Real reviews from real customers

"Select Bergamot & Bay. One of the best scents ever!! Also, all of CRSW soaps are top notch performers. Great cushion, glide, and great post-shave feel. Keep making this scent, it lasts a good long while and it is awesome."  S.N.

"I’ve tried barbershop scented shaving soaps from various artisans, and I find CRSW American Barbershop to be my favorite. From the ease of generating a luxurious lather to its slickness and just the right amount of fragrance, this is a winner all around!"  V.R.

"Schapenmelk, what can I say? Top shelf soap, exquisite lather, great cushion, slickness off the chart. At times during the second and third pass, I wondered whether or not I had a blade in the razor. Post shave feel is better than many of the most expensive soaps or creams. Scent is pleasing but not overpowering as it should be. For the price no other soap or cream made today that I've used can compare. It even gives my favorite, Haslinger Schafmilch a push or two down my rotation. Great stuff."  B.A.

"The Schapenmelk shaving soap has quickly become my favorite shaving soap. It is easy to lather and is top-notch in its all-around performance and has a nice subtle scent that is not overpowering. I can already predict that I will finish this soap even long before my samples of other soaps are done."  V.R.

"Glide Colonia MEDITERRANEA has instantaneously become my favorite soap. I have two others to try, and, with this first test, don't doubt they will also be amazing."  K.W.

"I received my soap and omg this soap is amazing best shave ever and the post shave feel was amazing too but the best part no irritation and the price was a steal I highly recommend this soap and I will definitely be a returner by customer 
Thank you so much for a great experience crsw​"  J.C.

" I’m a huge Mitchell’s wool fat fanboy. I just tried CRSW Schapenmelk for the first time, and I’m blown away. So easy to lather, slickness for days. Cushiony, protective lather. I immediately went back on the sight and ordered all you had. Thank you for an amazing product. I bought your bath soap too!" Scott The Peaceful Shaver

"First of all customer service Is excellent! First time ordering from Larry. American Barbershop the performance is top tier the scent is excellent with the moisturerizing balm. I also received as a gift Barbiere Sapone with the matching splash from my son. Another excellent scent and the splash is excellent as well. Larry scent the wrong splash but corrected the issue quickly! I received the Barbiere Sapone splash in a couple of days. Thanks Larry I will be purchasing more soaps and splashes in the future." E.M.

"Olfactory Hue was the first shaving soap I have tried from CRSW. I am simply amazed! From now on, CRSW products will be THE only brand I’ll be using. You definitely owe it to yourself to try them!"  P.J.

​​"Winter is a complex scent described perfectly by the creator. Like all of the CRSW soaps I own this soap not only performs during the shave but its real benefit is the post shave. I hope to see an aftershave splash, the scent is amazing."  J.M.

"Olfactory Hue - from the moment I opened the jar Olfactory Hue instantly entered my permanent rotation. Performance is superb as is the aroma. I also have the Olfactory Hue splash and lotion. Not sure what I'd do if Olfactory Hue is no longer made."  J.G.

"Olfactory Hue was my introduction to Cold River Soap Works and man what an introduction! Wish I could do justice to describing the scent. Best I can say is that it’s a rich and wonderfully complex scent I can’t stop sniffing. The performance of Glide is second to none. Slicker than greased quicksilver with great creamy gobs of meringue lather exploding from my brush. I’m hooked!"  S.W.

"I received my Glide Fragile Confusion and used it tonight, all I can say is OMG, WOW I could go on but you get where I'm going. This soap is headed right to the top tier. I picked one of my large badger brushes, some have said it doesn't take much, I decided to test this so I swirled the brush for 20 seconds, I had plenty and it took several additions of water and I probably could have added more. This was one of the slickest and effortless shaves I've had in a while. Let me tell you Larry, you definitely have my attention. I hope you bring out a Fougere in this formula! Thanks for the fast shipping. The scent is perfect, interesting and delightful. I own the Citrus in Select and love it but it's a warm weather soap while this soap is perfect for most of the time."  G.K.

"This New Soap base from CRSW Glide Cream Soap in the Olfactory Hue Scent is Heavenly. It smells Amazing "WOW". And the Performance is Outstanding left me speech less. Top Notch Soap here, just buy one am :) Happy:) I did. Will be back for more. Thank you very much CRSW."  M.J.M.

"I just had my first shave with the new Glide formula in the Olfactory Hue scent. WOW! This is an instant Top Tier soap and scent. "Glide" is the perfect name!!  B.C.

"I just shaved with Glide Olfactory Hue for the first time. Oh my! The scent is wonderful. It lathers quickly. The cushion and GLIDE are beyond other soaps. Post shave feel is silky smooth. One of the best shaves ever. It's a good thing my volume knobs go to 11, because this one is 11/10 on all levels". G.O.

"My first time using Cold River and it certainly will not be my last! Glide is outstanding in every way. Easily the best soap I have used artisan or otherwise. No contest!" T.C.

"GLIDE is a game changer! I can't believe how slick this soap is. Perfect post shave!"  B.B.

"Top tier in all respects. Scent, ease of lather, thickness, cushion, glide, and post shave smoothness." G.O.

"At first I wasn’t sure Artica had enough cool to satiate my menthol addiction. Then as I shaved the crisp cool frosted on my face into a wintery crescendo leaving a satisfying tingle for about 30 minutes post shave. As for the performance, it’s a first class tallow soap that provides a slick shave and protects my skin. My soft, irritation-free skin tells no lies."  S.W.

"CRSW Select Bay Rum: This new rendition of your "Bergamot & Bay" by the name of Bay Rum is an awesome new soap for the fall season. Good and slick lather as always and with a full and warm manly smell, full of the great spice scents in life. I didn't think I would be a fan of the Bay Rum scent but your new SELECT soap has convinced me."  A.M.

"Each time I use this soap, I know that I will never have to shave again. Subfollicular. Silky smooth face. It's always a surprise when my beard reappears after such a close and smooth shave. Incredible shave soap." G.O.

 "I have never tried a shaving soap as CRSW bergamota & bay soap, is a perfect soap, is a great fragrance for every day.
  Great value! I recommend this, for me is simply the Best!
 Thanks CRSW for your bright work!"  D.F.

"Recently purchased your Jardin D'Orange soap. Great scent. Awesome slickness and cushion. Worth every penny."  L.W.

"I tried your soaps based on CDB's reviews and the fact that you're out of Baldwinsville New York and I'm from Rochester and I couldn't be happier with the quality of the work you put into the product you send out."  A.R.

"I have used shaving soaps from a lot of top notch manufacturers and Cold River Soap Works matches or exceeds their tallow soaps in quality and scent. I get a great, creamy lather from the Sandalwood and Vetiver soaps, and I get great irritation-free results from my shaves. My wife loves the fragrances. So, in all, it's all great, no complaints. I also enjoy the size of the soap tubs, which allow easy loading on my badger brush. Keep up the good work, and best of luck!"  A.H.

"Dear Sir, I received my purchase of Vetivier Moderne and After Splash, to which I have to admit I am beyond impressed with your attention of detail and quality of craftmanship.  The performance of your products is outstanding on so many levels…thank you so much for such great products.”  H.S.

“To the ownership at Cold River, I recently received a package of soaps from you guys.  I have been wet shaving for a little over 2 years and have close to 150 soaps, I have no idea why I hadn’t tried your soaps before, but I am so happy I finally did - OMG - you now have another loyal customer, your soaps are incredible and now one of my favorites!  Is Honeywood always in your lineup or is it seasonal?  A must have in my den forever and just to show you how much I love your stuff I am placing another order now.  You guys have a good night and God Bless - you’ll be seeing my name often!"  M.M.

“Hi Larry, I’ve finally gotten a chance to use the new Oliva soap you’ve put out.  I got the Colonia Mediterrania scent as an homage to my Italian roots and because I like Colonia scents."  J.V.

"Oliva is decisively the best soap I have ever used.  The slickness is amazing.  It has a lightness that is usually accompanied by wateriness or lack of cushion in other soaps, but is instead protective and hydrating in yours.  I am really blown away at how you managed to integrate the dreaded olive pol into your already excellent formula.  Moreover, I am impressed that such performance and enjoyment can come of a <$20 tin of soap.  If I had to pick one soap to use for the rest of my shaves, it would without a doubt be this one."  M.T.

"Fragile Confusion - Another grand slam in the wonderful Glide soap line! Amazing scent! I didn’t think I could love another CRSW scent as much as Olfactory Hue then Bam! the Mad Genius Chemists at CRSW proved me wrong. Coupled with the astounding Glide performance it’s another all around winner. Keep cranking out the hits, I’ll keep coming back for more."  S.W.
​
"Shave with pride.
Use Cold River Glide.
Finest soap you've ever tried. "  R.A.

"I have enjoyed your products for some years now, but the Glide soaps are absolutely amazing. I have many fine shaving soaps, but none match the Glide. Bravo!"  E.L.

"Your new soap is a game changer! I've finally found the perfect soap in Glide!"  M.L.

"Tried CRSW for the first time. Had a really good shave and love the American Barbershop scent."  T.Y.

"To all involved with this Glide,Olfactory Hue received in mail today, shaved tonight with my old Boker straight razor and my face feels like a 20 year old and I’m 61. Please continue to make this just as you are doing now, don’t change the formula or anything you surely named it right with the name Glide. Wish you had an aftershave/cologne to match scent!
Certainly # 1 in my shave from now on"  M.W.

“Hello Mr. Jones - I received my first order of CRSW Puro Fresco soap, splash and balm as well as Jardin d’Orange soap last week and have been using it daily.  I just wanted to let you know how impressed I have been with your products, they’re the best I’ve ever used!  Abundant lather, best cushion and glide I have ever had, and I am in love with the scents, they are something special!  I am so glad that you are offering matching splash and balms as well, they leave my face feeling fantastic.  Needless to say, my search is over, I have found what I am looking for, there is no need for me to look further!  Keep up the great work, and thank you for the amazing products!”  H.H.

“My package arrived with the spectacular soap and aftershave products.  Fantastic stuff, thank you.  You have a new regular customer.  Healthy and peaceful holidays to you.”  E.L.

"Thanks for an awesome soap.  I look forward to getting more of it.”  S.S.

"I have used artisan soaps, and most are fine, but this is really top notch, next level, A+ craftmanship that surpasses even the high end stuff."  F.S.

“Earlier this week I placed an order for the Select Shaving soap in Sandalwood, it arrived quickly, which is always a bonus, with a nice hand written thank you note on the order form.  Dropped my son off at his mothers and came home to prepare for date night.  I have seen some reviews on you tube on your soaps, and was excited to try it.  Let me say, I was not let down.  The soap was amazing, and was the highest quality soap I have used in the past six years.  I have been wet shaving for just as long.  I will be placing another large order to round out the scents offered in my collection.” A.P.

"Exquisite soap. I have tried many soaps since I started DE shaving and have finally found my daily go to soap. Lathers easily either in a bowl or as a face later. Cushion and slickness are unmatched across the many soaps and creams I have tried. The post shave is as soft or softer before after shave moisturizer than I have ever found. My first pass was as smooth and clean as I have had after many two or even three pass shaves. Scents are very unique and pleasing. What a great find and its nice to know I'm supporting such fine artisans, practically in my back yard as Cold River Soap Works."  R.A.

"Cold River Soap Works is as close to perfection as possible. I have tried the majority of the scents offered and they are all excellent, elegant and refined, and are among some of the most unique scents in shaving. I can name several CRSW scents that are among my all-time favorites in shaving. I even think my all-time favorite scent is a CRSW scent - probably Prato Verde (so far). 
 The performance of CRSW is also second to none and is in my opinion among the best (if not the best) performing shaving soaps available. They are easy to lather, provide outstanding glide and cushion, and leave the skin hydrated after shaving.
  The packaging is classy, simple and distinct and the tubs themselves are thick-walled, sturdy and of high quality.
  I highly recommend buying shaving soaps from Cold River Soap Works." A.T.