camera. Then Winni sent me my first supporter parcels for the channel, and in the note he wrote, “Now you have to start your own channel and shaving videos.” That was really the final push, the true kick-off. When you first began making videos, what were you hoping the channel would become, and has that vision changed over time? Back in 2010, when I was first learning, I missed having clear information about the different types of razor heads and how to choose the right gear. So when I started my channel, I wanted to help beginners by sharing that kind of practical knowledge: what to use, what to start with, and what might work best for different people. Over time, the vision has stayed similar, but I’ve changed personally. I went from feeling uncomfortable in front of the camera to feeling much more natural and professional. Now it’s part of my routine, and honestly, these days I can’t wait to make the next video. For people who only see the finished video, what is it actually like to run a wet shaving YouTube channel day to day. What parts are most enjoyable, and what parts are more challenging than viewers might expect? The most enjoyable part is definitely the shave itself while filming. That’s still the heart of it for me. The more challenging part is making sure the setup stays interesting for viewers. You always have to think about the right combination of razors, blades, soaps, and brushes so the content doesn’t become repetitive. And then there is all the time spent uploading, organizing, and handling everything around the video. A 20-minute video can easily require many more hours behind the scenes than people expect. How has having a YouTube channel shaped your shaving journey. Has reviewing gear changed your tastes, standards, or the way you evaluate a shave? Yes, very much. Over time, I’ve developed a stronger preference for CNC-machined razors and higher-grade materials like stainless steel and titanium. The same goes for the rest of the gear: soaps, brushes, blades, and everything else. For me, the higher-end products often make the whole experience feel more like wellness. They tend to be more enjoyable and more refined. Running the channel has definitely raised my standards and changed the way I evaluate a shave. You’ve used a wide range of razors, blades, and other gear. What are some of your personal favorites, and what qualities tend to win you over most? One of my favorite razors is the Yaqi Titanium DC 0.9. With that razor, I can get an incredibly smooth, close BBS shave very easily. When it comes to blades, I especially like Feather Hi-Stainless, Treet Platinum, and Personna. Feather blades, for example, are fantastic in a milder razor because they give you more feedback. For soaps, I tend to prefer artisan brands like HC&C, MMGP Soaps, Areffa Soap, MSC, and others in that category. What matters most to me is quality and ease of use. I also want good blade feel and feedback during the shave. Razors that feel too muted or disconnected are not really for me. What does your own daily or weekly shaving routine look like when you’re not filming. Are there certain products, techniques, or habits you keep coming back to? To be honest, it’s not all that different from when I’m filming. I still enjoy using quality gear, and I like to rotate through different setups rather than using the same things all the time. One small habit I do keep is using blades for a second and final shave after I’ve already used them once in a video. Looking back on your journey so far, what has the wet shaving community and your channel meant to you personally, and what would you still love to explore in the future? The wet shaving community and my channel have meant a great deal to me. I’m very thankful that I’ve met so many people around the world who share this passion, and some of them have become real friends. One of the best feelings is when someone tells me, “I trust your opinion, and because of your advice I found the perfect shaving gear for myself.” That kind of feedback means a lot to me. Looking ahead, I’d really love to explore straight razors more. That’s still an area where I feel like a beginner, and if I’m honest, I still have a bit of respect, or even fear, when it comes to using them. If you could leave the wet shaving community with one message, what would it be? Don’t fear the gap, the blade gap, of course. And I hope wet shaving becomes a daily wellness ritual for you too. To Watch Christian Ortlepp's Video Visit His YouTube Channel Here Christian Ortlepp

Catie's Bubbles Founded in 2013 by Chris Cullen, Catie’s Bubbles is a brand synonymous with artisan wet shaving. Named after his daughter, it has become a fixture of the community, known for quality, originality, and an uncompromising commitment to performance. Chris is a rare figure in the industry: entirely self-taught, yet guided by a sharp scientific mind, relentless experimentation, and a deep passion for the craft. In many ways, he is a perfectionist, always striving for better lather, better balance, and better scent composition. Inspiration comes from everywhere, from his local surroundings to music, friendships, and everyday life itself, and his themes are often accompanied by an atmosphere of elegance, romance, and whimsy. The result is a product that has earned a devoted following for both exceptional shave performance and fragrances marked by precision, balance, and individuality. ShaveSplash was fortunate to catch up with Chris to talk about his journey, from the brand’s earliest beginnings to where it may be headed. Here’s Chris... Paco Rabanne Pour Homme was your first fragrance love, and you’ve also spoken highly of Acqua di Parma Colonia. What did those two scents teach you early about elegance and masculinity, and where do you still hear their echoes in Catie’s Bubbles today? I was still in my teens when I discovered that odd little green bottle and the wonderful scent contained within it. It was truly the first perfume that opened my eyes to how amazing a scent can be and how it can tickle different parts of my brain. I occasionally wore scents but I didn't really start to dip my toe into the deeper parts of the fragrance world until I was in my 30s. Even now, while the style is considered dated by some, the scent itself still brings a smile to my face and lifts my mood every time. That's really what draws me to the medium, I get a chance to tell a story or sing a song or dig up a memory for someone in a way that isn't exactly traditional yet feels personal. My approach isn't about elegance or masculinity, it's about life and connection. Catie’s Bubbles has such a personal origin, right down to the name. Looking back, how much of the brand was built around making great products, and how much was built around creating a life and work structure that fit your family and your values? Everything needs balance and both factors including many others have to be considered. With having two small children, one with some additional needs, the flexibility of self employment coupled with my odd sleep schedule allowed some really interesting working hours to let me be present while still be able to provide for my family as well as make some really fun stuff. You’ve said the scent usually comes first, and that your fragrances often begin as spreadsheets. When you’re building a scent, where does the math stop and the instinct begin? Knowledge from previous experimentation gives me a starting point to build from with the initial skeleton of an idea. I don't even make it that far without both math and what I've learned along the way. If we're going to refer to that as instinct, then I'd say they go hand in hand from beginning to end. I love your idea that the artwork should be a visual presentation of the scent. Can you walk me through a fragrance where the picture came to you instantly, and one where the scent was clear but the visual identity took real work to find? It's a remnant of my former life in retail. People shop with their eyes first. We also haven't invented “Smell-o-Vision” yet even though I'm sure pop culture promised we'd have it and flying cars by now, so we need a way to capture someone's attention and tell part of the story without them being able to smell anything. You live in a place that sounds almost symbolic of your work: a narrow strip between the water and the Pine Barrens. How much has that New Jersey landscape shaped scents like Sunrise and Barnegat Bay, and does place still quietly sneak into your work even when you’re not consciously composing a ‘regional’ scent? The scents that Jersey has influenced the most are Blugere and Pine Barrens. Barnegat Bay was designed as a fairly traditional bay rum, naming it after home was just showing some love. Pine Barrens was made to smell like walking down the trails out here. Blugere was originally called Jersey Blues and was made for a “East Coast Wet Shavers” meetup in NJ. The entire idea of the scent came together in one discussion about NJ with the gentleman that organized the event. That situation has repeated itself multiple times, the most recent when I worked with Matt at Teton Shaves to come up with Top of the World. Le Piment de la Vie launched in 2014 and was still your bestseller back in 2023. Why do you think that scent endured? What does it get right emotionally that more obviously crowd-pleasing scents often miss? LPV is a very unique scent that many have never experienced something like before in fragrance form. It can be a bit confusing for some at first but quickly wraps itself through the mind. Either the sweet warmth, its richness, or the familiar gourmand spices pull on memories of safe and/or happy times which drives an emotional response by many to it. I think that's the key. While it may not be everything to everyone, it hits enough happy buttons in the brain that an emotional attachment to the scent forms quickly. From your perspective, how have the fragrance tastes and trends of wet shavers evolved over the past few years, and how is this represented in your product portfolio today? I've seen 2 camps slowly form, one that seeks unique, original offerings and another that seeks the familiar and won't entertain a scent unless it is a duplication of a commercially available scent they've already been exposed to. I bet a psychologist could do an interesting breakdown of the mental processes that lead to this. 322 started as a joke, yet it became a real fragrance people connected with. What does that say about the role of humor, looseness, or even creative mischief in your process? Have some of your best ideas come when you weren’t trying so hard to be serious? My best ideas come during conversations with others. I draw a lot of my inspiration from places and phenomenon, they normally get brought up chatting with friends/family/customers/myself and then my mind goes off skipping through the flora and putting together odd things that I can occasionally translate into reality. Your soap base produces a distinctive lather which is both high volume and dense, yet miraculously feels airy. When you formulate, what variables are most important in creating that balance, and what makes that kind of lather so difficult to get right? This comes down to math again, it's the starting point for all my formulation. All the ingredients that are available that can be turned into soap are made up of different balances of 8 primary fatty acids, the most common in shaving soap being stearic acid. Those fatty acids all offer different properties once they're turned into soap so the balance between them dictates most of how to the lather works out. It's very similar to the my logic behind building a fragrance, use what you know to give the starting point and then tweak through trial and error until you are happy. You’ve intentionally kept Catie’s Bubbles small, and the brand still presents itself as handcrafted in small batches. In a hobby where scale is often treated as success, what have you preserved by staying small, and what opportunities have you knowingly left on the table? Staying small initially was a strategic decision so that I could drop anything at any moment when I was needed for something with the kids. I know I've left a LOT on the table but I try not to focus on that. Handcrafted is the best descriptor I can use because it is accurate, every soap/aftershave/perfume is made by hand by one person, me. Today the brand spans shaving soaps, premium soaps, aftershaves, perfumes, and newer scent worlds like Top of the World and Daydream. When you look ahead, do you see Catie’s Bubbles becoming an even fuller fragrance house with a dedicated workspace or shop, or is the real ambition still the same simple one: keep the flexibility, keep the joy, and keep making people smile? While the additional financial benefits of expansion could be nice, it would take either a relocation or an exponential growth in business for it to make sense. I'm currently happy with my short, carpeted commute to work and only having to worry about the costs of supporting one piece of real estate in NJ. What’s on the horizon in the near-term for Catie’s Bubbles? Are there any new scents, products, or projects that fans can look forward to in the coming months? I'm not quite sure what has caused it but I've been dealing with way too many creative deserts lately so I don't currently have anything fun to tease, at least nothing close to completion that is worth trying to get someone excited about it. That can change quickly once something clicks so all I can say is follow me on Instagram cause that's where I normally share info first. If you could leave the wet shaving community with one message, what would you want people to remember? Be kind, be friendly, and to quote Adam Pearce, “Love someone today.” This world is too cruel and life is too short for all the chaos and tribalism we've dealt with in the hobby over the years. Visit Here to Explore the Complete Collection of Catie's Bubbles Also Sold at The Razor Company See the ShaveSplash Reviews of Catie's Bubbles Products Here The New Jersey Pine Barrens

Man of the People Frank Misa writes.... Man of the People is a rich, bold scent inspired entirely by the world of wine. Every note in this fragrance pulls from classic wine profiles, creating a deep, smooth, and slightly sweet aroma that’s both sophisticated and incredibly unique. If you appreciate a great glass of wine, this scent will feel right at home in your shave and body routine. Scent Profile: 🍷 Merlot – Velvety plums, apples, red raspberries, and strawberries with a light alcohol/spicy background. 🍷 Cabernet Sauvignon – Wild grapes, strawberries, and sweet sugary notes that add richness and depth. 🍷 Pinot Noir – Dark grapes and black cherries layered with subtle cedarwood. The result is a smooth, fruit-forward scent with deep grape and berry notes balanced by soft wood and warmth. Refined, bold, and truly a scent for the people. Available in shave soaps, aftershaves, and body products. AVAILABLE MARCH 20 For 10% Off Use the Code SHAVESPLASH at Checkout Visit Strike Gold Shave to Learn More

Black Cherry + Incense Black Cherry + Incense is a strikingly original fragrance, the kind of scent that immediately earns its place in a collector’s catalogue simply because it dares to do something different. Deep, luscious, and mysterious, it weaves together dark fruit, dry spice, and delicate smoke in a way that feels both unusual and surprisingly refined. In spirit, it brings to mind a bottle of Syrah, the red wine grape of the Rhône Valley, with its shadowy mix of black fruit, spice, and subtle smoke. Kyle Olson lists the notes as black cherry, leather, and incense, but that close-cropped trio only hints at the complexity of the composition. While the fragrance is certainly fruit-driven, it never feels bright or candied. Instead, the cherry is shaded into darker tones of raisin and plum, creating a succulent sweetness that is rich, smooth, and quietly comforting rather than loud or clawing. There is also a darker undercurrent that gives the scent its depth. The leather seems to contribute not just a dry, textured edge, but something almost chocolatey, adding a velvety nuance that feels creamy, earthy, and rich. The incense is present throughout, but it does not read like the damp smoke of a fireplace. Rather, it evokes the dry, aromatic smoke of toasted clove, softening the fruit while lending the fragrance a subtle ember-like warmth and a gentle flicker of spice. This might not be an everyday scent for some shavers, as its weight and depth make it especially well suited to cooler weather and more contemplative moods. Yet for all its darkness, it never feels oppressive. Its sweetness, smoke, and soft spice create a kind of chameleon effect that gives it more versatility than one might expect. It could feel equally at home on a quiet evening in, at the office, or a night out. Another impressive creation from Happy Chap, Black Cherry + Incense is bold without being abrasive, distinctive without feeling out of place, and original without sacrificing wearability. It has the character and intrigue of something that could, in time, come to be seen as a modern classic. Learn More About Happy Chap & Black Cherry + Incense

Le Piment de La Vie Le Piment de la Vie is an inspired creation from the mind of Chris Cullen, and it lands squarely in Amber Oriental territory. The foundation is classic and comforting, a warm trio of amber, vanilla, and musk. But what makes it memorable is the way it swerves into something far more playful and modern, layering bright fruit over a hot-spice heart, then wrapping it an unexpected veil of dark chocolate. That chocolate note is the masterstroke. It isn’t syrupy or childish, and it doesn’t read like a candy bar. Instead, it comes across earthy and dry, almost the way tobacco can feel in a spicy blend, adding depth and a slightly smoldering warmth. Clove amplifies that effect, creating a darker, more grounded base that keeps the sweeter facets in check. Above it, the spice basket opens up with ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon providing a snap and sparkle, while orange and apple keeps the opening lively and mouthwatering without tipping into “citrus blast.” If you like the idea of Spicebomb-style spice with a gourmand twist, you’ll recognize the profile, but the execution here is different. Spicebomb leans sharper and more aggressive, with a tougher, drier backbone. Le Piment de la Vie is smoother and creamier, with the chocolate acting like a soft-focus lens over the spice, making it feel more cozy than confrontational. In terms of wear, it’s an easy win for fall and winter, date nights, and any situation where you want something distinctive that still feels approachable. It can absolutely work during the day, but there’s an undeniable wink to it that may feel a touch playful for very formal settings. Overall, this is a genuinely original amber-spice gourmand: masculine without trying too hard, bold without being loud, and crafted with the kind of allure that makes you want to keep coming back for another smell. See the complete ShaveSplash details here Find it at The Razor Company

Hi All, Big changes have been happening at ShaveSplash: The Rabbit Hole, and I’m excited to share that the app is now available on Android in the Google Play Store. Here’s what’s new: ShaveSplash AI (new optional subscription feature) Instead of building endless charts and tables, I built something more powerful: you can now ask questions about your own shave log in plain English. ShaveSplash AI connects to OpenAI so you can uncover patterns in your gear and results, figure out what’s working best, and get suggestions to improve comfort and efficiency. The more you log (and the more detail you add about your gear), the better it gets. Because each AI query has a real run-time cost, this is the only feature that requires a subscription. Discount Codes I’m working with artisans to occasionally share special coupon codes through the app. When one is available, the bell near the settings icon will light up. A big thank you to Peter Charkalis at Ariana & Evans for being the first sponsor. Universal Search You can now search across your Log, History, and Den by typing into the search bar. Search by name, brand, or attributes like “synthetic,” “steel,” or “coated” to quickly pull up what you need. Blade Gaps and Exposures Razors and plates can now include blade gap and exposure data. This is especially helpful when using ShaveSplash AI to connect razor specs with comfort and efficiency. Expanded Randomizer In Spin the Carrot, you can now choose which categories to spin—for example, just razors and blades, or just soaps and splashes. Duplicate Elimination (Spreadsheet Imports) When uploading data from a spreadsheet, duplicates are now automatically removed. Support for Straight and Single-Edge Razors Razors can now be cataloged as Straight, AC, GEM, DE, or Injector. You can also track construction type (1-piece, 2-piece, 3-piece, 4-piece, or adjustable), plus new fields like weight and handle model. My goal is to keep building something fun, useful, and easy. If you give the update a try, I’d love your feedback. Just hit reply and tell me what you want to see next. Warm regards, Lee/Teutonblade

Number Six Number Six dates to 1772, and you can smell that long lineage immediately. Its structure echoes the early citrus colognes that defined the genre, most famously Farina’s Eau de Cologne (1709): a brisk, high-voltage zesty opening, an aromatic herb thread, and a softly floral finish. Where classic Eau de Cologne often feels more rounded and nuanced, Number Six turns the brightness up even further. On skin it reads less “bergamot and neroli” and more a direct, lemon-forward blast, the kind of snap you get from traditional European splashes like Pitralon Classic or Epsilon’s Blue Mediterranean. As the initial zing settles, rosemary adds a sublte herbal note and lavender arrives as a powdery floral veil, although both lighter than in many cologne archetypes, making the scent feel more straightforward and linear than multi-layered. In warm weather that simplicity can be a virtue: bright, refreshing, and unmistakably “just showered.” The one caution is that the cleanliness is assertive enough to flirt with an antiseptic edge, and in certain moments can nudge towards a clinical or medicinal feel.  Still, for fans of traditional citrus aromatics, Number Six delivers exactly what its history suggests: a crisp, nostalgic, old-world cologne character that feels neat, dignified, and time-tested. Learn More About Caswell-Massey Number Six See the full ShaveSplash details here

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 Meet shaving vendors and artisans from around the world Behind-the-scenes Razor Emporium shop tour Live Razor plating demonstration Hands-on soap making class Food Truck on Site Cash Bar Photobooth Free Entry Free Raffle Prizes Shopping opportunities with exclusive products Relaxed, welcoming community vibes all day long

Outer Spice Douglas Smythe writes... Top notes: Citrus. Lemon, Nutmeg, Bergamot, Clary Sage Middle Notes: Geranium, Lavender, Carnation, Pimento Berry, Jasmine Bottom Notes: Vanilla, Amber, Woody, Spice, Musk, Tonka The opening is bright and familiar with citrus, lemon, bergamot, nutmeg, and clary sage. The heart delivers the unmistakable notes of geranium, lavender, carnation, pimento berry, and jasmine. The base settles into warm vanilla, amber, woods, spice, musk, and tonka, grounding the fragrance exactly the way the original did. (and then some) If you wore Shulton’s Old Spice, this will take you back immediately. If someone you loved wore it, you’ll recognize it just as fast. Outer Spice is not nostalgia cosplay. It’s a tribute to a fragrance that marched through history, crossed oceans, came home, threw back a whiskey and helped define what men’s fragrance once was.ied a refined floral spine beneath the spice. Carnation was never an accident! Learn more about Old Spice here

Saponificio Varesino Cosmo Cosmo is an original composition that feels familiar at first blush. With its bold, citrus-forward opening, a dusting of pepper, and a firm vetiver backbone, it shares some DNA with another Saponificio Varesino favorite, Desert Vetiver. Where Cosmo departs is in its gourmand leanings: a touch of coffee adds depth and earthy texture, while vanilla and incense broaden the base and nudge the profile away from purely woody towards an oriental-tinged finish. The spice accord is the signature here. Unlike a bay rum or barbershop, Cosmo leans into the drier spices of coriander and pepper paired with a roasted coffee note, creating an earthy heat that serves as a crisp foil for the bright citrus. Together they feel vivid and energizing, a pairing that’s more eye-opening than heavy. As it settles, vanilla and incense smooth the edges and round the bouquet into a semi-sweet foundation that calms the sharper angles without muting the character. The result is classy, complex, and confidently masculine, with a gentlemanly nod to an earlier era before the fruit-forward trends of the 1990s.  Fresh, spicy, with real depth and a refined finish, Cosmo makes a statement while staying versatile, and is a strong daytime pick when you want something conservative and timeless, but still interesting enough to feel intentional. Visit The Razor Company to learn more about Saponificio Varesino Cosmo The Razor Company

The Tube 2.0 ShaveSplash tested the Tube 2.0 from creative powerhouse Phoenix Shaving for a full week, asking three simple questions: Are the ingredients good? Is it easy to use? Does it work? The answers were: yes, yes, and yes . Within the wet shaving community, the necessity of a pre-shave is often debated. Many believe a well-hydrated proto-lather is sufficient, and some argue that pre-shaves can even work against your shave. The official ShaveSplash view is more nuanced: pre-shaves absolutely have their place, but it might not be needed with every shave. On days when your face feels a bit raw, when your razor feels assertive, or when a blade begins to tug, the added slickness, protection, and skin support of a well-formulated pre-shave can meaningfully elevate performance. Pre-shaves generally fall into four categories, each with distinct mechanisms and tradeoffs. Oils Method: Plant oils such as castor, grapeseed, avocado, or almond increase glide. Pros: Minimal barrier between steel and stubble. Cons: Can interfere with lather adhesion, feel greasy, and be difficult to rinse clean. Creams Method: Emulsions built on fatty acids and emollients such as stearic acid, cetyl alcohol, and butters. Pros: Light protective layer that integrates well with lather. Cons: Can over-hydrate lather if overapplied. Gels Method: Humectants like glycerin structured with gel formers such as carbomer or xanthan gum. Pros: Support lather while adding slickness. Easy to rinse. Cons: Applied too thickly, they can introduce drag. Solids Method: Concentrated glycerin bases enhanced with clays, waxes, and butters. Pros: Controlled application, easy handling, and typically rinse clean. Cons: Overapplication can clog narrow blade gaps or lather channels. Phoenix Shaving arguably defined the modern solid pre-shave category with the release of the Cube in 2017, whose square format blurred the line between soap and pre-shave. Its real innovation lay in the formula, which leans on glycerin and sorbitol to provide humectant-driven slickness but also contains a thoughtful blend of skin-supportive ingredients including activated bamboo charcoal to absorb excess oil, sweet almond oil for added glide, jojoba wax to reinforce the skin barrier, cupuaçu, murumuru, and bacuri butters for moisture retention, and aloe and vitamin E to calm and support stressed skin. The Tube 2.0 builds on and refines the Cube's design with its deodorant-style packaging, which is nothing short of ingenious. One of the hidden challenges of shaving is maintaining grip on a razor, especially heavier stainless models. Many shavers resort to alum on the fingertips to increase friction. The Tube 2.0 elegantly sidesteps the issue altogether by housing the product in a twist-up stick so your hands never come into contact with a slippery block. Even better, it can be reapplied between passes without compromising grip and the rounded head allows for an effortless rolling application and precise spot treatment on areas that need extra assistance. It is controlled, clean, and intuitive. With formula and usability accounted for, two of our three questions were decisively answered. As to performance, as with all shave products this is somewhat personal and "your mileage may vary". That said, the combination of glycerin, sorbitol, and conditioning butters undeniably boosts slickness and on challenging days with raw skin, assertive razors, and less forgiving blades, the Tube 2.0 clearly enhances comfort and glide. The key is restraint. Applied too generously, any solid pre-shave can create a protective layer thick enough to accumulate in the razor head, particularly in designs with narrow blade gaps. ShaveSplash achieved optimal results with a thin, even coat, followed by reapplication between passes as needed to avoid obstructing lather flow. Of note, the mentholated version adds a clean cooling hit, roughly 10–25% stronger than Proraso Pre-Shave in ShaveSplash testing, that will feel especially welcome in hot weather or on days when the skin needs an extra layer of soothing coolness. Conclusion With a smart formulation and a genuinely clever delivery system, Tube 2.0 is more than an iteration, it’s a refinement. It won’t replace the need for good technique or well-hydrated lather. But on days when your shave needs reinforcement, whether that means extra glide, extra comfort, or a refreshing blast of menthol, the Tube 2.0 is a convenient, thoughtfully engineered tool that can provide a noticeable boost in comfort and control. For those who believe pre-shaves have a time and place, the Tube 2.0 makes a compelling case. Phoenix Shaving Visit Phoenix Shaving to Learn More