June 9, 2024
- Brush: AP Shave Co - Black/Gold Flakes - 30mm Oumo Boar #TOLL
- Razor: Diane Hair Shaper #WECKONISTA
- Blade: Fromm
- Lather: Summer Break Soaps – Picture Day Soap
- Post Shave: Summer Break Soaps – Picture Day Splash
- Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Hygge EdP
Smoke fills the room, as a meeting of shave artisans from around the globe gather for their monthly meeting. They're all tired. They meet regularly in the dimly lit streets of r/wetshaving where shadows danced with secrets and whispers echoed off cobblestone walls. They were are the darlings of the craft, their creations adored by connoisseurs who sought the exquisite aromas they concocted with passion and precision. But now, they were prisoners of their own success, shackled to the demand for barbershop scents that stifled their creativity and gnawed at their souls.
An artisan named Will took a long, drawn out drag on a cigarette. From the lit end, a long, cylindrical column of ash extended, seemingly defying gravity as it clung precariously to the cigarette. "I just don't know how much longer I can do this," he sighed. "I'm one of the best perfumers in this hobby and they want me to create another Barbershop scent..." He sounded beyond defeated.
A deafening silence filled the room. They all know the reality of the situation. The hive mind had asked for yet another barbershop scent and there's only so much one artisan can take.
Another artisan took a sip of whiskey from the dark corner and breaks the silence, "I'm telling you guys. Give up the barbershop scents. You'll feel better when you do." His voice was soft and gravely, yet his words projected across the room. Everyone stopped. You could cut the tension with a Weck. Kyle emerged from the darkness.
Some sneered, while others just shook their heads. Everyone was silent. That would be impossible! For their operations relied on the barbershop scents to stay afloat. They've created this monster and now they have to deal with the Frankenstein they birthed.
Kyle stood tall in the workshop, surrounded by shelves laden with exotic oils and dried herbs, his hands stained with the orange of Dorito dust. "You'll drive yourself insane if you keep doing Barbershops," he declared. Everyone knew he was right. His words carried the weight of years of frustration. "We're artisans, damn it, not puppets dancing to the tune of the masses. Set yourselves free and create something special! Something unique!"
His words hung heavy in the air. The others exchanged uneasy glances, their faces etched with doubt and fear. But Kyle's resolve was unwavering. He had made up his mind long ago, and he would not be swayed.
The other artisans knew there was truth in Kyle's words. But, they couldn't do it. While they would love to be done with Barbershop scents. They just couldn't. They had to bow to the whims of the masses, sacrificing their artistry for the sake of profit. While only Kyle would reclaim his craft, one tub of soap at a time, the rest would continue to grow weary, praying for a chance of artistic redemption, and just hoping to break free from their Crafters Choice prison.
But the path to Kyle's liberation was not without its obstacles. The public clamored for a re-release of Picture Day. Their voices were a cacophony of demands that threatened to drown out his voice of defiance.
But he would not be deterred. With steely determination and a heart as unyielding as a titanium razor, he would not back down. Kyle was armed with nothing but passion and unwavering belief in the power of his creativity. And a lot of lavender. As he stood in his quest for freedom, he knew that no matter the outcome, he had already won the greatest victory of all: the right to create on his own terms. And the sweet scent of defiance that lingered in the air would promise of a far brighter tomorrow than any Barbershop scent ever could. Maybe one day the other artisans would follow him, but today was not that day. For he was ahead of his time.
Fin.
My #FOF: Finishing up the shave with HoM Hygge is the most no brainer of every #FOF no-brainer there could possibly be. They’re both barbershop styles and share some of the same characteristics, but Hygge has a subtle citrus sweetness to it that really gives it an extra je-nais-se-quois where it is so much more than a barbershop fragrance. It’s clean, wearable, and there’s a musk that gives it an absolutely delightful warmth. These two scents share a lot of similar characteristics, but are wonderful on their own and amazing when layering the Hygge on top of the Picture Day Splash.
Challenge: I got a 15/32. I’m kinda pissed I missed Rawr.
Soap Theme Justification: From SBS: “This is my interpretation of a barbershop style scent, which was developed with my barbershop in mind”
Relevant Post Shave & Fragrance: Barbershops everywhere!