As you guys know, I'm constantly on the look out for great artisans making top quality soaps. I've had my eye on Reef Point soaps, and finally got the chance to purchase a tin. Let's just start by saying that I'm glad I pulled the trigger. This company is making a good product and positive contribution to the shaving community. I included this quote from their website: www.ReefPointSoaps.com "I'm a software engineer who loves science and chemistry, and in general a geek at heart, so after I tried several and doing some research I decided to make some myself. I set out to create a shaving soap that would allow me to shave every day in comfort, smelled great, and could be used without the aid of any pre-shave oil. I love creating my own recipes, fragrance blends and most of all, using my own creations!" I purchased the espresso scent based on a little tip from @ps1160 , and because I've always been curious if I would be able to tolerate a coffee type scent on my face. I was expecting a dark roast and very robust coffee scent, but thankfully this was not the case. Here is the scent description from their website, and I think it sums up the experience pretty darn good. "Warning: if you're a coffee lover, you're going to have to fight the urge to drink your shaving cream! Smells like freshly roasted coffee beans, with notes of caramel and burnt sugar. A fantastic pick me up!" I definitely pick up the sweeter notes of caramel and burnt sugar straight out of the tin. I would call it more of a mocha smell versus an espresso. The soap smelled great as it bloomed, and the strength lessened as I bowl lathered. By the time it hit my face, it was subtle and I didn't get the feeling like I splashed my face with coffee. The lather quality was very good and creamy. I would give it high marks on both protection as well as slickness. The soap rinsed clean and left my face feeling smooth as well as moisturized. I think it's a pretty good soap, and look forward to trying some of their other unique scents. They carry both Tallow and Vegan formulas. A 4 oz. Tin costs $11.99 and 6oz. Tub $17.99. I really like the look of the new packaging for the 6 oz. tubs. Here are some pictures of the lather test. Because no soap review is complete without Lather Shots! PREP: Brush Load: Lather 1: Lather 2:
You may need to contact him to see if he can CRANK up the menthol level to Antarctica for you Jeff...LOL
Thanks for the info and good to hear you enjoyed the soap. I can't even keep track of how many new artisans are out there, now! What a great time to be wet-shaving! We've come a long way since Williams!
I just noticed your question...sorry. It's not a soft soap, but not a brick either. Very similar to that tin of bearded lady you recently picked up. Firm but still formable if that helps.
Bearded Lady JR the Silk Pajamas shave was shaver error, I used the wrong brush, no backbone. I'll get it right the next shave! Again, thanks for all the hot reviews and leads.
Based on all the good buzz, I ordered two samples of Reef Point soaps from Maggard’s. After several shaves with them, I ordered a jar of the Peerless: “A woodsy yet bright scent with notes of cedar, bergamot orange, fir needle, bay leaf and tobacco.” After a few shaves using different brushes, I am sold on Reef Point soaps. The Peerless now has a place in my rotation. It is a harder soap and produces an easy, thick, cushioning lather. It is also slick and leaves my face feeling great. The scent is outstanding too, IMHO. FYI-They make both tallow and vegan versions. Ingredients: Potassium Stearate, Potassium Tallowate, Sodium Stearate, Sodium Tallowate, Potassium Cocoate, Potassium Ricinoleate, Potassium Shea Butterate, Glycerin, Fragrance, Sodium Cocoate, Sodium Ricinoleate, Sodium Shea Butterate, Shea Butter.
I tried Reef Point Tranquility last week and it's a winner. A nice combination of lavender and peppermint, it's very refreshing! This would be a great choice for those who don't like menthol, but like a gentle cooling effect. The lavender is calming, and the soap performs in the same excellent fashion as Test Depth, and all their soaps.
Reef Point makes great products. I have the Dragons Blood and it's my dads favorite shaving soap. it has great scent that seems to last a while after shaving.
I'll also add that the sublime is the same cooling effect but isn't overpowering like some soaps with heavy menthol. It's an amazing summer soap.
I find myself reaching for Dragon's Blood on a regular basis. Eric makes some great soaps and don't forget to try his balms.
