Razor: Yaqi Mellon
Blade: Wilkinson Sword
Brush: Sloyd Synthetic
Soap: Ariana & Evans Asian Plum
Aftershave: Ariana & Evans Asian Plum
Other: Thirsty Badger lather bowl
The world is made for second chances. It’s funny, fate brought this set back into my den recently from a raffle victory. The first go I had with it wasn’t a win for me. (SOTD – April 26, 2018) I picked up the set, used it a few times and while I really liked the base, the scent was barely noticeable to me and I ended up moving the set on. Fast forward a couple years and it is back in the den. I figured it was a sign that I should revisit it.
First off, I can say the scent is there for me now. My first experience I could barely pick it up. That isn’t the case for me now. Scent notes are Plum, dried fruits, tobacco, tonka bean, coffee, vanilla and a touch of Plumeria. It isn’t a heavy tobacco scent. Instead it is fruity, slightly sweet scent rounded with the tobacco and coffee note subtly underneath, giving it a nice masculine vibe. I wouldn’t say it is a strong scent like some of the other A&E/Club offerings but it is a solid medium, honestly the perfect scent strength for this type of scent. I don’t know if I was just scent blind to this previously or if the scent amps up as it ages a bit, but where this didn’t mandate a spot in my den previously, surprisingly it is a solid keep for me now. Funny how time changes things, so don’t give up on a soap so quickly. I’m sure I’m not the first to make that mistake.
The base on the soap and splash are both fantastic, easily top tier in my den. Performance is fantastic across the board. I love that when picking up a new A&E/Club set I have confidence knowing that the performance is on point, so if the scent is a win it will be a solid keep. I am a bit nervous because the new Kaizen base is now out and is going to be replacing the existing one, which I really enjoy. I’m hopeful this new base will still have all the properties I live in a soap base. I guess I will find out soon as I have a Kaizen set on the way. I’ll report back when I get a chance to put it through its paces.
All for now – J
