Here's what Joe Dean said so far: Applewood Pumpkin This isn’t your typical sweet, gourmand pumpkin pie fragrance. I started this scent with smooth, fresh woods, blending together applewood, Virginian cedar and fir needle. Then I added some of the typical pumpkin pie spices and a couple unconventional, warmer spices such as cardamom and black pepper. The scent is finished with a touch of vanilla sugar to smooth it all out and bring the fragrance together. This one is warm, fresh and spicy with just a hint of sweetness. Scent notes: Applewood, Pumpkin Puree, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon leaf, ginger, Virginian cedar, fir needle, vanilla sugar

Ariana & Evans will be holding its fall Open House on November 15, from 1-5pm. Location: 290 Main Street, Ansonia CT. All items will be discounted by at least 20%. The event will include new releases, giveaways, food and drink. See here for a recap of the even in June 2025. Visit Ariana & Evans to learn more about their products.

Not much is known but here are the scent notes. Koa Mahina is a blend of Teakwood, Santal, Cedar, Sandalwood, Amyris, Coconut, Benzoin, Tonka Bean, Cardamom, Coconut Milk Moon Soaps are Available at the Razor Company.

The Razor Company is collaboration with a group of leading artisans from the Wet Shaving community released the full line of Never Alone 5 products including shave soap, aftershave splash, aftershave serum, pre-shave oil, razor, towel, and brushes. The scent notes in the fragrance are pink grapefruit, clementine, orange blossom, petitgrain, cardamom, sugar, black pepper, orris, ambroxan, vetiver and Virginia cedar. The product line was developed to commemorate National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (USA), Canadian Mental Health Association PEI (Canada) and Alliance of Hope (USA). Visit The Razor Company for Full Details

Strike Gold Shave will drop its 3rd installment in the "Lewiston Clarkston Expedition" series on September 25th, 2025. Fragrance notes Top notes: Grapefruit, Bergamot, Black Currant Heart notes: Vetiver, Green Mandarin, Geranium Base notes: Dry Woods, Ambergris, Cashmere Woods Shave Soap Ingredients Stearic Acid, Tallow, Aloe Vera, Shea Butter, Potassium Hydroxide, Kokum Butter, Goat Milk, Sodium Hydroxide, Fragrance, Castor Oil, Glycerin, Dragon Fruit, Chamomile, and Tussah Silk.  Splash Ingredients Denatured Alcohol, Rose Water, Purified Water, Aloe Vera, Witch Hazel, Fragrance, Vitamin E, Calendula, Chamomile & Red Clover Extract. Visit Strike Gold Shave to learn more r and protect your skin after shaving.Ingredients: Denatured Alcohol, Rose Water, Purified Water, Aloe Vera, Witch Hazel, Fragrance, Vitamin E, Calendula, Chamomile & Red Clover Extract.

Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements - Sun Down Picture it: 1963. The everyday man walks with confidence, knowing he's got something up his sleeve, or rather, on his skin and up his sleeve. That something was Sun Up, a legendary scent from Gillette that captured the essence of masculine elegance in just a splash. Fast forward to now, and we’re once again resurrecting the spirit of that golden era with Sun Down, our homage to a classic aftershave that’s been missing from our shelves for far too long. Scent Profile: A Nod to the Bold Top Notes: Lemon, Petitgrain, and Bergamot kick off with a sharp citrus burst, waking you up like the first light of dawn. Middle Notes: Lavender, Rose, and Clary Sage bring an herbal floral heart, balanced with just the right amount of freshness. Base Notes: The real magic lies in the finish, Oakmoss, Vetiver, Sandalwood, and a hint of Animalic Musk, creating a warm, earthy dry-down that lingers long after the sun has set. This is a fragrance for the man who moves through life with confidence and quiet power. Whether you're tackling your day or stepping into the twilight of an unforgettable evening, Sun Down shines anytime! See Sun Down Here Strike Gold Shave - Fear City Fear City" was a nickname given to New York City in the 1970s, especially around 1975, when the city was facing a severe financial crisis, rising crime, and major budget cuts to police and city services. The term really took off when a group of NYPD officers’ unions launched a campaign against proposed cuts to the police department. They handed out a pamphlet called “Welcome to Fear City: A Survival Guide for Visitors to the City of New York” to tourists arriving at airports and bus terminals. Fragrance Notes Top Notes: Lime, Neroli, Lavender and Bitter Orange, Metallic Notes Middle Notes: Black Tea, Tobacco, Gunpowder, Leather, Pink Pepper and Woody Notes Bottom Notes: Patchouli, Vetiver, Civet and Tagetes and Birch Tar See Fear City Here Hendrix Classics & Co - King of the City King of the City is a masterfully sculpted fragrance that dances between light and shadow, energy and elegance. It opens with a radiant burst of citrus, sharp and sunlit, layered with cool fresh accords that feel like a breeze against sun-warmed skin. As it deepens, the heart pulses with aromatic herbs and fresh spices, crackling with vitality and grounded in confident complexity. The warmth unfurls slowly—molten amber glows beside smoky, fire-lit undertones and dry, noble woods, creating a magnetic tension. A veil of powdery softness adds polish, while rich balsamic resins lend a smooth, luxurious finish that clings to the skin like second nature with undeniable presence. Notes King of the City is a most refined olfactory experience. This distinguished formulation opens with a lively burst of citrus and mint, enlivened by pink pepper, aldehydes, and a trace of coriander, stirring the senses with vigor. At its heart, a warm tincture of ginger and nutmeg mingles with jasmine and melon, balancing spice and sweetness with uncommon grace. The base settles into noble woods, glowing amber, and sacred incense, anchored by the depth of patchouli, labdanum, and amberwood. A composition worthy of any of taste—measured, magnetic, and most enduring. See King of the City Here

Here's the profile from Noble Otter . Scent notes: Bergamot, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Freesia, Lily of the Valley, Plum, Musk, Puddle's Ripple When the rain shows up, everything gets quiet for a second. The air lifts. Color comes back. Rainroot is our take on that calm, bright moment. It starts crisp with bergamot, a little green snap from tea tree and eucalyptus, and that clean, cool feeling you only get when the sky finally breaks. Give it a minute and the softer parts come through. Freesia and lily of the valley add a small bloom around the edges, nothing heavy, just enough to feel like light catching on wet leaves. There’s a hint of plum that rounds it out so it never reads sharp or harsh. As it settles, the whole thing goes smooth and easy. A quiet musk keeps it close to the skin. Then there’s Puddle’s Ripple. Think of that last shimmer that runs across the street after the storm, the little movement that tells you the day just reset. That’s the feeling we wanted to capture. Arlo’s in a yellow rain jacket this time, out for a walk in that silver, rain-washed air. No drama. Just clarity, lift, and a clean finish. Will be Available at the Razor Company here

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