A couple of years ago – a Norwegian couple, that is – I received a sample of Martin de Candre as part of a PiF from a fellow shaver. For the longest time I left it alone, but now I’ve have sampled my way through the sample.
Let me preface by repeating one of the basic tenants of traditional wetshaving:
That said…
I’ve read multiple reviews of MdC online, several made by wetshavers whose judgement I trusts. The overwhelming view seems to be that MdC is an awesome soap in every way. Personally I can’t see what the fuss is all about, less so given the high cost of it.
Yes, it is long lasting – but so are many of my other soaps.
Yes, it smells pretty nice – but so does many of my other soaps.
Yes, it makes great lather which cushions and provides great slip – but so does many of my other soaps.
No, it don’t leave my face feeling dry – but neither do many of my other soaps.
Yes, it is an overall solid performer – but so does many of my other soaps.
And yes, it’s costly – more so than many of my other soaps.
Perhaps my view on the McD would been different if I wasn’t blessed with soft water, perhaps I would been more awestruck by it if I wasn’t spoiled by a certain artisan soap maker…
Don’t get me wrong; there is nothing wrong with McD – far from it. But to me at least the McD isn’t so right I’ll go out and buy more – I rather stock up on more of Mike’s Natural Soaps which to me is just as good and comes in a lot more scents.
As I said, YMMV – but if you want to give McD a spin then do yourself a favour and get a sample first.