My father was a barber, so I have a pretty good frame of reference on what a barbershop smells like. I didn't get it at all, unless the shop had just cleaned the floor with a strong product. It lathers great, like all the other RE soaps.

If there is a problem with the scent "barbershop" it is that everyone probably has their own memories in mind. My barbershop growing up was a place called Michael's about a 10 minute walk from my parents' apartment. The barbers were lifers -- for them it was a profession, and one that they took a certain amount of pride in. The had posters up showing potential haircut choices (the "DA", "High & Tight" etc.) and big see-though containers of that blue disinfectant for their combs. The place had a powdery sort of vibe from the talc they used. That's what I get from this product. It is a clean, soapy scent. I don't get the orange zest or patchouli mentioned in the description, but maybe that's just me.

I use to think shaving lotion, Jack Black, was the best. There is nothing wrong with it. No chemicals. Also Jack Black has great products. But I can control holding my skin in place while wet shaving better with shaving soap. And that’s why I prefer Razor Emporium Barber-Shop shaving soap along with my RazoRock Game Changer .84P.

I guess I an a bit of an anachronism but I really like the historical scents. For me, the smell has a calming effect when I am shaving. Love the scent.