Well Sue--here we go!

[MJB]

I have not really tried many shave soaps so I though I would give it a real whirl. I figured support the locals and purchased 4 flavors from Sue at St. Charles Shave--I drive through the area twice a week and have an office in the region. The prices seem pretty reasonable so I will try 4. I selected Sandalwood as a standard, New Spice as the feature fragance of St Charles Shave, Citrus Pie, and Rose since so many talk of it and up until now I could never imagine myself using that.

I have heard mixed reviews of St, Charles Shave but mostly pretty positive and Sue is the local team so I figured I try there first. Any ideas about what I will encounter.

MJB

[rtaylor61]

I have not really tried many shave soaps so I though I would give it a real whirl. I figured support the locals and purchased 4 flavors from Sue at St. Charles Shave--I drive through the area twice a week and have an office in the region. The prices seem pretty reasonable so I will try 4. I selected Sandalwood as a standard, New Spice as the feature fragance of St Charles Shave, Citrus Pie, and Rose since so many talk of it and up until now I could never imagine myself using that.

I have heard mixed reviews of St, Charles Shave but mostly pretty positive and Sue is the local team so I figured I try there first. Any ideas about what I will encounter.
MJB

Great lather, a wonderful aroma (have breakfast ready before using the Citrus Pie...you WILL be hungry after using that one), a close, smooth shave. If you are looking for anything else, you are buying the wrong products!

Randy

[Austin]

Great scents, nice lather and a lubricating shave. What more could you want. Enjoy.

[letterk]

Great lather and close shave. I love Citrus Pie and Savory Rose.

[Rik]

Great scents, nice lather and a lubricating shave. What more could you want. Enjoy.
I agree!

[rtaylor61]

I'll say one thing about the Savory Rose. I'm not a "rose" guy. Not at all. I ordered Sue's Savory Rose. Soon followed by T&H Rose Shaving Cream. Soon followed by Thayer's Rose Witch Hazel.

Hey, Sue, this is ALL your fault.

Oh, yeah, ordered the Savory Rose for the g/f as well!

Good stuff!

Randy

[roughrider]

Sue is great to deal with.

[Rik]

I'll say one thing about the Savory Rose. I'm not a "rose" guy. Not at all. I ordered Sue's Savory Rose. Soon followed by T&H Rose Shaving Cream. Soon followed by Thayer's Rose Witch Hazel.

Hey, Sue, this is ALL your fault.

Oh, yeah, ordered the Savory Rose for the g/f as well!

Good stuff!

Randy
For an out of this world experience, lather up both savory rose and shamrock then mix them in your shaving bowl. Close your eyes and you'd swear there was a fresh bouquet of roses sitting in front of you. INCREDIBLE!!!

[McNutt]

I ordered my sixth soap from Sue this week. I've only been wetshaving for six months, so why do I need so many soaps? Because Sue's soaps are fun. I can't wait to smell this Savory Rose everybody talks about. I never thought I would be a rose guy, but I have a tube of Trumper's Rose that smells great.

[Kyle]

Great scents, nice lather and a lubricating shave. What more could you want. Enjoy.
Ditto.

[Sue]

NJB,
Thank you for trying my soaps! I sincerely hope you are happy with your purchase. Once you have had the opportunity to use them, I look forward to your opinion; good or bad, either here or by email if you prefer.

Hhmmm, Mixing Savory Rose with Shamrock, eh? I'm going to have to mix some and smell that myself. It sounds like very good potential as a fragrance of the month, or a bath bar, or a shower gel, lotion or ?? ...... HEY! please don't get me started :).
Sue

[htownmmm]

Let's see..... I have ginger lime,savory rose, orange sorbet, new spice, citrus basil, and cool lime on order. :drool:

Why? :confused:


WHY NOT!:w00t:

I think if these soaps had been around when the gillettes were initially out, most men would have never switched to the multi blades.

Plus, saint sue is a pleasure to deal with.


Marty

[letterk]

For an out of this world experience, lather up both savory rose and shamrock then mix them in your shaving bowl. Close your eyes and you'd swear there was a fresh bouquet of roses sitting in front of you. INCREDIBLE!!!

I tried this mix this morning and it was great!

[Rik]

NJB,
Thank you for trying my soaps! I sincerely hope you are happy with your purchase. Once you have had the opportunity to use them, I look forward to your opinion; good or bad, either here or by email if you prefer.

Hhmmm, Mixing Savory Rose with Shamrock, eh? I'm going to have to mix some and smell that myself. It sounds like very good potential as a fragrance of the month, or a bath bar, or a shower gel, lotion or ?? ...... HEY! please don't get me started :).
Sue
All of the above please. :biggrin:

[Sue]

I mixed this fragrance combo earlier today and it does smell wonderful! I had an empty Bamboo Diffuser on hand and it is now filled with the mix. Tomorrow my kitchen will smell heavenly with this scent as the reeds fill with the oils.

I will seriously look at offering this when I have a bit more time. Am busy trying to get my new EDT launched. Thank you for the excellant suggestion.
Sue

[MJB]

Sue--Thanks for replying. Look forward to receiving the package.

I sadly have a little problem. Not as bad as some problems but a bit of one. I have a known peanut allergy and may have had an accidental ingestion--usually pretty obvious and lasts about 18 hours unless I shoot myself up with epinephrine. Ate something suspicious on Wed or may have actually had an insect bite. In any case, I got hives bad enough and long lasting enough to be on high doses of prednisone and Allegra. Usually acute urticaria (hives) doesn't last 3 days but that's where I am now--ugh! This is the first 3 day reaction I have had so I'm in uncharted territory--can't say I have been on prednisone for decades; gosh I hope this clears up soon! Let me emphasize, I have used no new products recently so I am convinced this is not a shaving product reaction.

Bottom line when the package arrives, I hope the hives are gone because I don't think it would be smart to try something new during a pre-existing outbreak. So if anyone knows a hives go away dance (or prayer better yet) I'll send the music. I'm really excited about these new soaps so I need this reaction to go away.

Again thanks for the good wishes Sue--how's that for customer service; top shelf I would say!

MJB

[Sue]

MJB,

Hives are miserable. I used to break out from O.D.'ing on fresh strawberries or from becoming too cold, of all things. My adult daughter breaks out when under extreme stress. Benadryl can sometimes help but if not, quick taper prednisone. I hope they clear very soon for you.

I am happy that you didn't order an Almond. It seems that the Almond soaps (mine and other brands) are not good for those with a high sensitivity. Do a 24 hour skin patch test for anything new prior to using it and read every label for peanuts, it's oils or derivatives in food items.

Please be cognizant of the dangers of high dose prednisone long term; cataracts, obesity/weight gain, diabetes, and bone loss to name only a few. It's a cheap, quick fix drug but carries it's own risks.

Sue

[MJB]

MJB,

Hives are miserable. I used to break out from O.D.'ing on fresh strawberries or from becoming too cold, of all things. My adult daughter breaks out when under extreme stress. Benadryl can sometimes help but if not, quick taper prednisone. I hope they clear very soon for you.

I am happy that you didn't order an Almond. It seems that the Almond soaps (mine and other brands) are not good for those with a high sensitivity. Do a 24 hour skin patch test for anything new prior to using it and read every label for peanuts, it's oils or derivatives in food items.

Please be cognizant of the dangers of high dose prednisone long term; cataracts, obesity/weight gain, diabetes, and bone loss to name only a few. It's a cheap, quick fix drug but carries it's own risks.

Sue

Thanks, I'm all too aware. I'm an MD--trained as an internist and gastroenterologist--practicing gastreoenterologist and hepatologist. Sometimes, prednisone is needed. But I always start it with an exit or at the very least a dose reduction strategy. My personal doc is a top notch allergist so believe me the strategy to exit the prednisone is well in place--also believe me the antihistamines are in full swing. I don't treat myself--an unwise thing to do.

So far I have avoided almond containing skin products. I have a known peanut allergy and pretty sure pistachio but am not too sure about other tree nuts. I did RAST testing yesterday and checked almonds along with many other tree nuts and legumes. Another real concern for me may be latex. Gastroenertologist wear lots of latex gloves and this is a real possibility --and at least would identify something I could adress but switching to the less favored but at least usuable vinyl gloves.

Thanks again for caring. I really look forward to the products but to be fair to them, I will not try them out until this new problem is at the very least identified if not resolved. I would not want to imply your fine products when they don't deserve it. I will follow your suggestion about the patch testing.

MJB

[Kyle]

MJB,
Both for your sake and for the sake of not missing out on Sue's soaps, I hope that your quickly return to full health.

[Sue]

MJB,
I apologize to you and certainly meant no disrespect of your knowledge. I did not know your professional background. I personally was driven to disability by the rampant use of immunosuppresive therapy for the bacterial TH1 immune disease of neurosarcoidosis which went undiagnosed for five years. I was ignorant of the adverse effects of the drugs I was prescribed; high dose prednisone, IV medrol, and MTX were the top three. Along with the disabling sx., I worsened to severe bone pain and frightening cardiac sx.

I am fighting my way back with ABX and have overcome the bone pain and cardiac sarc involvement which is what killed Philadelphia Eagle great, Reggie White.

Prednisone is such a powerful immunosuppressant and I worry when I hear of ppl taking it and possibly not knowing the risks. One of my best friends of over 30 years is now diabetic from pred. for her psoriasis and I have had cataracts removed from both eyes but have permanent vision loss. I have become a prednisone vigilante I suppose but in no way meant my previous post as a detriment to your knowledge.
Sue

[MJB]

MJB,
I apologize to you and certainly meant no disrespect of your knowledge. I did not know your professional background. I personally was driven to disability by the rampant use of immunosuppresive therapy for the bacterial TH1 immune disease of neurosarcoidosis which went undiagnosed for five years. I was ignorant of the adverse effects of the drugs I was prescribed; high dose prednisone, IV medrol, and MTX were the top three. Along with the disabling sx., I worsened to severe bone pain and frightening cardiac sx.

I am fighting my way back with ABX and have overcome the bone pain and cardiac sarc involvement which is what killed Philadelphia Eagle great, Reggie White.

Prednisone is such a powerful immunosuppressant and I worry when I hear of ppl taking it and possibly not knowing the risks. One of my best friends of over 30 years is now diabetic from pred. for her psoriasis and I have had cataracts removed from both eyes but have permanent vision loss. I have become a prednisone vigilante I suppose but in no way meant my previous post as a detriment to your knowledge.
Sue
Sue-

First and foremost, I was IN NO WAY taken aback by your post. On the contrary, I was quite TOUCHED that you would care--so I APPRECIATE that. So no apology was necessary. I did want you NOT to worry that I am not taking this very seriously.

I am the first to admit, no drug (let alone prednisone) is without its very real downsides--I pick my prescriptions carefully and appreciate your understanding and experiences greatly.

I am really tickled to try your products and look forward to getting more in the future. People have posted so highly of you and now I know why.

Sue, my friend, here is to good health for both of us (and everyone else too) and I look forward to becoming a loyal customer.

MJB

[Sue]

MJB
(((hugs)))
Sue

[setherd]

Sue I am glad you posted this. My dad's wife has had a recent flair up of sarcoidosis. They are treating her with prednizone which has caused her blood sugar to go unstable, they now say she is type 2 diabetic. She has freq vision problems and has been to the ER too often to count the past couple months.
Do you mind if I email you with some questions?:confused:


MJB,
I apologize to you and certainly meant no disrespect of your knowledge. I did not know your professional background. I personally was driven to disability by the rampant use of immunosuppresive therapy for the bacterial TH1 immune disease of neurosarcoidosis which went undiagnosed for five years. I was ignorant of the adverse effects of the drugs I was prescribed; high dose prednisone, IV medrol, and MTX were the top three. Along with the disabling sx., I worsened to severe bone pain and frightening cardiac sx.

I am fighting my way back with ABX and have overcome the bone pain and cardiac sarc involvement which is what killed Philadelphia Eagle great, Reggie White.

Prednisone is such a powerful immunosuppressant and I worry when I hear of ppl taking it and possibly not knowing the risks. One of my best friends of over 30 years is now diabetic from pred. for her psoriasis and I have had cataracts removed from both eyes but have permanent vision loss. I have become a prednisone vigilante I suppose but in no way meant my previous post as a detriment to your knowledge.
Sue

[Sue]

Hi Seth,
Of course you can email me. PM me here or else use the 'contact' tab on my website which I will also receive. (www.saintcharlesshave.com (http://www.saintcharlesshave.com))

I'll bet her vision problems are iritis-uveitis related?
Sue

[MJB]

Just an update. The rash has not moved--its almost certainly not hives. While hives may persist they rarely last more than 18 hours and even if they do, the first affected areas resolve and then move around and creep up elsewhere.

Based upon some criteria, I am about 80 percent certain that I am suffering from an acute cutaneous vasculitis (aka leukocytoclastic vasculitis). The upsides, this will usually go away on its own over days to weeks--it will leave some marks behind but those too will fade over time. Other upsides, it usually is not associated with dangerous internal organ injury. The downsides of this--its unpleasant, it could happen again, and there are always (though not commonly) exceptions to the upsides

I am in a way fascinated by my watching my own immune complex disease evolve--strange feeling to be fascinated by your own illness.

Oh--by the way one more upside--since this isn't a contact injury or typical allergy (IgG mediated rather than IgE) I get to use my soaps when they arrive.

MJB

[MJB]

Well--my rash is much better and what is left is on the retreat--victory is mine!

Yesterday my soaps came. Not yet but this morning I made my penultimate jump to what I believe will make me a true wet shaver--still waiting for the HD to come in the mail.

So this is impression #1.

The background. I mostly shaved using the AOS system with Sandalwood cream (have a tube of Taylor's Sandalwood cream that I have used as well). The brush is the entry level AOS Pure Badger that comes with the kit--it's to be replaced soon. I'm eyeing the Shavemac line (the 26 mm acryllic transparent caught my eye) but eagerly wonder about the B & B brush. The razor is a Chrome handle Mach 3 Turbo (the Chrome handle is from Brookstone)--I did not use a brand new cartridge today.

I selected Savory Rose. I used few drop of pre-shave oil for head start ande lathered on the face rather than in a bowl. The lather was not as full as I have gotten with the cream but I don't know that I figured on the water/soap ratio yet and this is really my first soap experience so too early. Still the lather was definitely adequate and the shave was very comfortable. The real great thing today was the aroma. I really like the rose and could either smell it later or it was imprinted in my mind most of the morning--bottom line, I really enjoyed it!

I will continue to improve the technique and may lather in a bowl too. I suspect, I will get much better and clearly already feel adequately at home with the products after only one day. I suspect a bigger and (even with a soap I sense) softer brush would be better for me. So after one day success and much happiness. We'll see how the face reacts to this more chronically but something tells me I'm getting better at this.

Thank you Sue and thank you to all from whom I have learned at B & B.

MJB

[Sue]

MJB,
I am pleased to hear the rash has improved.

Thank you for the update on your first impression of my soap.

Happy brush hunting, I don't know how you guys choose, there is such a vast array available. Me, I'd probably pick the 'prettiest' handle or try to match my bathroom decor :)
Sue

[Nick]

Hhmmm, Mixing Savory Rose with Shamrock, eh? I'm going to have to mix some and smell that myself. It sounds like very good potential as a fragrance of the month, or a bath bar, or a shower gel, lotion or ?? ...... HEY! please don't get me started :).
Sue

Sounds like a winner to me! Anything to get Shamrock back in the lineup... If the Shamrock scent were available as a liqueur, I'd rapidly descend from lovable drunk to gutter trash. :blushing:

-Nick

[Austin]

Sounds like a winner to me! Anything to get Shamrock back in the lineup... If the Shamrock scent were available as a liqueur, I'd rapidly descend from lovable drunk to gutter trash. :blushing:

-Nick

:lol: :lol: :eek:

[MJB]

So I thought I'd keep a bit of an update as to where we are going.

First I have now used all four of the shaving soaps which I had originally ordered from Sue at St. Chales Shave. I now have ordered two more, three EDTs, and 2 after shave balms--that in and of itself says something I guess.

I also made several changes in technique at the same time. Most important, I am now using an HD rather than a M3 so a bit of a learning curve. I am also improving my ability to use a soap as up til now I have only used Taylors and AOS Sandalwoods as the more refined (or wetshaving type) creams. I have on order a 26 mm Shavebrush.

I do like the SCS soaps obviously. As yet I have been unable to get the same kind of lather as I could with the creams I had mentioned but it is improving every shave as I work on technique. My biggest limitation seems to be initially getting a reasonable amount of soap on the brush. I think that I need a few more swirls on the soap and a bit more patience generating lather in the bowl and finding the right water/soap mix. Also, I think the larger brush may help with this too.

What impresses me most are the aromas. They are much more fun than the Taylors and AOS in my opionion. 'Fun' may seem an odd choice of words but its the best I can think off. The AOS and Taylors by comparison seem austere and formal. The SCS scents are more spicy and food like; there is a playfulness to them without a bubble gum sense. With the AOS, I feel like I need to be very quiet and subdued--fall in the line with the rest of the establishment--SCS scents bring out more of the dancing ipod shadow from those ipod commercials; they have energy and personality.

As for my shaves, pretty good so far. Realize that I just switched to the DE razor and they technique is being mastered. I used too much pressure the first few shaves and suffered some razorburn and also post shaved only with Thayer's. I used a balm yesterday and less pressure and got a remarkable close shave and the face is well on the mend. I got a sample of B and B BayRum with a Twist and bought some as well several other EDTs and two balms. Honestly, I used to pay 50 to 75 dollars for a bottle of EDT and for that I could buy two of every EDT that Sue makes and have money left over.

Maybe this sounds silly, I like knowing that there is someone out there whose name I know who is making the soap I use. It's not some manufacturer, its not some big establishment, its Sue--the soap artist--from St. Charles. I can't be sure but it seems that Shavemacs are made by a gent names Berndt (is that right) so I know who made my soon to be delivered shaving brush. If I buy QED (I know it'll be Charles who seems a tough demanding sort based on his posts--and good for him) or Mama Bear is the other Sue (she sure seems nice too). I may endeavor to see if Charles and the other Sue might sell to me in the future as I descend into ?SCAD (shaving cream acquistion disorder?).

One the whole, I like all the soaps but maybe the Rose the best, or perhaps the Citrus Pie, or maybe the New Spice, or perhaps the Sandalwood---hah--I really don't gotta choose just shave for the moment. Today's plan is Citrus Basil, Tony's choice after shave balm, and 2-11 EDT. Also new blade for the HD today!

MJB

Addendum: Profoundly great lather today with Citrus Basil. Good shave. Liked the Tony's Choice Sensitive--vanilla? mint? Not too tacky.

MJB

[moses]

MJB,

Great to here the DE shaving is going well for you. And congratulations on all the new products (not to mention the skin clearing). It really is a lot of fun getting started with this stuff.

Btw, for the lather issues, there is a great tutorial with pictures that Scotto did around here somewhere, using QED soap. I found it extremely helpful, and was able to get a lather equally as thick as a cream lather after reading it. I do one think differently though. Rather than using a wet brush to start with, I shake it out pretty well - I find this results in less mess while swirling on the soap. Then I gradually add water to the bowl while I whip, so I can see when I get it right. But it sounds like maybe you've got that nailed as of your last shave, anyway.

I agree with you on the buying from people who's name you know. I recently got a Shavemac too, and got great service, as well as a very nice email from Berndt when I asked him a question about custom brushes. Likewise, Charles is great to deal with, and his sandlewood soap is fantastic. I am looking forward to buying from the Sues at SCS and Mama Bear soon. (My only complaint is that there are just too many makers of fabulous homemade soaps with too many scents to try them all :smile: ).

Shane

Forgot to mention. I use Cremo-Cream from time to time, which shaves like blazes, either with or without brush (great when I'm in a huge hurry), although the pina colada smell doesn't do it for me. I emailed the link from the website, and got a really nice thoughtful and personal response from Mike Boone, the founder of the company, so you can add that to your list....

[Leisureguy]

Anyone have a link for that great tutorial with photos?

[NMMB]

Anyone have a link for that great tutorial with photos?

Check in Pictorials & Videos (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=8)... you'll find most of the B&B tutorials in here.

[Leisureguy]

Many thanks.

[moses]

http://www.badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=439

Leisureguy - there you are.

Sorry about the long url - gotta learn how to make them short. Can I just use html tags to hide the url behind a linked word?

[Leisureguy]

Yes, that's the best way: highlight the word that will become the link, then click the little icon of a world with a link (tooltip says "Insert link") and you can insert the link. I ususally copy the link so I can just paste it in. This is especially nice with very long links (as with eBay) since using the link directly stretches out the whole page.

[moses]

Oh wow. That is easy. And I though I woudl have to write in the HTML myself....

[htownmmm]

One the whole, I like all the soaps but maybe the Rose the best, or perhaps the Citrus Pie, or maybe the New Spice, or perhaps the Sandalwood---hah--I really don't gotta choose just shave for the moment. Today's plan is Citrus Basil, Tony's choice after shave balm, and 2-11 EDT. Also new blade for the HD today!

MJB

Addendum: Profoundly great lather today with Citrus Basil. Good shave. Liked the Tony's Choice Sensitive--vanilla? mint? Not too tacky.

MJB

I know exactly how you feel about the SCS soaps-my hardest choice is to decide between the cool lime, orange sherbet, new spice, citrus basil, ginger lime, or the savory rose. I guess I'll have to buy the scents I don't currently own to at least make the decisions totally fair!


Marty

[MJB]

An update yet again-

I have become much better with these soaps. The improved brush has helped. I find that I really do my best lathering on my face (as the SCS page recommends) and now I make absolutely terrific lather.

The scents are terrific but I have picked my true favorite...drumroll please...its' Citrus Basil followed by Savory Rose.

I also very much like the colognes. 2-11 and Sandalwood I prefer very much and the 2-11 seems about the right scent for these hot days. ONE HALF spray lasts honestly 12-16 hours. Very nicely done Sue.

MJB

[Sue]

Thank you MJB!! No more hives, right ?
Sue

[MJB]

This is embarassing. It proved not to be anything as fancy as I first thought. It was a really, really, really, awful case of poison ivy--I knew it could be bad but not THIS bad. I have no idea how I first got it but on the back of my upper arm were the characteristic streaks that demonstrate the site of the initial innoculation. 99 percent better now and it flared with my first effort to wean the prednisone-thankfully I am down to 5 mg and will taper to tiny doses today just for a very slow taper and safety.

MJB

[Ashe]

Okay okay, I'm sold so I'm going to try out some of these soaps. Do any of you know which stores (preferrably in the UK, otherwise the US will do) happily ship these soaps to Belgium in an easy way? :001_smile

If this is not possible then I will have to pick up a few of these when I'm going back to Atlanta later this year.

[crackstar]

Sue, a new edt? wow, if it's anything like your New Spice, it'll be the winner of the year! That stuff just ROCKS! I LOVE it, and so does the wife!!! Thanks again so much!!

Jeff

[Sue]

I do ship internationally. There is a nominal Intl. up-charge due to the higher postal costs of Global Priority. I don't have any way to track a package once it leaves the US Postal Service however.
Sue

[Ashe]

Thanks for the info Sue. I'll PM you to get some more details if that's okay with you.

[Sue]

Of course Benjamin. Either PM or the 'contact' link on my website.
Best, Sue