Nightguard
Member
This is my review for @SchoolForAnts soap, Squadron Soaps Group Captain's Blend. Will follow my usual review layout shamelessly pinched from @silver.
Packaging:
A little bit different from the usual plastic tub is the deep metal tin this soap comes in. It's a little bit narrower than I'd like but still large enough to load from using my brushes. My largest is 24mm and fits with no issues but I suspect anything over 28mm may struggle.
Ingredients:
Listed ingredients are Stearic Acid, Water, Coconut Oil, Tallow, Potassium Hydroxide, Vegetable Glycerin, Lanolin, Fragrance.
Scent:
The scent is listed as an aromatic pipe tobacco blend with hints of Vanilla, Malt, Tobacco leaf and Cedar wood. To my nose it's similar to PAA's Cavendish but with a distinct hint of Chocolate. A very nice scent, probably not best suited to summer.
Latherability:
Using my usual method of loading a damp brush for 10 - 15 seconds before building on either my face or in a bowl resulted in a nice, very useable, slick, cushioning and protective lather. Not especially thirsty but it is a tallow soap so it will take a large amount of water before breaking down. Using @alfredus's preferred 'Merkur Man' method took this soap to a whole new level. Similar to P&B lather.
Performance:
Again, similar to P&B, very slick, no issues with cushioning and is very stable throughout the shave. Plenty of residual slickness for quick touch ups and a very pleasant post shave feel.
Conclusion:
To say I'm impressed with this soap would be putting it mildly. It's without a doubt the best Australian Artisan soap I've tried (Sorry @Anthony). Ticks every box for me, well priced, accessible maker, excellent performance and post shave feel.
Available direct through the Squadron Soap Facebook page or @SchoolForAnts.
Packaging:
A little bit different from the usual plastic tub is the deep metal tin this soap comes in. It's a little bit narrower than I'd like but still large enough to load from using my brushes. My largest is 24mm and fits with no issues but I suspect anything over 28mm may struggle.
Ingredients:
Listed ingredients are Stearic Acid, Water, Coconut Oil, Tallow, Potassium Hydroxide, Vegetable Glycerin, Lanolin, Fragrance.
Scent:
The scent is listed as an aromatic pipe tobacco blend with hints of Vanilla, Malt, Tobacco leaf and Cedar wood. To my nose it's similar to PAA's Cavendish but with a distinct hint of Chocolate. A very nice scent, probably not best suited to summer.
Latherability:
Using my usual method of loading a damp brush for 10 - 15 seconds before building on either my face or in a bowl resulted in a nice, very useable, slick, cushioning and protective lather. Not especially thirsty but it is a tallow soap so it will take a large amount of water before breaking down. Using @alfredus's preferred 'Merkur Man' method took this soap to a whole new level. Similar to P&B lather.
Performance:
Again, similar to P&B, very slick, no issues with cushioning and is very stable throughout the shave. Plenty of residual slickness for quick touch ups and a very pleasant post shave feel.
Conclusion:
To say I'm impressed with this soap would be putting it mildly. It's without a doubt the best Australian Artisan soap I've tried (Sorry @Anthony). Ticks every box for me, well priced, accessible maker, excellent performance and post shave feel.
Available direct through the Squadron Soap Facebook page or @SchoolForAnts.
