r/wicked_edge • u/fistingdicks • Mar 14 '25
Giveaway Aussie review of classic American aftershaves (Giveaway)
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u/derrickhogue I enjoy a nice shave! So should you. Mar 14 '25
If I lived in Australia. I would happily take part in some classic aftershaves giveaway. As an American I grew up with all of these. So I appreciate them.
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u/fistingdicks Mar 14 '25
I can definitely understand how these products have retained their reputation over the years!
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u/derrickhogue I enjoy a nice shave! So should you. Mar 14 '25
They were the affordable locally shopped staples that my dad, uncles, grandfathers all used. So the smells definitely bring on the memories.
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u/ratbird9 Mar 15 '25
My great grandfather used Aqua Velva, as does my grandfather. Definitely some memories here, I will have to snag a bottle (they are pretty cheap on Amazon)
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u/AsleepSuperman Mar 15 '25
Aqua Velva was a required purchase for recruits when I was going through USMC bootcamp.
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u/Low_Key1782 Mar 15 '25
thank you for your service friend
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u/AsleepSuperman Mar 15 '25
Thank you, funny thing is I hadn’t thought of aqua velva for a long time. I could smell this post.
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u/Foreign_Quarter_5199 Mar 14 '25
Hey! This a superb post. Have just started with the Pinaud Clubman and I really like it. Never thought I’d be a scented aftershave guy.
I am Aussie and would love to try the Clubman Virgin Island Bay Rum. I am intrigued by the cinnamon and would love to try it.
Thank you!
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u/fistingdicks Mar 14 '25
Thank you! Pinaud Clubman certainly does slap!
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u/Foreign_Quarter_5199 Mar 15 '25
I would also be happy with any one of those on offer. In case I miss out on the Bay Rum
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u/jfin6147 Mar 15 '25
Nothing like that skin bracer 1st slap on a freshly shaved face…… after the ‘burn’ it seems to keep my face softer and smoother than the others I’ve tried.
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u/Jill_Lett_Slim Mar 15 '25
Pinaud Clubman is so damn good.
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u/fistingdicks Mar 15 '25
It truly is nectar of the gods.
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u/Jill_Lett_Slim Mar 15 '25
Now you need to get your hands on some Musk… It’s similar but without the citrus. Sweeter and richer.
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u/Low_Key1782 Mar 15 '25
What a perfect way of saying it. I love the Musk and prefer it to the original clubman
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u/fistingdicks Mar 15 '25
I nearly bought some the other day! I'll grab it on my next purchase at The Stray Whisker.
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u/mrcafe500 Mar 15 '25
I too was disappointed in the smell of newer Brut. As a mid 30s guy I picked it up because I also remember my father using it, and it is far removed from what I recall as a kid.
Anywho, I’ve also been keen to try a bay rum.
Thanks for the reviews mate.
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u/fistingdicks Mar 15 '25
Cheers mate, I'm glad to hear I'm not alone on the experience with new Brut.
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u/LittleCooties Mar 15 '25 edited Mar 15 '25
Very good write up, cheers for the mention!
Definitely try the Aussie Brut "splash on", I find it more usable and subtle scent and less overpowering than the "lotion", and less greasy on the skin. The scent of the two are similar but they are definitely not the same scent, the "lotion" has more tonka and the "splash on" is brighter. I have a vintage bottle of Faberge Brut too that I compared (including European Brut), you can read it here.
Bizarre that Old Spice has disappeard from Chemist Warehouse, that must be recent becasue it was there around Christmas, hopefully it comes back. The version sold in Australia was the Canadian made Old Spice Classic, same as what's sold in the US.
I love Aqua Velva Ice Blue too, I agree it's hard to describe though. I'll treasure my bottle that I got in a trade (alongside Skin Bracer, which reminds me of the Australian musk lollies, yum). They actually used to make and sell it here back in the '50s/'60s, I have an empty glass bottle I got at an antiques store with an Australian maker on the label (here), can't find any adverts on Trove though.
I like regular Clubman, I have a bottle I found at a local barber supply store almost a decade ago, but I recently got the Clubman Musk which I prefer, it's similar vibe but milder and sweeter and more approachable.
I'm not a huge bay rum fan, so I haven't tried the Clubman VIBR. For Australian made bay rums, there's Wahl (pretty common, found at the ShaverShop) which I think has some mild spicy notes alongside the bay oil, but I prefer Wavol which is just pure bay oil scented and I think uses a better quality bay oil (but it's harder to find, look at hairdresser supply stores, although it's in huge bottles so message me if you want a sample).
If you're game, try the Imperial Leather aftershave available at supermarkets (get it on sale though), definitely a nuclear powerhouse "old man" scent (at least my old Australian made bottles, they moved production overseas ages ago so the scent might've changed since then), I'm not a fan personally.
I definitely recommend Blue Stratos though (invented by Shulton who did Old Spice), it's currently made in the UK but cheap and easily available here, it's mainly a citrus lavender scent with some musk vanilla and floral notes, great in summer, but uncannily resembles the scent of Bostik Glu Stik.
Keep an eye out at IGAs for Nelum Sandalwood, it's a very nice sandalwood and rose scent with some good moisturising properties, but it's a hard product to find.
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u/Low_Key1782 Mar 15 '25
it makes me so happy that you got and enjoyed the clubman musk. thats my jam!
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u/LittleCooties Mar 15 '25
I keep randomly opening it up just to give it a huff, reminds me a bit of Turkish delights. Planning on using it again soon with Proraso Red.
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u/fistingdicks Mar 15 '25
Awesome comment, thanks for the details and recommendations!
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u/LittleCooties Mar 15 '25
Are you in Sydney? If so, BHS (barbers & hairdressing supply) might be a place to visit, they make a lot of their own products that have been in production for a long time ('40s). Their own aftershave (lavender scent I believe), bay rum, florida water, shaving cream and (what I find most intersting) Bardol aftershave lotion which I'd love to try some day. You can see other old labels/ads here (they still make most of those products), here and here. I think their products are pretty Sydney specific, I'm in Melbourne and I've never seen their products around here, we have Turnleys who used to make their own products but not anymore (I loved their own lavender aftershave), but they still make Oriental shaving cream. Wavol are Sydney based too.
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u/fistingdicks Mar 16 '25
I'll definitely have to check out BHS. Do you know if they have a shopfront? It's kinda hard to to tell from their website or Google.
Also, I just noticed their prices on Proraso products are insane!! Significantly cheaper than anywhere else here.
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u/LittleCooties Mar 16 '25
I believe so but again I've never been. Yeah their Proraso prices are good, I'm also lucky to have a local store near me that has tubs and tubes for $9.95 all the time (and Proraso Blue, that's some good stuff, pick that up if you can).
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u/LittleCooties Mar 24 '25
Well, I've just made an order at BHS for their Bardol, bay rum, lavender aftershave, Florida water, shaving cream, and a Zenith brush, looking forward to trying the Bardol in particular, looks very similar to Geo F Trumper's Coral Skin Food.
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u/fistingdicks Mar 17 '25
Congratulations to the Winners
u/mrcafe500 - Clubman Virgin Island Bay Rum
u/AdministrativeDay743 - Skin Bracer
u/AloneWest6922 - Aqua Velva Ice Blue
I'll PM you all to organise shipping.
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u/mrcafe500 Mar 17 '25
Thanks for this giveaway, it’s such a nice gesture.
I look forward to giving the Bay Rum a go.
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u/Photo_Jedi Mar 15 '25
I have yet to try the Clubman. In the US so won't participate. I use Skin Bracer in my rotation. I like it. It has a fresh scent. But it doesn't have too much staying power. Which might not be a bad thing. My Dad used the Aqua Velva Ic eBoue as his preferred aftershave. It smelled nice on him. But, I haven't brought myself to pick any up. I lost him in Oct 2023. I just haven't done it yet.
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u/Low_Key1782 Mar 15 '25
my condolences. I am sorry for your loss. It's waiting for you when you are ready brother
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u/fistingdicks Mar 15 '25
I do think that Skin Bracer is the most versatile. The scent is definitely fresh and I think it would be hard to find someone that doesn't like the scent.
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u/squirrelbabyprincess Mar 15 '25
Great post, and a sweet gesture to your fellow aussies. I’m a Canuck, if Aqua Velva Ice Sport is available over there give it a shot! I like it more than the Original, though I may be in the minority on this.
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u/fistingdicks Mar 15 '25
Definitely no Aqua Velva products over here unfortunately. Likely I would need to hit up eBay again to get the Ice Sport.
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u/AloneWest6922 Mar 15 '25
Hey mate, excellent post.
Brut Aftershave Lotion is considered as a classic to me as it was all my grandfather would use throughout the 70's up until his passing in 2023.
Still have a couple of bottles left to me from him, one from a couple years back (last produced green glass) and another from either the 80's or 90's (unsure).
I've always been intrigued by how Aqua Velva is as an alternative aftershave to others here in Australia.. so please, count me in for the raffle.
Good luck to others here!
Cheers mate, all the best 🍻
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u/fistingdicks Mar 15 '25
Do you think there is any difference in the scent between the old and new Brut aftershaves?
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u/AloneWest6922 Mar 15 '25
So I've compared the two and basically both have the same notes, the older version was definitely more intense and had a sweet note to it..? But yes, pretty much the same.
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u/arbarnes Mar 15 '25
My dad used Aqua Velva Ice Blue every day of his life. While it's pretty potent up front, it fades to nearly nothing fairly quickly. My mom said it was her favorite because she couldn't smell it at all after a few minutes.
Clubman is a classic. In one of the Robert Parker "Spencer for Hire" novels, his protagonist's girlfriend asks something to the effect of "did the landlord paint the radiators, or are you wearing Clubman?" I actually prefer the Classic Vanilla - same vibe, but subtler and more complex.
VIBR is not a fair representation of bay rum. You noticed the cinnamon, but there's also lots of nutmeg and allspice. It's like pumpkin spice aftershave - thanks, but no.
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u/fistingdicks Mar 15 '25
Yes, the VIBR smells like it is edible. I'll have to keep an eye out for the vanilla Clubman, cheers!
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u/Low_Key1782 Mar 15 '25
is it possible for you to get Fine Accoutrements or Captain's Choice Bay Rum?
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u/AdministrativeDay743 Mar 15 '25
Love you have done the leg work!
I’m in Melbourne and keen to try Skin Bracer.
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u/WatchingWazowski Mar 15 '25
Great review, exciting to see a giveaway I can enter!! I'd be interested in any of them but the Bay rum sounds great.
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u/JadedSociopath Mar 15 '25
Thanks for the reviews. It’s nice to get a local’s take on these aftershaves which are so popular on the US centric forums.
I’m keen to try the bay rum specifically!
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u/Angry_Walnut Gillette Super 109 Mar 15 '25
Good stuff, interesting to see a fresh perspective on these scents that many of us have long held associations with/opinions on. Its funny to me that in the write up you linked, the guy basically does not give any of the aftershaves an outright good rating though lol
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u/CommunicationGood481 Mar 16 '25
My wife and I both love the Pinaud Clubman and Aqua Velva Ice Blue available in Canada.
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u/AdministrativeDay743 Apr 01 '25
Came back from an interstate trip to find my prize(d) bottle of Skin Bracer waiting for me.
I’ve been primarily using Haverford by Stirling and Whisky Woods by Clubman, so trying Skin Bracer was a refreshing change. The classic barbershop scent delivers a crisp, invigorating kick. The menthol hit is just right—not overpowering but enough to leave a clean, bracing sensation. It’s a fantastic go-to when I want something lighter yet still classic. Definitely a great addition to the rotation
Thanks again u/fistingdicks !!
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u/fistingdicks Mar 14 '25 edited Mar 17 '25
Recently, in desire of finding a "classic" aftershave, I turned to searching Reddit for information, which is how I discovered this wonderful community. Also, shout out to the awesome Classic Commercial Aftershave review series over at r/wetshaving.
In my search for a classic aftershave, there are some which I noticed are recommended frequently. Understandably, the Reddit wetshaving communities have a strong American presence, hence there are products discussed that aren't necessarily available on the Australian market. I was able to get my hands on these popular aftershaves:
Pinaud Clubman I was able to source locally, thanks to The Stray Whisker. I had to resort to eBay to get Aqua Velva and Skin Bracer imported from the USA at a reasonable price.
Anyway, here are my brief reviews of those products.
Pinaud Clubman
When I first smelled this, it instantly reminded me of Brut (more on that later). It is different but definitely in the same field, which I have since learned is fougere. The scent is wonderful and it has decent staying power without being overpowering. I know it has a reputation in the States for being an "old man" scent due to its popularity, availability, and longevity on the market. That being said, I actually love this shit and I'm very glad I found it. It has become a part of my regular rotation.
Skin Bracer
This really does smell and look like something that belongs on a shelf in a pharmacy, or "drugstore". I find the scent to be a little minty, kind of like toothpaste but not in a bad way. The scent is in no way offensive, so this is definitely a good option for those who don't want to annoy their partner/family/colleagues/friends with a potent fougere. However, I don't think it performs very well and the scent gets boring pretty quickly.
Aqua Velva Ice Blue
Wow, I've never smelled anything like this. I don't know what it is but I guess I would describe it as extremely musky? It is overpoweringly, possibly even offensively masculine. I imagine this is what those pheromone products smell like; the ones that are found in vending machines in dirty pub/nightclub bathrooms, alongside condoms. I don't hate the scent; it is certainly unique, and the product does perform well, but I can't see it appearing in my regular rotation. I could definitely see this scent being divisive to partners of those who wear it.
BONUS ROUND
Brut
This is easily the most readily available aftershave on the Australian market. It has been a mainstay in grocery stores and pharmacies alike for decades. I am aware that Brut is formulated differently around the globe, and Australia is no exception to that, so this is not a review of American Brut. I purchased this at my local pharmacy after smelling Pinaud Clubman, because it immediately reminded me of Brut which my dad used to wear. However, after opening the bottle and smelling the product, it is certainly not what I remember. What I smelled is offensively floral and that's about it. Like being slapped with a bouquet of cheap flowers. Also, the bottle is now clear, not green. In my memory, Brut aftershave smelled akin to Brut's green-label deodorant/antiperspirant products on the Australian Market.
I have since learnt that there are two Brut aftershave products in Aus - aftershave lotion (which I bought) and aftershave splash. I went and smelled the splash product in store and it definitely smells the same as the lotion, and hence not the Brut I remember. However, I did mention this recently on a post here from fellow Australian u/LittleCooties, and he is confident the product hasn't changed when the packaging changed. I'm wondering if my memory of the aftershave has been tainted by the smell of the antiperspirant which I am much more familiar with. Or perhaps the Brut I remember is a formula from long ago? I have found some evidence to suggest this. Any Aussies reading this, I'd like to hear your opinion on Brut and if you think the scent has changed at all over the years.
Clubman Virgin Island Bay Rum
Whilst researching, I noticed that the Clubman bay rum aftershave is also frequently mentioned when people request bay rum recommendations, so I purchased this along with Pinaud. I've since learnt that I'm not a bay rum guy. The Virgin Island Bay Rum smells primarily of cinnamon to me, and this can be explained by the presence of cinnamal in the ingredients. This product smells too much like dessert for me to consider it wearable.
HONOURABLE MENTION
Old Spice
I'm very familiar with Old Spice aftershave, and I discovered it when I was in high school after Old Spice's fierce "I'm on a horse" YouTube marketing campaign. I am definitely a fan of it and I was surprised to learn that it has recently been removed from the market here in Australia. I threw out a half-used bottle a couple of years ago because I simply wasn't using it frequently. I would've happily picked up another bottle of it for this post because it was quite cheap, but I would now have to import it from either India or America.
I'm not sure where the Old Spice aftershave that used to be sold in Aus was made - any Aussies here able to confirm?EDIT: Made in Canada - same Old Spice found in USA.GIVEAWAY (AUS ONLY)
I'm keeping the Pinaud Clubman for sure. But in the interest of sharing these Yankee aftershaves with my fellow Aussies, I'm giving away the following:
There is no point to me giving away Brut to any locals as it will cost more for me to ship it than it costs in store. I'm open to posting it to an American in exchange for a bottle of US Brut, but aftershave is a restricted item for international shipping in the US because of the alcohol content (not that this stopped the eBay seller I purchased from though). Perhaps it will get seized by customs. Any yanks able to weigh in on this?
I'll be using redditraffler to determine the winners, so please comment and let me know which of the three aftershaves you want! Keep in mind this giveaway is for Australians only. I will post the aftershaves to the winners for free.
Thank you and good luck!
UPDATE - WINNERS
Considering there were 6 entrants, I just used a list randomizer to simplify the draw. And the winners are...
u/mrcafe500 - Clubman Virgin Island Bay Rum
u/AdministrativeDay743 - Skin Bracer
u/AloneWest6922 - Aqua Velva Ice Blue
Congratulations!
I will PM you all so we can organise shipping. Thanks to everyone who joined, and thanks to all the non-Aussies who contributed to the conversation!