Razor: Karve CB on C OC
Blade: Gillette Nacet
Brush: Wild West Brushworks 26mm synthetic
Soap: Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements Cavendish
Aftershave: Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements Cavendish Splash
I’ve said it before, the best scents are the ones that evoke memories. I received a sample of this Cavendish scent a while ago and it did just that, I had to have it. I don’t have a lot of memories of my Grandpa Frank (pictured here with Grandma Mary) he passed many years ago when I was a lot younger. But this scent, it instantly reminds me of him. I only vaguely remember him with a pipe, but this scent of pipe tobacco instantly brings him to the forefront of my memories.
Cavendish is described as Dark Kentucky & Burley Tobacco, Cherry Wood, Vanilla Bean, Cedar, Leather & a kiss of Smoke. It is a rich pipe tobacco with a nice sweetness to it. I don’t see caramel in the notes but I really get that sweet vanilla and caramel vibe to go with the tobacco. Scent strength on this is strong off the puck and once lathered it remains as such. This is the original crown king formula which is more than fine with me. I get a great lather and I find slickness (lathered and residual) to be very good and the post shave is very good as well. Personally I’d take this base over the CK6 formula as it performs pretty close and the price point is more approachable.
The DE razor today is my favourite from Karve Shaving. While it is a modern razor, I find the styling, the shape (very reminiscent of the Gillette fat handle tech) and brass materials really give it a throwback vibe that really works with that vintage feel today.
I followed up the post shave with the matching aftershave. Scent strength on this is also strong and matches very well. I wouldn’t consider it a skin food rich formula but scent strength is really dialed up and it will stay with you for a while. This wouldn’t be a choice for the office days but I can see it being a great fall weekend shave, a great one for a night out with the boys, or just a warm August morning when you want to be reminded of your gramps.
A great all around shave.
