In Praise of Japanese Aftershaves

[The Nid Hog]

I make this post to ask why Japanese aftershaves are not more popular among wetshavers. We have a good time joking about Mandom but, to be perfectly honest, it is far from the best of what is available in Japan. Lucido, Auslese, MG5, Valcan and Bravas are all outstanding and I would put them up against any of the other aftershaves that are in use among our members. Plus they're just cool as heck. What's more, they do have genuinely interesting, slightly offbeat aftershaves like Mandom and Eroica for the true seeker.

They are also very reasonably priced. So why is it that none of the fine vendors who offer interesting and obscure (in the US anyway) products from Europe carry these? Why haven't they taken off in popularity like the other esoteric lotions that have been found in Portuguese and Italian barber shops, Austrian haberdasheries, and English men's clubs? Why haven't our members been crying out for the comfort and joy that they provide? I'm sure that there are a few of our members who grew up using Proraso or TOBS, but most saw a review on the boards and decided to find some. Why not more love for Valcan or Bravas?

I have no answer. For me, it's no big deal to resupply my own modest needs. But not everybody else can rely on that regular trip to Tokyo, just like we don't all get to Rome, London, Vienna or Lisbon as often as we might like. What say you, my shaving brethren? Isn't it time to stand up and cry out for aftershaves from the Land of the Rising Sun?

[Samouraï]

I would love to try some more Japanese aftershaves. I love Mandom. Importing costs are the kicker. You know how difficult it can be to procure Folid, here in the states.

[christphil]

I agree entirely Nid. I have tried Mandom, Valcan and Bravas and they are all quite good as it pertains to both the quality of the scent and how they are presented (nice glass bottles).

I live in a japantown so I can walk down the street to the Nijiya market and pick these products up. And if I don't like that idea then I can stop at the other Nijiya about three miles down the street from my work on my way home.

Unfortunately, most members don't have such easy access to these fine products. In many cases they have to mail-order them and get violated by shipping costs in the process.

I think that if one of the popular online shaving stores was able to get a line on these products and sell them at a reasonable cost then their popularity would blast-off.

[kingfisher]

How's th Lucido? How does it compare to Valcan and Bravas?

I would love to try some Japanese aftershaves, but I have absolutely no idea how to go about getting samples.

[Gruder]

How's th Lucido? How does it compare to Valcan and Bravas?

I would love to try some Japanese aftershaves, but I have absolutely no idea how to go about getting samples.

+1. Bring forth the reviews! I'm just itching to acquire a new AD! JASAD could be it!

[Luc]

MG5 is the best I tried. I love that one. Bravas is also excellent. I need to finish my bottle to review it (I don't like to review a product after a week, I rather use it for a while...).

Mandom is also great!

Funny because I was thinking at what I could get, locally available, that would be close to MG5/Bravas sent-wise... Still looking.

[The National Razor]

I would love to try them.

AD without Borders!

[Dennis]

Feather Kanwa is one of my favorite ASBs, and Mandom! is a great AS as well. I mean, c'mon, how could it not be? :thumbup1:

[TimMechEngr]

Feather Kanwa is one of my favorite ASBs, and Mandom! is a great AS as well. I mean, c'mon, how could it not be? :thumbup1:

Feather Kanwa is the aftershave I use always. IMO, aftershave is not about scent, it's about healing and making my facial skin feel good after a shave. Kanwa does just that. I use cologne, EDT's, etc for their scent.

[Bobtrumpet]

So why is it that none of the fine vendors who offer interesting and obscure (in the US anyway) products from Europe carry these? Why haven't they taken off in popularity like the other esoteric lotions that have been found in Portuguese and Italian barber shops, Austrian haberdasheries, and English men's clubs? Why haven't our members been crying out for the comfort and joy that they provide? I'm sure that there are a few of our members who grew up using Proraso or TOBS, but most saw a review on the boards and decided to find some. Why not more love for Valcan or Bravas?

We just needed someone to lead us, someone of great knowledge, experience, and wisdom.

Looks like that's you! :thumbup:

[thirdeye]

We just needed someone to lead us, someone of great knowledge, experience, and wisdom.

Looks like that's you! :thumbup:

:thumbup1:

Hmmmmmmmm...I think I may just have to look into this a little deeper.

My first thought is that shipping hazmat will be the obstical....like Floids.

PM your interests....

[richmondesi]

:thumbup1:

Hmmmmmmmm...I think I may just have to look into this a little deeper.

My first thought is that shipping hazmat will be the obstical....like Floids.

PM your interests....

PM sent :lol1:

[joshmpdx]

This is the first i've even heard of some of the previously mentioned A/S's!

let's get some more info!

[thirdeye]

PM sent :lol1:

Just soaked the screen.....:lol::lol::lol:

[rm71]

I live in a japantown so I can walk down the street to the Nijiya market and pick these products up. And if I don't like that idea then I can stop at the other Nijiya about three miles down the street from my work on my way home.

Unfortunately, most members don't have such easy access to these fine products. In many cases they have to mail-order them and get violated by shipping costs in the process.

I think that if one of the popular online shaving stores was able to get a line on these products and sell them at a reasonable cost then their popularity would blast-off.

Exactly. I have Mandom only because a friend of mine came back from Japan, otherwise it will be almost impossibe ( and very expensive) to get.

[xriley]

Always be nice to ex-girlfriends (after the smoke clears). The ex is hopefully bringing me a couple types back from Japan. Thanks to the BB members here for the recomendations.

[Mink]

For god's sake man, you're tempting addicts, preaching to the choir, enabling those most seeking enabling...but to hell with the aftershaves, what about the balms???

Is there a USA online vendor of these?

[Dink]

For god's sake man, you're tempting addicts, preaching to the choir, enabling those most seeking enabling...but to hell with the aftershaves, what about the balms???

Is there a USA online vendor of these?

Here you go, they have Mandom in stock!
http://www.webichi.com

Cheers,
David

[thunderball]

I make this post to ask why Japanese aftershaves are not more popular among wetshavers. We have a good time joking about Mandom but, to be perfectly honest, it is far from the best of what is available in Japan. Lucido, Auslese, MG5, Valcan and Bravas are all outstanding and I would put them up against any of the other aftershaves that are in use among our members. Plus they're just cool as heck. What's more, they do have genuinely interesting, slightly offbeat aftershaves like Mandom and Eroica for the true seeker.

They are also very reasonably priced. So why is it that none of the fine vendors who offer interesting and obscure (in the US anyway) products from Europe carry these? Why haven't they taken off in popularity like the other esoteric lotions that have been found in Portuguese and Italian barber shops, Austrian haberdasheries, and English men's clubs? Why haven't our members been crying out for the comfort and joy that they provide? I'm sure that there are a few of our members who grew up using Proraso or TOBS, but most saw a review on the boards and decided to find some. Why not more love for Valcan or Bravas?

I have no answer. For me, it's no big deal to resupply my own modest needs. But not everybody else can rely on that regular trip to Tokyo, just like we don't all get to Rome, London, Vienna or Lisbon as often as we might like. What say you, my shaving brethren? Isn't it time to stand up and cry out for aftershaves from the Land of the Rising Sun?

Indeed. So as not to incite a maelstrom of jealousy I won't say publicly that I can get on my bike and have every one of the aftershaves you mentioned within 30 minutes. Oh sorry, it just slipped out! :w00t: I've even staked out a few remaining strongholds of Mandom supply. :thumbup1: Of course actually getting them to my B&B brethren is the tough part. :closedeye

But yes, something must be done...about that there can be no doubt. I used MG5 this morning and it simply kicks ass. Lucido unscented is amazing. I may have to do up some more packages for the folks here...I put two on the BST months back and they lasted about 10 minutes. Lucky Luc! :001_tongu

[thunderball]

Actually I see you can get MG5 on Ebay but it costs $19.00 plus $14 shipping from Japan. $33? Don't do it boys - that's a rip-off. Webichi also charges $24.99 for Bravas...it costs about $12 here. :blink: Their Mandom is a deal though!

[The Nid Hog]

It's hard to say what I would recommend first. We have lots of threads about Mandom and I bet that there's a fair amount of interest in trying it out. It does have an unusual, manly scent and not nearly as controversial as our locally grown LV. I have no complaints about it. Every day that I use it I always chuckle to myself and say, "Heh--I'm wearing Mandom today!"

Lucido would be a great candidate for a scentless aftershave that gives you a brisk menthol wakeup and is very kind to your skin.

MG5, Valcan and Bravas are all nicely scented, extremely effective aftershaves too.

Mandom lingers for a while, but for the most part the scent of the aftershave dissipates in short order so they won't interfere with whatever cologne, EdT you use. If that's a concern, Lucido is made especially for you.

I like the everyday reliability of Aqua Velva, the nostalgic barbershop aura of Clubman, the herbal kindness of Proraso and the overall odd and pleasant feeling of Alt-Innsbruck (as a note, I bet a lot of indie fans are happy that there's an Alt-Innsbruck available). But if all of my aftershaves--every last one of them--disappeared tomorrow, I could happily continue wetshaving with only the Japanese ASs. No joke.

I'm not much of a balm guy, but maybe Thunderball or another of our Japan-dwelling B&B members could speak to them. Most of the AS that I've mentioned are part of a wide range that includes balms, hair tonics and lotions, and even pomades.

[Luc]

Indeed. So as not to incite a maelstrom of jealousy I won't say publicly that I can get on my bike and have every one of the aftershaves you mentioned within 30 minutes. Oh sorry, it just slipped out! :w00t: I've even staked out a few remaining strongholds of Mandom supply. :thumbup1: Of course actually getting them to my B&B brethren is the tough part. :closedeye

But yes, something must be done...about that there can be no doubt. I used MG5 this morning and it simply kicks ass. Lucido unscented is amazing. I may have to do up some more packages for the folks here...I put two on the BST months back and they lasted about 10 minutes. Lucky Luc! :001_tongu

:biggrin:

[Sluggo]

I have two bottles of Lucido. It is great! No scent, great aftershave. Picked some up at a Mitsuwa market in Chicago!

[thunderball]

I'm not much of a balm guy, but maybe Thunderball or another of our Japan-dwelling B&B members could speak to them. Most of the AS that I've mentioned are part of a wide range that includes balms, hair tonics and lotions, and even pomades.

I haven't actually tried many of the balms/tonics/lotions/pomades but they do look interesting. Even in the ten years I've been here I have noticed many, many stores slowly downsizing their supplies of these kinds of things (along with Feather blades) as the older folks slowly start to, well...disappear. There is a massive generation gap here and nobody under 50 would be caught dead here using anything like Mandom or a DE razor for that matter. Kind of sad, especially when you consider that the average Japanese person's role model had gone from guys like Toshiro Mifune:

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s257/nuskool73/Meisa%20Lynn%20Stewart/3085301_tml.jpg

To guys like this:

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s257/nuskool73/Meisa%20Lynn%20Stewart/akanishiJin2.jpg

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s257/nuskool73/Meisa%20Lynn%20Stewart/5.jpg

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s257/nuskool73/Meisa%20Lynn%20Stewart/arashi.jpg

Do you think these guys even shave, let alone use a DE or Mandom? Yeah right! I had a funny discussion with my students (17-18 year old girls) a few months back after I made a comment about all the girly-boys on the posters in the classroom. They asked me, "Well then who do you think is cool in Japan"?? I thought about it and brought three pictures of Japanese guys I thought were pretty cool-looking dudes...they all screamed in disgust!! Anything even remotely rugged or manly is pretty much frowned upon (or at least run away from) in Japan these days. The offending members:

Koji Murofushi (Olympic hammer-thrower)

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s257/nuskool73/Meisa%20Lynn%20Stewart/OlympicsDay9AthleticsdvpeGQDWr2Cl.jpg

Genki Sudo (ex-MMA freak)

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s257/nuskool73/Meisa%20Lynn%20Stewart/genki-3.jpg

Hiroyuki Sanada (actor)

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s257/nuskool73/Meisa%20Lynn%20Stewart/sanada_samurai_1158946991.jpg

Well, the kids thought I was out of my freaking mind. "Oh my God, those guys just look scaaaary!" *sigh* Am I just getting old...? :blush: Needless to say, products like Mandom will soon be unneeded in this fair country.

[The Nid Hog]

No, you're not getting old. There's something very strange going on in young Japanese perceptions of what's masculine and what's feminine--and how they should relate to one another.

If the three guys that you posted are creepy, I guess that nobody has the time of day for Sakuraba.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q74/umiyakara/Kazushi-Sakuraba-MMA-Fight-Collecti.jpg

[Obsessed]

Well, I guess we don't need to worry about a resurgence of Japanese militarism.

[thunderball]

Well, I guess we don't need to worry about a resurgence of Japanese militarism.

Well, hopefully not. There are however plenty of hard-ass tough guys here...they just aren't considered 'mainstream popular' or 'cool' with the general populace. Years ago when I walked into my first dojo here I was like 'holy crap!' where have all these destroyers been hiding?! I found out what a puss I was after the first 5 minutes. :blush:

[Obsessed]

I found out what a puss I was after the first 5 minutes. :blush:

I wouldn't have lasted 2 minutes, if it makes you feel any better.

[thunderball]

I wouldn't have lasted 2 minutes, if it makes you feel any better.

Actually, neither did I, truth be told. :blushing:

(sorry for the thread derailment Nig Hog! back to the AS talk we go...)

[Obsessed]

(sorry for the thread derailment Nig Hog! back to the AS talk we go...)

Yes, please excuse the derailment! (I've met The Nid Hog - I wouldn't last two minutes against him, either!)

[BullGoose]

Lucido, Auslese, MG5, Valcan and Bravas are all outstanding and I would put them up against any of the other aftershaves that are in use among our members.


Hmmm...I received a bottle of Lucido about 8 months ago in a mystery box and have not tried it yet. Thank you for bringing this up...I will give the Lucido a try in the next few days.

[The Nid Hog]

Yes, please excuse the derailment! (I've met The Nid Hog - I wouldn't last two minutes against him, either!)

Come on, you made it all the way through lunch! These days, my main weapon is sarcasm anyway.

[Obsessed]

Come on, you made it all the way through lunch! These days, my main weapon is irony.

Against your irony I might do a little better, say 7 to 8 minutes!

[djmike523]

THREAD JACK:


Does anyone use the feather shave gel? if so, please report! :001_smile

[The Nid Hog]

THREAD JACK:


Does anyone use the feather shave gel? if so, please report! :001_smile

I've seen the gigantic containers of it in the stores, but I've never tried it out.

[thunderball]

This thread inspired me head out and make some purchases today...another 3-pack is set to drop on the BST boys....watch for it...:thumbup1:

[Topgumby]

One of these days, I'll find brick and mortar Mandom.

'Til that glorious day, I am doomed to live a life of....unBronson girliness.:crying:

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h38/msgte/jazzhands.jpg

[thunderball]

One of these days, I'll find brick and mortar Mandom.

'Til that glorious day, I am doomed to live a life of....unBronson girliness.:crying:

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h38/msgte/jazzhands.jpg

I don't even know if Mandom could fix something like this...:blushing:

[The Nid Hog]

One of these days, I'll find brick and mortar Mandom.

'Til that glorious day, I am doomed to live a life of....unBronson girliness.:crying:

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h38/msgte/jazzhands.jpg

I'm speechless. While you're waiting for treasure ship full of Mandom to arrive from the East, you should fill the tub up with Lilac Vegetal and get in. And stay in. It might not help, but it can't hurt.

[Obsessed]

One of these days, I'll find brick and mortar Mandom.

'Til that glorious day, I am doomed to live a life of....unBronson girliness.:crying:

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h38/msgte/jazzhands.jpg

Do you wear your Akubra with that outfit?

[kingfisher]

Here you go, they have Mandom in stock!
http://www.webichi.com

Cheers,
David

I went to this site. They have 11 pages of Mandom products, but the aftershave was not among them, as far as I could tell. They did have the unscented Lucido aftershave, though. Price was 10.99 I think, and I don't know what the shipping charge would be.

I wish they had an ingredient list for it. I'm curious as to exactly what is in it.

[Dink]

I went to this site. They have 11 pages of Mandom products, but the aftershave was not among them, as far as I could tell. They did have the unscented Lucido aftershave, though. Price was 10.99 I think, and I don't know what the shipping charge would be.

I wish they had an ingredient list for it. I'm curious as to exactly what is in it.

http://www.webichi.com/en/details/35106 Mmm, Mandom!

Cheers,
David

[Phog Allen]

Put me down for the rest of the Japanese a/s splashes. For all the Bronson-esque jokes about Mandom, it is very good splash. I was expecting hell fire but it was really very mild on my skin. The MG 5 and Lucido are intriguing. Guarantee you none of the guys at work will ever be wearing Mandom, let alone the others.

Regards, Todd

[thunderball]

Keep an eye on the BST..(incoming!) :w00t:

[thunderball]

Nid Hog, what did you think of the Auslese and Valcan? Are they worth the extra cost?

[The Nid Hog]

I could go either way with the Auslese but I really like the Valcan. I had a bunch of free samples of Auslese that my wife picked up at a hotel somewhere. When they ran out, I didn't buy any more, but I ponied up for the Valcan. I like it a lot.

[thunderball]

I could go either way with the Auslese but I really like the Valcan. I had a bunch of free samples of Auslese that my wife picked up at a hotel somewhere. When they ran out, I didn't buy any more, but I ponied up for the Valcan. I like it a lot.

Interesting. I see that there are about three different Auslese aftershaves...wonder which one(s) you tried. Interesting too on the Vulcan, it just looks straight out of the 60s that stuff! Might have to shell out the money to give it a try.

Hey congrats on the custom title too! :thumbup:

[Topgumby]

Hey congrats on the custom title too! :thumbup:

There are old Marines
And there are bold Marines
But, there are no old, bold Marines.

What's interesting to me about the title is the irony, since the Nid Hog is obviously a calm veneer plastered over a wild cacophony of violence, lust and rage that is only kept in tenuous check by the expression of the warrior's soul through the tasteful use of fragrances and exploration of shaving nostrums gathered from all corners of the earth.

I shudder to think of the dark day when that powderkeg reaches into the medicine cabinet and finds it empty.:blink:

[Luc]

I was having a look on google if I couldn't find Japanese aftershaves for sale in Oz.

Couldn't find anything but there was a Japanese seller on ebay that sells Bravas, MG5, Auslese, Paradigm, Lucido, Lordos and Uno...

Any ideas on the last 4?

[thunderball]

I was having a look on google if I couldn't find Japanese aftershaves for sale in Oz.

Couldn't find anything but there was a Japanese seller on ebay that sells Bravas, MG5, Auslese, Paradigm, Lucido, Lordos and Uno...

Any ideas on the last 4?

Never heard of Paradigm or Lordos. Uno is everywhere but I've never tried it...looks like a young guy's product though. Might have to give it a go.

EDIT: Just looked up Paradigm and it looks like it's made by Shiseido. They make some really expensive aftershaves that look pretty cool but I've never tried them:

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s257/nuskool73/SHI99M-P.jpg
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s257/nuskool73/img10332046888.jpg

[Luc]

Never heard of Paradigm or Lordos. Uno is everywhere but I've never tried it...looks like a young guy's product though. Might have to give it a go.

EDIT: Just looked up Paradigm and it looks like it's made by Shiseido. They make some really expensive aftershaves that look pretty cool but I've never tried them:

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s257/nuskool73/Meisa%20Lynn%20Stewart/SHI99M-P.jpg
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s257/nuskool73/Meisa%20Lynn%20Stewart/img10332046888.jpg

Thanks Dave!

Looks like I have more stuff to try... ASAD... :001_rolle

[thunderball]

Looks like they are both actually available in the states:

Basala:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002Z7FVPA

Tactics:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370296614909

Review of Basala cologne:

http://www.basenotes.net/ID26120169.html

Looks like the Tactics (1979) cologne is well-liked as well:

http://www.basenotes.net/ID26121555.html


EDIT: I just found an online retailer in Japan that sells both the Tactics aftershave and 3 sizes of cologne! From what I've read it's very hard to get...not so it would seem! The basenotes reviews have got me thinking that I might have to change my tactics....:blush:

[The Nid Hog]

Never heard of Paradigm or Lordos. Uno is everywhere but I've never tried it...looks like a young guy's product though. Might have to give it a go.

EDIT: Just looked up Paradigm and it looks like it's made by Shiseido. They make some really expensive aftershaves that look pretty cool but I've never tried them:

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s257/nuskool73/Meisa%20Lynn%20Stewart/SHI99M-P.jpg
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s257/nuskool73/Meisa%20Lynn%20Stewart/img10332046888.jpg

Those both look very cool. I actually saw the Tactics in a little shop in an Okinawan shopping arcade this summer. I was on a Mandom hunt, so I didn't check it out. The Basara sounds good too--I like the reviews. Sigh. More things for my next shopping trip to Japan.

[royalcrown]

Actually I see you can get MG5 on Ebay but it costs $19.00 plus $14 shipping from Japan. $33? Don't do it boys - that's a rip-off. Webichi also charges $24.99 for Bravas...it costs about $12 here. :blink: Their Mandom is a deal though!

Dunno, the Mandom is about a 100% mark up as well. Not that 10$ is expensive.

[The Nid Hog]

Has anybody every tried the Basala? I'm tempted (for no good reason), but I don't want to lay out $40 if it's not that great.

[Luc]

Has anybody every tried the Basala? I'm tempted (for no good reason), but I don't want to lay out $40 if it's not that great.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

That's why I was waiting...

[thunderball]

I've got my eye on the Tactics...some good reviews on basenotes.

[AK9]

I have the green Auslese, and the purple Auslese trocken. The green is light citrus type scent and the purple has a very light floral scent.

Both actually moisturize the face, no dry burned out skin after application.

Bravas has a more bold fragrance that lingers longer with a tiny touch of a menthol kick, no where near as much as Aqua Velva.

I really like the Auslese stuff, there is also a aftershave cream that comes in a little jar, similar in looks to the pre/post Proraso. Also an Auslese light aftershave, have not tried either of these though.

[marbs34]

I just got back from the Hardware store ( Nafco) this evening where I was picking up a small garbage can and a toilet bowl brush. Well anyways, I saw this hair tonic stuff, called Mandom, and I looked at my buddy and said to him "I stared Mandom right in the eye and said NO!"

Funny I just heard of the stuff from this thread. I did look at the shave gear they had there, and although I was genuinely apalled at the size of thier 5 blade razor, i only saw some regular Feather razors (not the platinum) and a bunch of canned foams and three different shave gels. I didn't really notice any aftershaves there, or I would have bought the Mandom.

I did pick up a terrible tasting pre-packaged pastery that I thought would be like a moon-pie while waiting for checkout. Picture is attached.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v325/marbs34/stuff/IMG_0199.jpg

[mpearce]

Well guess I will have to run down to the store tomorrow and try a brand. I have never bought any AS here because I didn't know if it was any good. A lot of skincare products here can be pretty iffy.

[The Nid Hog]

Well, I have an update on the Basala. I actually have the legendary fragrance train at my house right now. Not long after posting my question about Basala I was looking through the contents of the train and found a tiny phial of Basala EdT. There was just enough left in the tube to try it out. My daughters were going through it with me, and their description of the fragrance really captured it. According to them, the scent of scorched celery competes unpleasantly with an unmistakable dog butt note. Sadly, I would have to agree.

Now, I don't know if that's what Shiseido had in mind, or if the last droplet of Basala in the tube was off. But it wasn't very nice. Hopefully someone else can chime in with their impressions.

[The Nid Hog]

I just got back from the Hardware store ( Nafco) this evening where I was picking up a small garbage can and a toilet bowl brush. Well anyways, I saw this hair tonic stuff, called Mandom, and I looked at my buddy and said to him "I stared Mandom right in the eye and said NO!"

Funny I just heard of the stuff from this thread. I did look at the shave gear they had there, and although I was genuinely apalled at the size of thier 5 blade razor, i only saw some regular Feather razors (not the platinum) and a bunch of canned foams and three different shave gels. I didn't really notice any aftershaves there, or I would have bought the Mandom.

I did pick up a terrible tasting pre-packaged pastery that I thought would be like a moon-pie while waiting for checkout. Picture is attached.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v325/marbs34/stuff/IMG_0199.jpg

Welcome aboard! It takes a while to find out exactly what is inside the pastries in Japan, but you'll get it down soon enough. The first time I was in Tokyo, I stopped in a little bakery and bought one of the beautiful buns they had on display. There was one in the window cut in half to show a delicious looking creamy chocolate filling. When I bit into mine, I got tuna and corn. I was pretty shocked then, but I like it now. Donuts filled with curry are another little pleasure that I've learned to love.

You'll have better luck with aftershaves and good blades in little drugstores and cosmetic shops. I usually do my best shopping in covered arcades or backstreet shopping districts.

[thunderball]

Well, I have an update on the Basala. I actually have the legendary fragrance train at my house right now. Not long after posting my question about Basala I was looking through the contents of the train and found a tiny phial of Basala EdT. There was just enough left in the tube to try it out. My daughters were going through it with me, and their description of the fragrance really captured it. According to them, the scent of scorched celery competes unpleasantly with an unmistakable dog butt note. Sadly, I would have to agree.

Now, I don't know if that's what Shiseido had in mind, or if the last droplet of Basala in the tube was off. But it wasn't very nice. Hopefully someone else can chime in with their impressions.

Scorched celery and dog butt? Two of my most favorite things....I'm in! :lol:

[Luc]

Well, I have an update on the Basala. I actually have the legendary fragrance train at my house right now. Not long after posting my question about Basala I was looking through the contents of the train and found a tiny phial of Basala EdT. There was just enough left in the tube to try it out. My daughters were going through it with me, and their description of the fragrance really captured it. According to them, the scent of scorched celery competes unpleasantly with an unmistakable dog butt note. Sadly, I would have to agree.

Now, I don't know if that's what Shiseido had in mind, or if the last droplet of Basala in the tube was off. But it wasn't very nice. Hopefully someone else can chime in with their impressions.

That's one funny description...


Scorched celery and dog butt? Two of my most favorite things....I'm in! :lol:

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[thunderball]

Of course if it was just your regular old celery and scorched dog butt I'd have to pass. Sooooo 80s. :001_rolle

[thunderball]

I did pick up a terrible tasting pre-packaged pastery that I thought would be like a moon-pie while waiting for checkout. Picture is attached.



Ah yes, the dreaded "an-pan". Beans mixed with a ridiculous amount of sugar and stuffed into a preservative-imbued bun. Yum.

If you even just remember the two hiragana characters for "an" (sweetened beans) you'll be able to protect yourself from the horrors of bean-filled pastries. They look like this: あん You can see on the package is says つぶあん　"tsubu-an". Not good. :blush:

[The Nid Hog]

Ah yes, the dreaded "an-pan". Beans mixed with a ridiculous amount of sugar and stuffed into a preservative-imbued bun. Yum.

If you even just remember the two hiragana characters for "an" (sweetened beans) you'll be able to protect yourself from the horrors of bean-filled pastries. They look like this: あん You can see on the package is says つぶあん　"tsubu-an". Not good. :blush:

Maybe we should gloss tsubu-an as "squished sweet beans?" It doesn't sound all that good, does it.

[marbs34]

No not good at all, but I'm always into trying out the little things that I see here and there.

Ohh and Power tools are freaking expensive here. Have you seen the size of the Makita drills here? they are half sized, and cost 34,800 Y for the comparable model to mine that has the same torque adjustments.

Well sorry for that, Aftershaves and Power tools, not too far off topic...

Where is a good chain store to look for some of the male grooming brands that were previously mentioned in this thread? Located in Iwakuni.

-Martin

[The Nid Hog]

Matsumoto Kiyoshi is a chain of cosmetic stores that you can find most places, and I imagine that there's one close to you somewhere. They'll have the more upscale aftershaves, but you won't find Mandom. Any of the big box department stores will have a good selection, as would the big department stores (Mitsukoshi, Takashimaya, Isetan, whatever the local ones down your way) that you'll find near big train stations or in the main shopping districts. Check both the men's sections, cosmetic and pharmacy sections.

Still, your best bet will be the little drug stores and cosmetic retailers that you find in shopping arcades. That will be the goldmine of aftershaves.

[marbs34]

Still, your best bet will be the little drug stores and cosmetic retailers that you find in shopping arcades. That will be the goldmine of aftershaves.

Sweet, that's gonna be the plan then after work today.

[Lando]

Here you go, they have Mandom in stock!
http://www.webichi.com

Cheers,
David

Hehe, love these product names
"MANDOM Hair Water Morning Fix"

I'll take that with a cup o' joe...

[bigfoot83]

My oldest son left from Newark this morning for a semester in Japan. I took advantage of the drive to visit the Mitsuwa grocery in Edgewater, NJ with my wife and younger son. I was patiently shopping with my wife until I saw the Men's Cosmetics aisle. My heart raced hoping that it would yield some treasure! At the first opportunity, I slipped away. As I scanned the shelf, the first item I spotted was Bravas. Open, smell, ahhhh, that's nice! Into the basket it goes! Next up, Lucido - slip that into the basket.

I continued to scan the shelves and there, on the lower right bottom shelf - Mandom! I unscrewed the cap, placed some on the back of my hand and took a whiff....and then I put the bottle down and backed away. Mandom smacked me upside the head and said "You are not man enough for this!" Sorry Charlie, I like your movies, but this stuff is not for me.

Dave

[The Nid Hog]

Don't worry--if you change your mind, you can always have your son ship a case of Mandom back from Japan.

Hope he has a good semester over there!

[WaltherPPK]

Thank you for the webichi link. When my A/S supplies run out I'm going to give some of these a try. I may even try the "hot cleansing shampoo". Will give me a laugh each morning. :biggrin1:

[Seraphim]

I haven't actually tried many of the balms/tonics/lotions/pomades but they do look interesting. Even in the ten years I've been here I have noticed many, many stores slowly downsizing their supplies of these kinds of things (along with Feather blades) as the older folks slowly start to, well...disappear. There is a massive generation gap here and nobody under 50 would be caught dead here using anything like Mandom or a DE razor for that matter. Kind of sad, especially when you consider that the average Japanese person's role model had gone from guys like Toshiro Mifune:

To guys like this:



Do you think these guys even shave, let alone use a DE or Mandom? Yeah right! I had a funny discussion with my students (17-18 year old girls) a few months back after I made a comment about all the girly-boys on the posters in the classroom. They asked me, "Well then who do you think is cool in Japan"?? I thought about it and brought three pictures of Japanese guys I thought were pretty cool-looking dudes...they all screamed in disgust!! Anything even remotely rugged or manly is pretty much frowned upon (or at least run away from) in Japan these days. The offending members:

Koji Murofushi (Olympic hammer-thrower)

Genki Sudo (ex-MMA freak)


Hiroyuki Sanada (actor)

Well, the kids thought I was out of my freaking mind. "Oh my God, those guys just look scaaaary!" *sigh* Am I just getting old...? :blush: Needless to say, products like Mandom will soon be unneeded in this fair country.

I have come to the opinion, right or wrong that there are what we in the West would refer to as a "pretty boy",and then there is the Japanese version of a "pretty boy".

Turn on the TV in Japan and you will see these young guys who are as pretty as their girlfriends! Really--- the frosted/styled hair, the eye makeup (tastefully done), the fashion styling.....

I've never given one of those guys a whiff, but I'll bet you dollars to doughnuts that none of them smell of MANDOM!

[The Nid Hog]

I have come to the opinion, right or wrong that there are what we in the West would refer to as a "pretty boy",and then there is the Japanese version of a "pretty boy".

Turn on the TV in Japan and you will see these young guys who are as pretty as their girlfriends! Really--- the frosted/styled hair, the eye makeup (tastefully done), the fashion styling.....

I've never given one of those guys a whiff, but I'll bet you dollars to doughnuts that none of them smell of MANDOM!

You're absolutely right. Just like kids in the US, these guys are blasting themselves with Axe-type aerosols. In fact, I've seen kids on crowded trains or in restaurants and coffee shops doing exactly that. I'm sure that they wouldn't be caught dead with Mandom or Valcan.

[Seraphim]

OK, so I have aquired a new AD (Aquired Aquisition Disorder???:blink:)

JASAD Japanese After Shave Aquisition Disorder.

Got the MANDOM: AS and skin cream

Got the MG5: AS and skin conditioner

Got a bottle of Lucido AS (I still have a stash of Lucido skin conditioner at home)

I had to stop myself from going any farther!

The little local pharmacy had an excellent selection of AS's: MANDOM, MG5 (they even had MG5 goo in a can---I came *this* close to getting it, just for fun...), Auslese, Bravas, and one that I had not seen before: Vintage....I may have to go back and get that one to broaden the B&B JAS horizons here.....:thumbup1:

I rocked a full MANDOM shave this morning. Aisle 17 of this evening's flight out of Osaka is going to smell like a musky gunfight between Real Men at a mandarin orange chemical extration factory.

The MG5 has definitely got a much less pronounced scent than the MANDOM. Nice, fresh, subtle.

I gave the Auslese a whiff at the store and passed, as I could discern no scent whatsoever.

The Vintage comes in a bulbous bottle, but it was sealed up tight in plastic shrinkwrap.....like a genie in a bottle.

They had the Bravas AS and skin conditioner. I may pick that up when I come back in March...

[Seraphim]

Just did a quick search. MG5 was introduced in the early-mid 60's (http://www.jmr-marketing.com/user/587/1970-1974/)by Shiseido.


Definitely OldSchool.:001_cool:

[The Nid Hog]

Have you tried the Bravas? I like it a lot too. And Valcan looks like it popped right out of the time machine.

[Seraphim]

OK, I caved in, and went back to the store and picked up the Vintage AS and skin conditioner.

Classy bottles!

Bright scent, with sort of a woody undercurrent....


OK, here's my haul from this trip:

[Luc]

Nice stuff, I would spend quite a lot in that place!! :eek:

How's Vintage? I got a bottle on my way...

[thunderball]

OK, I caved in, and went back to the store and picked up the Vintage AS and skin conditioner.

Classy bottles!

Bright scent, with sort of a woody undercurrent....


OK, here's my haul from this trip:

Awesome! :thumbup:

[Luc]

I got a package today. 3 Japanese aftershaves.

1-MG5 - I already know that one but I figured, I should buy another one for lather
2-Vintage - Smells nice actually, SWMBO said ok but I think it's nice.
3-Lordos - I'm really not sure about that one. It's like a powdery grand-pa and grand-ma. This one might end up on BST. I will try it on Sunday when I don't have to go out...

[Xury]

I wanna try some of that Vintage. It it just, meh? Or are we talking awesome goodiness?

[djmike523]

how is the Feather AS? I posted a thread on that awhile back, but maybe the right people weren't reading?! :wink:

[Luc]

I wanna try some of that Vintage. It it just, meh? Or are we talking awesome goodiness?

I found the Vintage to be a bit more refined than Bravas or MG5. Lighter, barbershop-ish. I haven't tried it on me yet, I only tried to smell it!

[Seraphim]

Well, since the Wife nixed most of my recent purchases, I'm now going to have to be only a charter member of the Japanese aftershave fan club:crying:

However, I did use the Lucido unscented aftershave last night, and it is good stuff, as Nid Hog has already said. Surprisingly moisturizing for a AS. It may be listed as "unscented", but it still has an alchohol smell when splashing it on.

[mpearce]

Well, since the Wife nixed most of my recent purchases, I'm now going to have to be only a charter member of the Japanese aftershave fan club:crying:

However, I did use the Lucido unscented aftershave last night, and it is good stuff, as Nid Hog has already said. Surprisingly moisturizing for a AS. It may be listed as "unscented", but it still has an alchohol smell when splashing it on.

I like the Lucido so far. I haven't tried any others as of yet but I am looking forward to it.

[The Nid Hog]

Well, since the Wife nixed most of my recent purchases, I'm now going to have to be only a charter member of the Japanese aftershave fan club:crying:

However, I did use the Lucido unscented aftershave last night, and it is good stuff, as Nid Hog has already said. Surprisingly moisturizing for a AS. It may be listed as "unscented", but it still has an alchohol smell when splashing it on.

I think that the Lucido qualifies you as a card carrying member! And at least you got to keep the rest of them for a while. "Tis better to have loved and lost, etc."

[Yooper]

I bought a bottle of Auslese at a small pharmacy store in Tokyo last summer when I was there for work. Wanted Mandom, MG5 or something else, but Auslese is all they had. It seems to condition the skin well, but has a very faint scent that fades fast once applied. I like it in the summer time.

[thunderball]

I bought a bottle of Auslese at a small pharmacy store in Tokyo last summer when I was there for work. Wanted Mandom, MG5 or something else, but Auslese is all they had. It seems to condition the skin well, but has a very faint scent that fades fast once applied. I like it in the summer time.

I've got to try the Auslese...

[Luc]

I tried the Vintage today. Light scent that doesn't last long. Very nice, works well. However, I'm not sure it's worth versus MG5 or Bravas...

[Seraphim]

I bought a bottle of Auslese at a small pharmacy store in Tokyo last summer when I was there for work. Wanted Mandom, MG5 or something else, but Auslese is all they had. It seems to condition the skin well, but has a very faint scent that fades fast once applied. I like it in the summer time.

I also saw a Auslese version that said "Calming Aftershave Lotion", looked like it had extra moisturizing stuff in there (cloudy as opposed to clear).

[thunderball]

There MAY be a small package of Japanese aftershaves being quietly dropped onto the BST in the next little while....just sayin'. :001_tongu

[The Nid Hog]

Very nice! Anything new in the world of Japanese aftershaves?

[thunderball]

Very nice! Anything new in the world of Japanese aftershaves?

Not that I've noticed anyway...just picked up two 'classics' today and thought I'd share the love with the B&B brethren.

[rick92f]

I bought a bottle of Mandom today at the local Japanese market and I like it. It's like a cross between sweaty hooker and Dunhill 1934. Good stuff.

[malocchio]

I strolled through japantown san francisco 2 weeks ago...recession has hit hard here ...the really top notch japanese goods are being replaced by cheap chinese stuff....the very few shave products are astronomically expensive...the quality shops that were there are disappearing also,replaced with shops approaching 99 cent stores...

[Luc]

I will try to attack some reviews next week and I will probably start with that bottle of Vintage Aftershave!

[thunderball]

I strolled through japantown san francisco 2 weeks ago...recession has hit hard here ...the really top notch japanese goods are being replaced by cheap chinese stuff....the very few shave products are astronomically expensive...the quality shops that were there are disappearing also,replaced with shops approaching 99 cent stores...

I find this troubling...

[LexusAussie]

There MAY be a small package of Japanese aftershaves being quietly dropped onto the BST in the next little while....just sayin'. :001_tongu

Don't forget me !!! :001_smile

[xriley]

That was posted almost 3 months ago. I'm afraid he may have already forgotten you!

[Luc]

I didn't get to Vintage yet... I got distracted with Denim and Brut...

I will eventually... A tease for now.

Lordos on the left and Vintage on the right.

Lordos is a bit powdery in the scent, not so sure about that one...

Vintage is very nice, there's something fruity in it but I can't put my finger on it yet. It's not too fruity, very mild. There's Menthol in that one but not as strong as Proraso splash, maybe 50%. Someone who finds Proraso to freeze too much, this would be the perfect alternative. Unlike the American Brut that contain menthol but that I can't feel, this is a nice, middle of the road! I will get to it, soon, I hope!

:thumbup:

[thunderball]

Good work Luc! Keep us posted. :thumbup1:

[DavyRay]

I just got back from the Hardware store ( Nafco) this evening where I was picking up a small garbage can and a toilet bowl brush. Well anyways, I saw this hair tonic stuff, called Mandom, and I looked at my buddy and said to him "I stared Mandom right in the eye and said NO!"

Funny I just heard of the stuff from this thread. I did look at the shave gear they had there, and although I was genuinely apalled at the size of thier 5 blade razor, i only saw some regular Feather razors (not the platinum) and a bunch of canned foams and three different shave gels. I didn't really notice any aftershaves there, or I would have bought the Mandom.

I did pick up a terrible tasting pre-packaged pastery that I thought would be like a moon-pie while waiting for checkout. Picture is attached.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v325/marbs34/stuff/IMG_0199.jpg

Let me get this straight. You are in Iwakuni, and you saw something you thought looked like a Moon Pie, and you ate it?

What were you thinking? And where was the RC Cola to go with it?

[The Nid Hog]

I made the following post last year. In the intervening year, it doesn't seem to me that much has changed so I thought I'd post it again. Any thoughts?


I make this post to ask why Japanese aftershaves are not more popular among wetshavers. We have a good time joking about Mandom but, to be perfectly honest, it is far from the best of what is available in Japan. Lucido, Auslese, MG5, Valcan and Bravas are all outstanding and I would put them up against any of the other aftershaves that are in use among our members. Plus they're just cool as heck. What's more, they do have genuinely interesting, slightly offbeat aftershaves like Mandom and Eroica for the true seeker.

They are also very reasonably priced. So why is it that none of the fine vendors who offer interesting and obscure (in the US anyway) products from Europe carry these? Why haven't they taken off in popularity like the other esoteric lotions that have been found in Portuguese and Italian barber shops, Austrian haberdasheries, and English men's clubs? Why haven't our members been crying out for the comfort and joy that they provide? I'm sure that there are a few of our members who grew up using Proraso or TOBS, but most saw a review on the boards and decided to find some. Why not more love for Valcan or Bravas?

I have no answer. For me, it's no big deal to resupply my own modest needs. But not everybody else can rely on that regular trip to Tokyo, just like we don't all get to Rome, London, Vienna or Lisbon as often as we might like. What say you, my shaving brethren? Isn't it time to stand up and cry out for aftershaves from the Land of the Rising Sun?

[DavyRay]

This sounds like a business opportunity to me. If there are great Japanese after-shaves available, and we round-eyes are not aware, well, there is something to be gained. Some enterprising person could just sweep the market with these products.

I'd listen.

[xillion]

I am a big fan of Lucido. I just bought the bottle seen below and I have used almost a third of it since I took the picture.

http://www.christophermendoza.com/razors/lucido.jpg

I am trying to find someone who carries Shiseido Vintage Aftershave at a reasonable price.

[FlatFork]

I'd definitely drop some coin on the Japanese AS splashes if I knew a vendor would carry them.

[Seraphim]

I've been using Lucido spiked with Alt Insbruck about 90% of the time the last 3 months. Lucido is nice, but is undcrnted, so I turbocharged it! :thumbup1:

[Sullybob]

I have three Japanese aftershaves and I like all of them. I just think that their isn't a large enough demand for some of our vendors to bother with importing them. Plus if you live near a large Japanese grocery store like Mitsuwa you can buy the stuff off the shelf.

[The Nid Hog]

I think that's a logical argument, but look at the number of members here who own Alt Innsbruck. It isn't like the Austrians are pumping tankers full of it into US harbors. I'm pretty sure that it's even an obscure brand in Europe. But a couple of vendors began to stock it and word of mouth made it popular. But there isn't a single Japanese brand available like that. I'm sure that there are import barriers, but Shiseido isn't an unknown brand in the US. I see it everywhere. I think this would be a cool angle for one of our great vendors to pick up on.

[jsfabn]

There is a great review on B&B about a Japanese aftershave named 'Kanwa'. I can't post in the review section yet, but this topic has allowed me the opportunity to give some information about it. :thumbup1:

'Kanwa' (緩和）means relief or relaxation in Japanese. This aftershave delivers on its name.

The labels are in Japanese, and some users were wondering whether it had alcohol in it, and yes it does -- エタノール；phonetically: e-ta-no-ru, or ethanol.

The most-likely small amount of alcohol isn't noticeable at all though. It is as soothing as a balm can get, a light-medium consistency with a light scent that dissipates after a few minutes. As I am a complete novice at traditional wet shaving, I can not offer the best advice, but I can promise that 'Kanwa' (manufactured by Feather, the blade company) is a top-notch aftershave. It is presumably available for purchase online, and cost me what would probably be the equivalent of $15 when I was in Japan, well worth the money spent.

Sorry for nerding-out. It isn't often that I can combine Japan and shaving in one conversation. Thumbs up for a more widely available selection of Japanese aftershaves. :thumbup:

[haiti222]

Are they all here?

http://www.import-action.com/daily-care-products-men-s-cosmetics-men-s-face-lotion.html

[bjh618]

Another hand up here for more Japanese A/S!

[The Nid Hog]

Are they all here?

http://www.import-action.com/daily-care-products-men-s-cosmetics-men-s-face-lotion.html

That's just the tip of the iceberg. Mandom and the Lucido variants are all nice, but there are so many more.

[rm71]

I have Mandom, MG5 and Bravas. I rate them highly. I just wish getting them online was possible/easier for me. More of us would definately buy them IMO.

[The Nid Hog]

I have Mandom, MG5 and Bravas. I rate them highly. I just wish getting them online was possible/easier for me. More of us would definately buy them IMO.

I also think that sales would go up if they were on a site that targets wetshavers. As it is, you have to dig through a website devoted to Japanese groceries or Asian animation in order to find a bottle of Lucido. In other words, you have to already know what you want. No casual discovery.

[Luc]

Japanese AS are some of the best products I tried. Very nice, most of them old school, except 9 O'clock. I did the compendium not too long ago.

In which to try, I would strongly recommend:
Mandom, Bravas, MG5, Vintage and 9 O'Clock.

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/Japanese_Aftershave_Compendium

EDIT: I had a quick PM exchange with The Nid Dog and concluded that both threads should be merged to keep the information in one spot.

[MarkStar]

Are they all here?

http://www.import-action.com/daily-care-products-men-s-cosmetics-men-s-face-lotion.html

Somebody owes me $30... :tongue_sm



:w00t: Japanese aftershaves! Who knew? :w00t:

[Luc]

Following the Compendium (http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/Japanese_Aftershave_Compendium) page, I updated the following sub pages in Wiki to add some information.

Kanebo (http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/Kanebo) - Page created and uploaded a picture of 9 O'clock AS.
Mandom (http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/Mandom) - Reformatted the page.
Shiseido (http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/Shiseido) - Reformatted the page and uploaded a picture of MG5 and Vintage.


I would invite other members to post the picture of their AS/Cologne or anything related to the company so we can fill Wiki!

[Montecristo #2]

These are on my radar. Thanks for the heads up.

[The Nid Hog]

I opened this thread today, filled with the hope that one of our fine vendors would have chimed in.

Fear not, fellow wetshavers! Acme Shaves will now be stocking all of your beloved Japanese splashes! Now you can hold your heads high alongside the indulgent Penhaligonians, the crafty Floidites, and the fragrant Alt-Innsbruckians.

Blast you, you troublesome Japanese aftershave lovers. You shall not be indulged by Blammo Blades! Am I to teach myself thousands of cryptic characters simply to satisfy your odd proclivities? Now go scrape your beards and attend to the after-effects with American or European products. Accept your lot in life!

It was not to be. No spirited debate, nothing. Instead, I was greeted with silence. Yet another day finds me drinking my morning coffee in disappointment and sorrow.

[Montecristo #2]

Nid Hog


Sorry to disappoint you with my post, just a well deserved bump.

I picked a few of these Aftershaves (and plan on trying more) up at a Japanese market and they are really quite good and a bargain at a quarter of the price of most European aftershaves. I really don't understand the disconnect with our shaving vendors. Most B&Bers are willing to shell out $$$ for other Japanese wet shaving products (Feather, Kanayama, Jnats, Kamisori, KAI), why not aftershaves.

Some times you have to create the demand before they supply.

[Luc]

The information contained in this thread is fantastic. Why should we look at Japanese aftershave? It's different and it's a quality product. I tried 6 Japanese aftershaves so far. They all delievered! Only one had a scent that I did not like...

Those product are well worth the try. I have a few favourites that will be part of my rotation(some already are).

[Montecristo #2]

I used Lucido this morning for the first time and found it to be a well balanced aftershave and truly unscented. Exactly what I have been looking for! It will certainly become part of my rotation. I plan on adding a review after a few more uses.

[The Nid Hog]

I used Lucido this morning for the first time and found it to be a well balanced aftershave and truly unscented. Exactly what I have been looking for! It will certainly become part of my rotation. I plan on adding a review after a few more uses.

Glad to see another convert!

[Luc]

Anyone else tried some Japanese Aftershaves? I honestly think they are under rated.

[jansob]

I've started using Mandom...it's great! And Bravas is on the radar for warmer weather.

[The Nid Hog]

My daughter brought me a bottle of Irisch Moos Aftershave when she came back from Germany. I like it a lot and it deserves its good reputation. However I don't see it being all that different from Bravas, MG5 or Valcan. Bravas and Valcan also come in great plastic travel sizes!

[Sullybob]

I've have Mandom and two different versions of Lucido. Both are pretty nice but I really enjoy the scent of Lucido.

[Montecristo #2]

I am absolutely loving Lucido!
Also I'm planning on picking up Bravas sometime this week. I like the Moos, and will report back on my impression after trying Bravas.

[Luc]

I've started using Mandom...it's great! And Bravas is on the radar for warmer weather.

I would advise to also check for MG5, I found it had a bit more menthol than Bravas.


My daughter brought me a bottle of Irisch Moos Aftershave when she came back from Germany. I like it a lot and it deserves its good reputation. However I don't see it being all that different from Bravas, MG5 or Valcan. Bravas and Valcan also come in great plastic travel sizes!

I got to get me some Moos, Valcan and Lucido now... :laugh:

[Montecristo #2]

I got to get me some Moos, Valcan and Lucido now... :laugh:

Try the Lucido Skin Conditioner as well. A nice wintertime companion to the Lucido splash. :thumbup:

[Montecristo #2]

Saw this old post from Thunderball and thought it might be a good addition to this tread:




Over the past weeks I have been trying all the Japanese aftershaves I could get my hands on in order to hopefully one day offer the better ones to my B&B brethren. Japanese barbershops are wonderful places full of sounds and smells unique to this country and of course contain many quality shaving products.
Right, on to the aftershaves! I will preface by saying that, apart from the Lucido, these are all barbershop-type, old school, old man scents! Young, Axe-wearing boys need not apply. And they are all alcohol-based and therefore burn when first applied. I am also not a huge aftershave user so my descriptions are amateur indeed. The aftershaves in the pictures are my own bottles - you would of course be getting 3 new ones. I also encourage others living in 'exotic' locales to offer access to whatever shaving goodies your country may contain! :biggrin:



http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s257/nuskool73/P1010110.jpg


1. Mandom – What can I say that the bottle doesn’t say already? ‘All the World loves a lover…all the world loves MANDOM.’ Smells like Jack Lord from Hawaii Five-O circa ’74. Either that or the air freshener in my high school ride, a ’71 Duster mixed with things that may have been smoked in it before I owned it. A mix of old man, leather?, alcohol and other old school intangibles. Dirty Harry probably drank this when he ran out of whiskey. Burns like it should and works well. My second favorite.

2. Bravas – The one you see around most in Japan. Many high-end hotels/inns will have Bravas in their bathrooms. Definitely a mentholy barbershop-type scent. I find it nice…it really does smell like a quintessential Japanese barbershop (or the gentlemen's tray in an old Japanese inn).

3. MG5 – Probably my favorite. Bottle reminds me of a 1978 Porsche for some reason. Excellent aftershave, the one my barbershop uses. A bit ‘fresher’ smelling than the others, maybe like pine or menthol? Killer initial burn and then cool goodness (kind of like the old Porsche).

4. Eroica – Though this doesn’t smell exactly like Tabac it’s ‘that kind’ of fragrance. Sweeter than the others and quite powdery smelling. Candy canes, eggnog, and baby powder maybe? Smells a bit like an evil old man really (but then again, I’m one of the ones that can’t stand Tabac). I’m not sold on this scent but some may like it.

5. Lucido – Much less burn than the others and is supposed to be unscented. It does have an initial very light menthol scent that dissipates quickly. Mildly cooling. Though none of these aftershaves could be called ‘moisturizing’, this one feels the most moisturizing of the bunch. After a minute there is no scent at all which is great if you are planning on wearing cologne.

[Luc]

Saw this old post from Thunderball and thought it might be a good addition to this tread:

:biggrin:

I was the first one who bought 3 of those. I never used a splash before that and It converted me on the spot!

[The Nid Hog]

:biggrin:

I was the first one who bought 3 of those. I never used a splash before that and It converted me on the spot!

This sounds like it would be a moneymaker for some enterprising young vendor, doesn't it?

[Montecristo #2]

This sounds like it would be a moneymaker for some enterprising young vendor, doesn't it?

It certainly does. I think we have have our first celebrity endorsement.

[Luc]

This sounds like it would be a moneymaker for some enterprising young vendor, doesn't it?

Exactomundo! At the moment, those are not always the easiest to get but if you can, it's a very nice pick-up!

[xillion]

I finally bought a bottle of Shiseido Vintage.
Can't wait to try it.

http://www.christophermendoza.com/razors/vintage.jpg

[The Nid Hog]

It certainly does. I think we have have our first celebrity endorsement.


Exactomundo! At the moment, those are not always the easiest to get but if you can, it's a very nice pick-up!

I'm shaving as hard as I can, trying to burn up my current supply, so that I can place an order with somebody!

[Luc]

I finally bought a bottle of Shiseido Vintage.
Can't wait to try it.

http://www.christophermendoza.com/razors/vintage.jpg

I have that one but the bigger bottle + eau de cologne

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=138683&stc=1&d=1294023911

I think it's very nice! :thumbup1:

[xillion]

I have that one but the bigger bottle + eau de cologne

I think it's very nice! :thumbup1:

The one I bought is a micro 20ml bottle. I just used it this morning and I loved the menthol.
I found it very refreshing. The scent is good, not too overpowering but a bit too powdery for me.
I don't think I would switch from Lucido but I will use Vintage for a nice change of pace.

Is the scent of the cologne the same?

Now I am on the hunt for some MG5.

[Luc]

The one I bought is a micro 20ml bottle. I just used it this morning and I loved the menthol.
I found it very refreshing. The scent is good, not too overpowering but a bit too powdery for me.
I don't think I would switch from Lucido but I will use Vintage for a nice change of pace.

Is the scent of the cologne the same?

Now I am on the hunt for some MG5.

The cologne is a bit different but the notes are similar, they go well together.

[The Nid Hog]

This summer, I came across cologne versions of a number of these, but some I've only seen once. I bought a bottle of Valcan, which is really good. There was Bravas too:

http://www.shiseido.co.jp/products/item.html?pd=37446&br=bravas

I think that there was an MG5 too, but I can't find it line. I've had Eroica too, which reminds me of Tabac. The real revelation of all was Shiseido's Tactics. In AS and EdT. Green, green green!

[Montecristo #2]

I'm shaving as hard as I can, trying to burn up my current supply, so that I can place an order with somebody!

I would really like to purchase some more Japanese aftershaves, but am having trouble finding a trusted vendor that carries a good selection....

[tvldatsi]

I would love to try some of this stuff, I have really only used two AS splashes and 0 balms, the feather asb is on my wish list, where are ya'll getting this stuff, besides those of you who have access to japanese markets/japan ?

[Luc]

I would love to try some of this stuff, I have really only used two AS splashes and 0 balms, the feather asb is on my wish list, where are ya'll getting this stuff, besides those of you who have access to japanese markets/japan ?

That's the issue, if you don't have access to a Japanese Market or live in Japan, it's a bit difficult. If a vendor would stock those on a regular basis, it would probably sell like hot cakes! :laugh:

[The Nid Hog]

That's the issue, if you don't have access to a Japanese Market or live in Japan, it's a bit difficult. If a vendor would stock those on a regular basis, it would probably sell like hot cakes! :laugh:

It would make things easier, wouldn't it? I don't have to go to Little Vienna to get Alt Innsbruck (is there such a thing as Little Vienna?), hike through the highlands to buy Castle Forbes, or find an Italian barber to get Proraso. I can drive to a brick and mortar ten minutes from my house and find splashes that have magical powers. Yet the Japanese aftershaves remain mysteriously out of reach.

[Montecristo #2]

Each one of these I have tried (MANDOM, Lucido, Bravas) have performed at or above the level of their European brethren. On top of that every after shave I have purchased has had nice packaging as well (read: glass bottles, heavy plastic caps.) while still remaining at a price far less that similar products, DR Harris, TOBS, Trumper, T&H, Penns...etc.

Where I come from, we call that value.

[xillion]

I would love to try some of this stuff, I have really only used two AS splashes and 0 balms, the feather asb is on my wish list, where are ya'll getting this stuff, besides those of you who have access to japanese markets/japan ?


That's the issue, if you don't have access to a Japanese Market or live in Japan, it's a bit difficult. If a vendor would stock those on a regular basis, it would probably sell like hot cakes! :laugh:


I would really like to purchase some more Japanese aftershaves, but am having trouble finding a trusted vendor that carries a good selection....

Just read that a B&B vendor has MANDOM, Lucido, and Bravas!

See OP here:

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=186473

[Seraphim]

I finally bought a bottle of Shiseido Vintage.
Can't wait to try it.

http://www.christophermendoza.com/razors/vintage.jpg

Interesting bottle!

The Vintage that Ive bought over there came in a circular profile bottles, not cylindrical like that.

[Luc]

Just read that a B&B vendor has MANDOM, Lucido, and Bravas!

See OP here:

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=186473

That's very good! It's a start! Thanks for posting! :thumbup1:

[xillion]

Interesting bottle!

The Vintage that Ive bought over there came in a circular profile bottles, not cylindrical like that.

The bottle that I have is a tiny, only 20ml. The regular size bottle is the one shown in Lucs picture.

[Luc]

The bottle that I have is a tiny, only 20ml. The regular size bottle is the one shown in Lucs picture.

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/Shiseido#Vintage

[Montecristo #2]

Just read that a B&B vendor has MANDOM, Lucido, and Bravas!

See OP here:

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=186473


This is excellent news! Royal Shave is a top notch vendor, I won't hesitate to add some after shave to my next soap/cream order.

[Seraphim]

I'm in Osaka again.

The local shop has Tactics.....I'm going to give it a go!:thumbup1:

[Montecristo #2]

I'm in Osaka again.

The local shop has Tactics.....I'm going to give it a go!:thumbup1:

Please report back, I like the sound of that.

[Luc]

And post some pictures of the aftershave with your experience!

[Seraphim]

OK, so I ran out to my local JAS dealer....

You gotta love an aftershave that comes with a mission statement propaganda leaflet inside!:thumbup1:

Yet another super-cool, high quality Japanese AS bottle. White opaque glass with a screw top and shaker applicator so you don't waste any of the precious AS nectar....also came packaed in a box FWIW.


Had a nice AOS Sandalwood and KAI Excella shave, and followed it up with my new Tactics AS.


Result?


:thumbup1:

Gives a nice, super intense, "whoa...whoa....WHOA...." AI sort of burn that lasts but a couple of moments and then dissapears(I love that about alcohol splashes:thumbup1:) whilst eveloping you in a blast of what I experienced as lemon and fresh cut grass. For me the scent came on very strong with the initial application, but very quickly faded away. I was surprised at how intense the fragrance was upon application, as sniffing at the bottle did not reveal a very powerful aroma, just a bit of a "green" scent.

Bracing? Oh yes! Tightens up them pores like no tomorrow.

Moisturizing? Nope, doesn't seem to help moisturize whatsoever (most splashes don't of course.....with the possible exception of Lucido).

But they do sell a Tactics skin conditioner.......

:w00t:

Nice, unique scent. Definitely not to be catagorized along with some of the "powdery" Japanese ASs. A very bright scent that doesn't appear to linger overly long. My wife doesn't care for any of the JAS I've tried to date, we'll see what she thinks about this one.....

[The Nid Hog]

I'm glad to hear you like the Tactics. It's my current favorite Japanese AS. If you can grab a bottle of the concentrated Tactics cologne, you should do it. I don't know if it's out of production or not, but it's almost impossible to find.

[Seraphim]

I'm glad to hear you like the Tactics. It's my current favorite Japanese AS. If you can grab a bottle of the concentrated Tactics cologne, you should do it. I don't know if it's out of production or not, but it's almost impossible to find.

I think they had the complete Tactics lineup, from hair tonic to skin cream.




This guy (http://compare.ebay.com/like/320608051191?ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar) is charging a nice premium for Tactics products.

[Seraphim]

I'm glad to hear you like the Tactics. It's my current favorite Japanese AS. If you can grab a bottle of the concentrated Tactics cologne, you should do it. I don't know if it's out of production or not, but it's almost impossible to find.

I also just saw the complete lineup of Tactics at the Suisedo counter at the local Keihan department store here in Moriguchi.

[Montecristo #2]

Thank you for the review and great photos. I like your description of the scent. Now I'm interested and will have to track this down. The mission statement is priceless, it sounds so serious.

...And that's the cleverest Tactic of all.

[Seraphim]

I found a video of The Nid Hog tracking down a rare Japanese aftershave.....

He'll go to any length once his aftershave AD flares up!


(not appropriate for workplace viewing due to the last 20 seconds)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7qJD0a3jWg

[The Nid Hog]

I found a video of The Nid Hog tracking down a rare Japanese aftershave.....

He'll go to any length once his aftershave AD flares up!


(not appropriate for workplace viewing due to the last 20 seconds)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7qJD0a3jWg

What the heck??? My parole office promised me that they wouldn't release this! At least they didn't put the one up where I was looking for MANDOM!

[Montecristo #2]

I found a video of The Nid Hog tracking down a rare Japanese aftershave.....

He'll go to any length once his aftershave AD flares up!


(not appropriate for workplace viewing due to the last 20 seconds)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7qJD0a3jWg


That was awesome. Why can't all commercials be like that (especially the last 20 seconds). Lesson learned: Don't cross Nid Hog when he's out of after shave lotion.

[Seraphim]

What the heck??? My parole office promised me that they wouldn't release this! At least they didn't put the one up where I was looking for MANDOM!

Yeah, well I had a personal copy of the video.

You see, that was Thunderball, Montecristo, and myself standing in line at the pharmacy simply waiting to get a Lucido refill, when all of a sudden you burst in....


:w00t:

[SilverKarn]

I just ordered a 2 bottles of Lucido from RoyalShave, i know the bottles contain more than a bottle of proraso aftershave, but could anyone post a picture of the bottle compared to some common aftershaves?

By common i mean bottles of Aqua Velva, Old Spice, Proraso, ect....

[Luc]

I just ordered a 2 bottles of Lucido from RoyalShave, i know the bottles contain more than a bottle of proraso aftershave, but could anyone post a picture of the bottle compared to some common aftershaves?

By common i mean bottles of Aqua Velva, Old Spice, Proraso, ect....

I don't have a bottle of Lucido but it says 125ml and Proraso is 100ml...

[SilverKarn]

I don't have a bottle of Lucido but it says 125ml and Proraso is 100ml...

Yeah, but from the photos i have seen, either the photos were taken with the Lucido by some VERY small bottles, or the bottle is only half round.

All the pictures i see make the bottle look like its as tall as an Old Spice bottle and round all the way to the top, which is impossible because a bottle of Old spice (glass) is 125ml and its tapered, so how tall is the bottle?

[Luc]

Yeah, but from the photos i have seen, either the photos were taken with the Lucido by some VERY small bottles, or the bottle is only half round.

All the pictures i see make the bottle look like its as tall as an Old Spice bottle and round all the way to the top, which is impossible because a bottle of Old spice (glass) is 125ml and its tapered, so how tall is the bottle?

Well, there's this picture
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s257/nuskool73/P1010110.jpg
The bottle of MG5 (middle) is around the same height of Proraso.

This picture shows Lucido in front and L'Occitane CADE right behind it
http://www.christophermendoza.com/razors/lucido.jpg

[Seraphim]

Lucido comes in a bottle that is oblong in cross section, it is not cylyndrical.

()

Connect the two parenthesis, and you have the Lucido bottle shape. A rounded front and back, connected by short straight sections along the sides.

[Luc]

Lucido comes in a bottle that is oblong in cross section, it is not cylyndrical.

()

Connect the two parenthesis, and you have the Lucido bottle shape. A rounded front and back, connected by short straight sections along the sides.

Ah, I see it now looking at the two pictures... If I look at the bottom of the bottle, you can clearly see it's not round.

[Seraphim]

Here's a shot of the bottom.

[Montecristo #2]

It's actually a very cool bottle. Look's like a smaller version of something a super premium vodka would be sold in. Very simple and understated, yet elegant at the same time. The lack of a paper label is a huge bonus as well.

[Montecristo #2]

Plus that Lucido skin conditioner (ASB) you're holding is dynamite as well.

[SilverKarn]

Lucido comes in a bottle that is oblong in cross section, it is not cylyndrical.

()

Connect the two parenthesis, and you have the Lucido bottle shape. A rounded front and back, connected by short straight sections along the sides.

well that explains it then!


Here's a shot of the bottom.

Thats the perfect shot, now i know why i thought it looked bigger than it actually was.

[Montecristo #2]

Thats the perfect shot, now i know why i thought it looked bigger than it actually was.

That's what she said.



Sorry, I couldn't resist.

[BBchew]

The clear bottle of Lucido is unscented according to the Japanese words on the cap.

p/s: actually both the Lucido above are unscented.

[Montecristo #2]

You are correct. They work well together, but I enjoy using the unscented balm to follow other scented after shaves without stepping on their toes. Another quality product from Mandom.

[Seraphim]

You are correct. They work well together, but I enjoy using the unscented balm to follow other scented after shaves without stepping on their toes. Another quality product from Mandom.

Bingo!

Very good stuff!

[Luc]

Lucido is on my short list... I wasn't very keen but now that I know there's menthol in there, I have to try it!

[Montecristo #2]

Lucido is on my short list... I wasn't very keen but now that I know there's menthol in there, I have to try it!

IMO, Lucido has the ideal amount of menthol.

[The Nid Hog]

IMO, Lucido has the ideal amount of menthol.

It's the perfect AS to have if you wear a cologne too.

[Seraphim]

Lucido is on my short list... I wasn't very keen but now that I know there's menthol in there, I have to try it!

It also is about as "moisturizing" as an alcohol splash can be.

[Luc]

It also is about as "moisturizing" as an alcohol splash can be.

:laugh: I'm sold already, no need to sell it more! :laugh:

[BBchew]

I need to buy some ...

[tvldatsi]

Yeah I want some, I am almost certain some of the guys I've read on this forum are ad men or salespeople

[Montecristo #2]

Yeah I want some, I am almost certain some of the guys I've read on this forum are ad men or salespeople

Who, me?

http://www.esquire.com/cm/esquire/images/3g/esq-9-don-draper-sunglasses-101510-lg.jpg

[Sir Sartana]

Bump for a great thread........must order Mandom:w00t:

[DrColossus11]

Recently acquired some Lucido splash and balm and I don't know if I ever want to use anything else. I absolutely love them both. The splash has a slight menthol that doesn't linger.

[Seraphim]

Recently acquired some Lucido splash and balm and I don't know if I ever want to use anything else. I absolutely love them both. The splash has a slight menthol that doesn't linger.

My fave is to take the unscented Lucido, and "spike it" with Alt Insbruck, or another AS that I dig the scent of. That way you get the pleasant aroma of The Alt (or AS of preference), and the fantastic AS capacity of Lucido.:thumbup1:

[Luc]

I love this thread! I am almost done with my bottle of Vintage AS. I still have the Vintage Eau de Toilette (Thanks again Chris for those!). I will review the AS in the review section, I should be done in the next 3 weeks or so, it's currently my daily AS.

If you are joining us for the first time in this thread (:biggrin:), please consult the wiki for a full list of what's available: http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/Category:Japanese_Aftershave_Compendium

Lúcido Aftershave is the next purchase that I will have but I also need to finish a bottle of MG5 and 9 o'clock (also to be reviewed).

[Montecristo #2]

Why wait. You'll certainly regret not trying it sooner.

[saf]

You all are rough. Now I am going to have to drive to the burbs and eat ramen and pick up some new aftershaves.

[ESTEBE VERDE]

Well, hopefully not. There are however plenty of hard-ass tough guys here...they just aren't considered 'mainstream popular' or 'cool' with the general populace. Years ago when I walked into my first dojo here I was like 'holy crap!' where have all these destroyers been hiding?! I found out what a puss I was after the first 5 minutes. :blush:

Judo? JuJitzu? Kendo??? :biggrin1:

[Bluebriz]

I had no idea there were so many decent aftershaves here!
I was actually just looking for Kanwa, tried 3 different places and none had any sign of it. I did see Bravas, Valcan, MG5 and Lucido though. As well as Mandom!

Don't want to buy them all, just something subtle, maybe a hint of mint or menthol, just nothing too strong as that just won't fly at work or home!

[Montecristo #2]

I had no idea there were so many decent aftershaves here!
I was actually just looking for Kanwa, tried 3 different places and none had any sign of it. I did see Bravas, Valcan, MG5 and Lucido though. As well as Mandom!

Don't want to buy them all, just something subtle, maybe a hint of mint or menthol, just nothing too strong as that just won't fly at work or home!

You, my friend, are an ideal candidate for Lucido. Run back to the store and stock up.

[Bluebriz]

You, my friend, are an ideal candidate for Lucido. Run back to the store and stock up.

Heh heh! I already went and bought the Lucido skin conditioner and aftershave lotion.

Got the MG5 to try as well, and as i couldn't find Kanwa anywhere, i emailed Feather directly, as they very kindly send stuff out and let you pay later at the post office, and i figured if anyone has it, they will! :001_smile

[The Nid Hog]

Heh heh! I already went and bought the Lucido skin conditioner and aftershave lotion.

Got the MG5 to try as well, and as i couldn't find Kanwa anywhere, i emailed Feather directly, as they very kindly send stuff out and let you pay later at the post office, and i figured if anyone has it, they will! :001_smile

You should try all the ones you mentioned. I don't exactly know what the deal is with Kanwa. Maybe it's made for the barber industry. Anyway, the ones that they have in the stores are good enough that you'll never miss it. Keep an eye out for 9 O'Clock too.

[Bluebriz]

You should try all the ones you mentioned. I don't exactly know what the deal is with Kanwa. Maybe it's made for the barber industry. Anyway, the ones that they have in the stores are good enough that you'll never miss it. Keep an eye out for 9 O'Clock too.

I'll see what Feather say. They've been very nice before so maybe.....

I just tried MG5 and first impressions are very good. Think i'll need moisturiser after, but it has a subtle scent, very clean and fresh, so i could wear this one at work with no issues i think.... I'll see what the wife says.... :tongue_sm

[Zarba]

I make this post to ask why Japanese aftershaves are not more popular among wetshavers. We have a good time joking about Mandom but, to be perfectly honest, it is far from the best of what is available in Japan. Lucido, Auslese, MG5, Valcan and Bravas are all outstanding and I would put them up against any of the other aftershaves that are in use among our members. Plus they're just cool as heck. What's more, they do have genuinely interesting, slightly offbeat aftershaves like Mandom and Eroica for the true seeker.

They are also very reasonably priced. So why is it that none of the fine vendors who offer interesting and obscure (in the US anyway) products from Europe carry these? Why haven't they taken off in popularity like the other esoteric lotions that have been found in Portuguese and Italian barber shops, Austrian haberdasheries, and English men's clubs? Why haven't our members been crying out for the comfort and joy that they provide? I'm sure that there are a few of our members who grew up using Proraso or TOBS, but most saw a review on the boards and decided to find some. Why not more love for Valcan or Bravas?

I have no answer. For me, it's no big deal to resupply my own modest needs. But not everybody else can rely on that regular trip to Tokyo, just like we don't all get to Rome, London, Vienna or Lisbon as often as we might like. What say you, my shaving brethren? Isn't it time to stand up and cry out for aftershaves from the Land of the Rising Sun?
Mandom is available through Royal Shave on Amazon. $9.95 + $ 5.95 shipping

[Big Jay]

FYI:

Lucido line is available in Mitsuwa market in Edgewater, NJ.

The sensitive is some DAMN fine after shave. I suspect the regular is as well. However, I only use the sensitive on my neck. Occasionally all over if i had a rough shave.

[Bluebriz]

You should try all the ones you mentioned. I don't exactly know what the deal is with Kanwa. Maybe it's made for the barber industry. Anyway, the ones that they have in the stores are good enough that you'll never miss it. Keep an eye out for 9 O'Clock too.

Just in case you were interested, Feather advised me that Kanwa isn't sold by them direct to customers, only to companies and barbershop suppliers and the like. That said, they gave me a link to buy online at rakuten and suggested i speak to local barbers, as they might be willing to sell/order me some.

[Bluebriz]

FYI:

Lucido line is available in Mitsuwa market in Edgewater, NJ.

The sensitive is some DAMN fine after shave. I suspect the regular is as well. However, I only use the sensitive on my neck. Occasionally all over if i had a rough shave.

Haven't tried the sensitive one, but the regular one does an excellent job on my occasionally tender neck areas!

[Big Jay]

Haven't tried the sensitive one, but the regular one does an excellent job on my occasionally tender neck areas!

The sensitive is really nice. Has a nice after cooling effect with this really peculiar moisturizer. Leaves your skin feeling moisturized but not greasy. I use it as my all over after shave at night for the moisturizing aspect and the low scent level. For whatever reason I can't sleep if i use a full scented after shave.

[Montecristo #2]

Just another great reason to use Lucido.

[Bluebriz]

I've never even seen the sensitive one here...hmmm, will have to keep an eye out for it!

[Montecristo #2]

I've never even seen the sensitive one here...hmmm, will have to keep an eye out for it!

I've tried it. They have it Japanese markets, I didn't think it was as great as the classic Lucido AS. Plus it was in a plastic bottle, that's a big No-No.

[Bluebriz]

I've tried it. They have it Japanese markets, I didn't think it was as great as the classic Lucido AS. Plus it was in a plastic bottle, that's a big No-No.

I got it to try today, along with the MG5 skin conditioner which i hadn't seen before.

I have to say, it's very weird to see aftershaves in big 2 litre plastic bottles. They had Auslese and Bravas in the place i went to today!

[Montecristo #2]

I got it to try today, along with the MG5 skin conditioner which i hadn't seen before.

I have to say, it's very weird to see aftershaves in big 2 litre plastic bottles. They had Auslese and Bravas in the place i went to today!

2 litres is a week's supply for Nid Hog. And they put it in plastic for me on account of my butter fingers.

[Bluebriz]

2 litres is a week's supply for Nid Hog. And they put it in plastic for me on account of my butter fingers.

:biggrin1:

[Luc]

Anyone got an ingredient list of those AS to update Wiki?

[The Nid Hog]

2 litres is a week's supply for Nid Hog. And they put it in plastic for me on account of my butter fingers.

A week? I can't scrimp like that!

I'm in Japan now, so I'm off to the store to do some aftershave shopping tonight. I'm not going to go crazy until I get to Tokyo where there is a new/retro one called "Burley" that I'm going to check out.

[mlp2147]

Hopefully I'll be able to score some of these from a co-worker's soon to be wife.

[Montecristo #2]

A week? I can't scrimp like that!

I'm in Japan now, so I'm off to the store to do some aftershave shopping tonight. I'm not going to go crazy until I get to Tokyo where there is a new/retro one called "Burley" that I'm going to check out.

Wasn't "Burley" your nickname in high school?

How'd the hunt go? Find anything interesting?

[EmptyB]

I am trying to sell a used bottle of Bravas on the BST forum, and there has been zero point zero interest thus far. I thought I'd mention it here before I pull the listing, close the post, and treat my toilet to some praiseworthy AS splash.

[Bluebriz]

I am trying to sell a used bottle of Bravas on the BST forum, and there has been zero point zero interest thus far. I thought I'd mention it here before I pull the listing, close the post, and treat my toilet to some praiseworthy AS splash.

Bravas is nice stuff, if i didn't already have a bottle and easy access to it i would have taken it off your hands. Can't believe nobody is interested!

[The Nid Hog]

I am trying to sell a used bottle of Bravas on the BST forum, and there has been zero point zero interest thus far. I thought I'd mention it here before I pull the listing, close the post, and treat my toilet to some praiseworthy AS splash.

Don't throw it out--PiF it to somebody. The shaving gods look favorably on those who conserve AS.

[The Nid Hog]

Wasn't "Burley" your nickname in high school?

How'd the hunt go? Find anything interesting?

Burley? More like Lumpy.

I picked up a bottle of Tactics AS (I got the EdT and some kind of body splash by mistake last summer) and a bottle of MG5 for everyday use. I'm going to Tokyo in two weeks, so I'll check for the Burley then.

[Bluebriz]

Burley? More like Lumpy.

I picked up a bottle of Tactics AS (I got the EdT and some kind of body splash by mistake last summer) and a bottle of MG5 for everyday use. I'm going to Tokyo in two weeks, so I'll check for the Burley then.

I love the MG5!
Tactics always seems really expensive to me though, so i can't bring myself to buy it. How much did you pay for it? (if you don't mind my asking)

[The Nid Hog]

I think I paid around Y1400 for it. It retails for Y1500, but the shopkeeper knocked about ¥100 off because I had bought some other stuff the day before.

[Bluebriz]

The only product i've ever seen in their range is around 3500yen every time i see it...must not be the same thing i guess....

[EmptyB]

Don't throw it out--PiF it to somebody.
Good idea. Who wants it? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?

[EmptyB]

Someone stepped up to save the Bravas from a watery grave. It's leaving on a jet plane tomorrow.

[The Nid Hog]

The only product i've ever seen in their range is around 3500yen every time i see it...must not be the same thing i guess....

That's probably the EdT--I think it comes in at about that.

[Bluebriz]

That's probably the EdT--I think it comes in at about that.

i might have to have a look tonight....this will be the last AS i buy for a while i think.....

[Luc]

I have to bump this thread up because it contain good information and again, Japanese Aftershaves are great to use if you never did! If you use them already, you know what I'm talking about! They are difficult to find but if you can try one, you should jump on the occasion!

[Gam]

Feather Kanwa aftershave balm is great,goes wonderfully with any AS splash.

[MarkStar]

I have to bump this thread up because it contain good information and again, Japanese Aftershaves are great to use if you never did! If you use them already, you know what I'm talking about! They are difficult to find but if you can try one, you should jump on the occasion!

Good thinking! I almost started a Mandom thread yesterday just to get some conversation going again on the Japanese stuff...

[Bluebriz]

I always look out for this thread! Used the Lucido a few times over the weekend, quality stuff as always. Actually, it was the Lucido mild as the proper stuff ran out. Also have a bottle of the Lucido "anti-aging" or something like that, which i'll use when the mild runs out!

[Luc]

I'm out of Japanese AS at the moment but the next buy are going to be Mandom, Lucido and MG5... Probably 2 bottles each...

[bjh618]

Im still rationing my bottle of MG5, but it is also on the shopping list. Probably my favourite a/s

[CptBlueBear]

I tried 9'Oclock thanks to Luc and the Aussie Traveling box. Good stuff, but I was a little disappointed that it wasn't more exotic, more Japanese. I don't know what I was expecting and I have no clue what I mean by "Japanese" in an aftershave. It was good, however and I'd certainly add it to my collection of foreign toiletries that you can't get in Aus (currently two items :lol:) if I saw it. Maybe when the next person I know goes to Japan I'll see what they can pick up...

[Bluebriz]

I used my Tactics today. I love the smell! It's so clean and fresh smelling! Crisp even!

[Luc]

I tried 9'Oclock thanks to Luc and the Aussie Traveling box. Good stuff, but I was a little disappointed that it wasn't more exotic, more Japanese. I don't know what I was expecting and I have no clue what I mean by "Japanese" in an aftershave. It was good, however and I'd certainly add it to my collection of foreign toiletries that you can't get in Aus (currently two items :lol:) if I saw it. Maybe when the next person I know goes to Japan I'll see what they can pick up...

Try wasabi!

[tml]

I just got my first bottle of Lucido from Royal Shave and tried it out this morning. I loved it! I've been looking for a scentless or short lived scent aftershave so that I can wear cologne without clashing. This morning was only my first use, but I may have found the ONE.

[xillion]

Lucido is fantastic stuff. Enjoy it.

[jakko]

Still on a hunt for bravia and mg5. Any ideas where to get them in Hong Kong?

[craig87c]

I got a bottle of Mandom a month or so ago at a B&B meetup. I have to say, it's got great skin conditioning qualities for me...and the gf loves the smell. Always a plus!

[anbu]

How does Mandom compare to Speick? that's the only splash I have and tried. Is Mandom's smell light or overpowering? Thanks in advance.

[Seraphim]

MANDOM is like getting slapped in the face by Charles Bronson, and then having him douse you in lighter fluid and ignite you with a blazing six shooter.

Not for the faint of heart!

[man00ver]

How does Mandom compare to Speick? that's the only splash I have and tried. Is Mandom's smell light or overpowering? Thanks in advance.

Mandom smells nothing like Speick. It's a dry leather chypre, VERY reminiscent of Aramis with a bit lighter scent. It's nice to the skin, but not as much as Speick.

[The Nid Hog]

Thunderball wrote a nice review a while ago. I don't think that Mandom is the world's greatest aftershave if you're looking for something that does great things for your face. But I can't imagine being without it.

http://badgerandblade.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=92568&title=mandom&cat=42

[dannymayo]

Mandom doesn't fade like most splashes, it really lingers. It wasn't as conditioning/moisturizing as I like. If you want a detailed description just get on youtube and look up "charles bronson mandom commercial". It's worth looking up.

[Luc]

I got to push this thread back up. Japanese AS is quite something guys and if you never tried them, please do. I know they are difficult to find and can be very expensive but, they are very unique. I know what I would get if I would go to Japan on holiday!

[sir-nix-alot]

What is the cleanest youngest most modern jap scent?

[Luc]

What is the cleanest youngest most modern jap scent?

I would say 9 o'clock is the 'youngest' scent yes. I much prefer stuff like MG5 or Bravas (old school) but the 9 o'clock is a great product!

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Kanebo_Nine_OClock_Aftershave

[sir-nix-alot]

I would say 9 o'clock is the 'youngest' scent yes. I much prefer stuff like MG5 or Bravas (old school) but the 9 o'clock is a great product!

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Kanebo_Nine_OClock_Aftershave
Which
one is the most sophisticated?