When you first open the container of Black Ocean Shaving Cream, you’re transported to a warm summer’s day. A cool ocean breeze washes over you. THAT’S the heart of the fragrance! The product is perfectly named. The scent is fresh and clean, but not at all overpowering. Crack it open, stand beside the ocean’s door, and breath in deeply. Fresh!
The cream is thick in the container and whips up quickly into a nice, light lather. However, like their previous product, the shaving cream goes on thick at first, becomes super-lubricating, and just a bit frothy on the skin.
Two things happen:
1.) The beard whiskers are actually pulled up allowing for a close, clean shave.
2.) The skin is not only protected but there is a level of lubrication which is second to none. You’ll notice this, if you do a traditional wet shave, on the first rinse after your first shaving pass. The slickness is quite noticeable and stays until the end of the shave.
It is a bit deceptive. The cream paints on well, but you get a glimmer of the whisker. Although your face is covered in a light lather, you can still see the “path of attack.” (An advantage for beginning wet shavers.) It absorbs into the skin resulting in a super-slickness. Many times when using Vikings Blade’s Sandalwood and Cedar shaving cream, I’ve had to catch myself, almost forgetting to use an aftershave balm. The shave was that comfortable. Black Ocean is no different. Plus, there is no thick residue left on your razor. It, too, comes away clean.
I recall, as a very young child, my father using a similar type of product. The lather on his face was never a full “Santa beard.” Rather, it was similar to Black Ocean. A nice frothy lather that gave a slick, close shave. He always came away without any nicks or cuts.
Unlike other shaving creams, the trick is to not add a lot of water when building a lather. Less is more. Start as dry as possible and build from that point forward.
I give Black Ocean top marks for its lubricating and protective action. Simply outstanding! However, the frothiness and lightness is a different approach and may take some adjustment.
I’d imagine that men, getting ready for a big date or event, will pull this from the cabinet (rather than other soaps and creams) due to its ability to deliver a close, protective shave. And the fresh ocean scent is a wonderful bonus.
Pair this with my favorite razor, the Vikings Blade Godfather, and you’ll look forward to having a wonderful, close and comfortable shave each and every time you use it.
