Sportsman Series Shaving Soap Review

By Micheal Schinella, also known as Long Island Shaving

Welcome to the Shave Den. Today I review the Sportsman Series shaving soap and matching splash, a collaboration between Andy Amaya at The Wet Shaving Store, Jerry Plescia of Shave Dad, and Master Soap Creations. I tested this set over several shaves and I am sharing my full impressions here.

Why this release matters

This release has been teased across the community, and I received a review set before launch. It is inspired by Versace Oud Noir, and it hits that woodsy, oud-forward profile very well. If you like masculine, attention-getting fragrances with oud and leather, this one deserves a close look.

What you get in the Sportsman Series set

• A tub of Master Soap Creations shaving soap in the Sportsman Series scent.
• A matching aftershave splash that is witch-hazel based and very moisturizing.

I built lather in my Spot Prints bowl and used the splash after shaving. Both parts of the set deserve attention for different reasons. The soap gives a great cushion and slickness, and the splash delivers scent intensity and skin comfort.

First impressions and release details

I received the set a week before the official release. I recorded my shaves in advance and had three shaves with the soap before publishing this review. The set was due to release on a Friday, and I will include a link to the release page below for convenience.

Thank you to Andy and Jerry for sending the set for review. I am sharing honest impressions based on real use.

Scent profile: notes and what I actually smell

The label lists these notes:

• Top: pepper, orange, neroli
• Mid: saffron, cardamom, frankincense
• Base: agarwood (oud), patchouli, leather

Right out of the tub I get a top-level spiciness with a touch of citrus. The citrus is subtle, not bright. The heart of the scent adds warm spices and a resinous frankincense character. The base is where this fragrance really shines. The oud and leather hang together and provide a deep, masculine woodsiness.

If you are familiar with Versace Oud Noir, this is a close, respectful take on that profile. It is not smoky. It evokes a piney, forest atmosphere rather than campfire smoke. That forest vibe is complemented by the label artwork and overall presentation.

Performance: lather, slickness, and cushion

Master Soap Creations uses a reliable base that whips up quickly and holds stable. With the Chisel and Hound 26 mm Enlightener knot I used, the lather built dense and cushiony in short order. The soap provided excellent residual slickness for shading and touch-ups.

I tested with a single quick pass since I shave daily. Even on one pass the soap offered enough protection to feel safe and comfortable with minimal irritation.

Hardware and setup I used

For this review I shaved with the following tools:

• Razor: Blackland Vector Ti. I recently switched from the stainless version to titanium and appreciate the low-profile head for detailing.
• Blade: Feather Professional blade, brand new for the featured shave.
• Brush: Chisel and Hound 26 mm Enlightener knot. This was my first brush from Chisel and Hound and my first time trying this knot. It is very soft and pillowy.
• Bowl: Spot Prints bowl for loading and face lathering.

The Vector Ti is great for shaping facial hair and controlling line work because the head sits low and makes the blade easier to see. Combined with the soap’s slickness, the shave felt precise.

Aftershave splash: texture, projection, and longevity

The aftershave splash is witch-hazel based and loaded with skin-friendly ingredients. It feels moisturizing, almost balm-like, and does not sting aggressively. That skin food quality makes it an ideal post-shave option for daily shavers.

In terms of scent, the splash increases the projection noticeably compared to the soap alone. I would rate the tub scent around medium intensity on first application. The splash pushes it to a higher projection and keeps it noticeable for several hours. In my experience the fragrance projected into late morning when worn early.

How it compares to other oud-forward soaps

If you like classic leather and oud fragrances from artisan shaving houses or designer fragrances like Ombre Leather or Tuscan Leather, you will find common ground here. The Sportsman Series is closer to Versace Oud Noir in overall impression. It is less smoky and more forest-like than some oud interpretations.

For people who worry about citrus top notes being too bright, the orange and neroli here are subtle. The blend favors woody and resinous notes with supporting spice.

Tips for getting the most from this soap and splash

• Use a dense, soft knot brush for maximum cushion and ease of lathering. The Enlightener knot worked very well for me.
• Load your brush generously into the tub for three good passes. For daily shavers, a lighter load will still build enough lather for a single pass.
• If you want stronger projection, apply the splash after you towel off. The splash amplifies the scent and gives a moisturizing finish.
• Try a Feather blade if you want a sharp, efficient cut. If you prefer milder shaves, test a less aggressive blade first.

Packaging and label notes

I really like the label design. It reinforces the woodsy, pine forest impression with simple graphics and clean typography. The packaging feels on point for a sportsman-style, masculine release.

Final verdict

The Sportsman Series shaving soap and splash form a solid set that delivers a refined oud and leather experience without feeling overwhelming. The soap base performs reliably with great cushion and slickness. The splash is skin-friendly and boasts strong projection and staying power.

If you enjoy woodsy, masculine scents with oud and leather at the base, this is a release you should not miss. I found it to be a standout and a new go-to in my rotation.

Where to buy and links

The set was released through The Wet Shaving Store. For convenience I will include the product page link here: Sportsman Series collection on Wet Shaving Store.

If you want to learn more about Shave Dad collaborations, check this page: Shave Dad collaborations and releases.

If you are part of the community and want to chat about this release, consider joining the Shave Dad Facebook group.

More From Long Island Shaving

If you like honest, hands-on shaving reviews, please subscribe to my channel or follow my social pages. I will link to the release in the description when it goes live so you can find the set quickly.

Thank you to Andy and Jerry for sharing this set with me. I enjoyed testing it and sharing these notes with you. Until next time, take care and enjoy your shaves.

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This content has been published with permission from the original author. This post was created from it’s original source using artificial intelligence.