The Leaf Shave Bowl & Brush set has been generating buzz in the wet shaving community, lauded for its innovative design and user-friendly features. The initial inventory sold out very quickly but another batch just landed!
[Note: Sharpologist is a Leaf affiliate.]
My Review Of The Leaf Brush, Bowl, And Soap Set
Leaf Shave has carved out a niche in the shaving world by focusing on sustainability and innovative design. Known for their multi-blade Leaf Razor and the single-edge Twig and Thorn razors, Leaf says they aim to provide eco-friendly alternatives to traditional cartridge razors. Their new Shave Bowl & Brush looks like an extension of that philosophy. The Leaf Shave Bowl & Brush Set includes:
Shave Bowl
- Material: Stainless steel with a silicone cover.
- Recessed base to securely hold a shave soap puck
- Flexible silicone “pop-out” at the bottom for easy soap bar swapping
- Aeration fins to aid lather creation
Shave Brush
- Material: Zinc with a silicone grip and synthetic bristles (vegan)
- Silicone-wrapped hollow handle that doubles as a water-measurement device
(Optional) Shave Soap
- Scents: Fig, “Zesty” (citrus), “Spruce” (woody), and Fragrance-Free
- Size: 1.5oz puck (two pucks per package)
- Vegan
Design and Features
The Leaf Shave Bowl & Brush set stands out with its thoughtful design and unique features.
- Silicone Grip: Both the bowl and brush has a silicone wrapping for a non-slip grip. This is particularly useful for those who shave in the shower or prefer a more secure hold.
- Integrated Water Measurement: The brush handle has a cavity that acts as a measuring cup. Filling this cavity twice provides a consistent water-to-soap ratio, simplifying the lathering process.
- Soap Puck Retention: The bowl’s recessed base holds the shave soap puck, preventing it from sliding around or spinning. The silicone bottom “button” allows users to easily pop out the puck to switch scents or replace the soap.
- Aeration Fins: The interior of the bowl features aeration fins designed to help create lather. These fins help with creating a creamier and more effective lather.
- Sustainable Materials: The set is constructed from stainless steel, silicone, and vegan synthetic bristles.
How to Use the Leaf Shave Bowl & Brush Set
Using the Leaf Shave Bowl & Brush set is straightforward, even for those new to wet shaving. For me this thing can generate ridiculous amounts of lather very quickly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Prepare the Bowl: Firmly press the shave soap puck into the recessed base of the bowl. The soap should fit snugly and remain in place during lathering. Do not soak the brush, leave the bristles dry!
- Measure Water: Use the cavity in the handle of the brush to measure water. Fill the cavity and pour the water into the bowl. Leaf recommends two measures but I don’t need that much, even in my “hard” water–start with two and adjust as needed.
- Create Lather: Swirl the brush swiftly and firmly in the bowl. Leaf recommends approximately 90 seconds but I find I get a great lather in far less time! Apply light pressure initially to avoid excessive bubbling, then increase pressure slightly as the lather develops.
After shaving, rinse the brush thoroughly with water to remove any remaining soap. Squeeze out excess water, “fluff” with a clean, dry towel and allow the brush to air dry. Rinse the bowl and wipe it clean. If needed, press the silicone pop-out to remove the soap puck for cleaning or replacement.
Pros and Cons
Like any product, the Leaf Shave Bowl & Brush set has its advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
- User-Friendly Design: The integrated water measurement and secure soap puck retention make this set easy to use, especially for beginners.
- Enhanced Lather Quality: The bowl’s aeration fins and the brush’s synthetic bristles work together to create a rich, creamy lather that improves the shaving experience.
- Sustainable Materials: The use of stainless steel, silicone, and vegan synthetic bristles aligns with Leaf Shave’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
- Durable Construction: The stainless steel bowl and silicone-wrapped brush are designed for long-term use, making this set a worthwhile investment.
- Excellent Grip: The silicone covering on both the bowl and brush provides a secure, non-slip grip, even in wet conditions.
Cons
- Bristle Shedding: Some users have reported that the brush from the first production run loses a few bristles, particularly during initial use. I have not experienced this problem and I’m told it was addressed with later production runs.
- No Lid: Unlike some other shave bowls, the Leaf Shave bowl does not come with a lid, which may be a drawback for those who prefer to store their soap.
Other User Reviews
Reviewers have compared the Leaf Shave bowl to other products, like the Captain’s Choice metal bowl and the PAA travel scuttle. The Leaf Shave bowl is often mentioned for its features and ease of use. Subie Shaves stated about the Leaf Shave brush and bowl “it’s probably the brush that I’m going or the bowl I’m going to choose when I’m traveling”.
- Subie Shaves stated the product “makes it very approachable right you’re not guessing your water you’re not guessing the process you know the the way that they want you to do it and it’s very easy to follow” .
- SinatraLennon appreciated the design, stating, “Leaf I don’t know who you’ve got on your design and engineering team but kudos to all of you because you have really designed some beautiful Innovative stuff and it works it’s simple yet it’s engineered beautifully and it works well”.
- Ohio Shaves found the water ratio idea solid, stating “I’m digging that if you’re new or not even new you’re looking for a consistency of like yogurt that’s the consistency I go for when I bow lather and as you can see I’m pretty much there”.
Building Lather With A Dry Brush?
This is the first time I have tried building lather with a dry brush, and because it worked out so well I have started experimenting with other brush/soap/lathering combinations.
Using this method with a synthetic brush has been surprisingly successful for me! It’s not hard at all to get a rich, creamier-than-usual lather in no time at all. I’m less successful with animal hair brushes but I’m still working on it.
Stay tuned for a separate article on this topic soon!
Conclusion
The Leaf Shave Bowl & Brush set is a well-designed product that simplifies wet shaving. Its innovative features, ease of use, and focus on sustainability make it an appealing option for both beginners and experienced shavers. While some users have noted minor issues such as bristle shedding, the overall consensus is positive. The set’s ability to create a rich, creamy lather and provide a comfortable shaving experience makes it a worthwhile addition to any shaving routine. For those looking to upgrade from cartridge razors or canned shaving cream, the Leaf Shave Bowl & Brush set offers a premium and eco-conscious alternative.
