Talcum Powder: The Grandfather of Antiperspirants

Roberts Borotalco, gaining converts since 1874

Have you ever wondered how athletes used to keep their skin dry and fresh before the debut of modern personal hygiene products like the deodorant? In an environment where bodily secretions will naturally occur, these gentlemen needed a product that had the ability to keep their skin dry for a long time. Searching nature for an antidote to their freshness problem, an extremely soft mineral provided them with a dusty, light solution: talcum powder.

What is Talcum Powder? 

Talcum powder for men is a delicate natural product, purified after its extraction from the ground. It has the primary role of absorbing moisture, cooling the skin, and giving it a smooth sensation. The fresh smell and the fact that it reduced the risk of rashes were another two reasons for the "grandfather of antiperspirants" to become a success not only among athletes. Popular with prestigious lines of men toiletries, the fine grains were also fashioned into shave talc, neutral on the face, used to control shine and prevent razor bumps.

The comeback of a classic? 

Two of the finest names in men grooming count this staple as part of their lines. You can recognize the Clubman Pinaud Finest Talc Powder by its logo featuring the stylish gent. Besides the recognized functions, this particular formula is said to bring you the smell of "leisure Sundays". Featured on the Jay Leno Show in a Nike commercial, the Clubman product still gets some air time, one way or another.

Taylor of Old Bond Street Luxury Talcum Powder is another heavy name referred to as "the best men's talcum powder in the business". This one made an appearance opposite George Clooney in the football movie Leatherheads. Lightly scented, the vintage luxury is mostly appreciated in its sandalwood version.

Use the grandfather of antiperspirants as a natural, fresh solution with an old-school vibe. Choose from the best talcum powder brands available on the market today.

Soap on a Rope: an iconic grooming staple for men

Klar Seifen Soap on a Rope

With a name resembling a catchy nursery rhyme, retro soap on a rope has attracted a worldwide clientele appreciating its individualizing feature: a handy cotton loop the user can put around his wrist preventing the wet, slippery bar from falling. The unconventional attachment also helped the soap dry faster and last longer. From an item of novelty to a very popular gift on Father's Day during the 1980s, the creamy invention remains ideal for the man on the move who likes to spoil himself like an aristocrat.

Presumably created by the British company Design House of Dana, the secure, hygienic product was originally called “shower soap with cord". Even if created by a UK lather company, two other giants in the grooming world are among the famous promoters of this out-of-the-ordinary bar.

Portuguese brand Musgo Real initially conceived their recipe of soap on a rope for men and dedicated it to the fastidious European aristocrats. The hand-made, preservative-free formula combines an imperial lather with an inviting scent reminding of rich coconut, woody oak moss or spicy orange amber. 

Another expert offering this handmade luxurious item is the German manufacturer Klar. In the myriad of exclusive products made only from the best ingredients, the classy ivory rope is also present. Klar has also added to the mix the soothing properties of bergamot, grapefruit, lavender or rosemary.

It’s not just about keeping your soap bar at hand. Buy soap on a rope for a first-class bathing experience.

Montegrappa Refills: Timeless Calligraphy Meets Modern Convenience

Looking at old ink-scribbled documents, we find handwritten messages imbued in a romanticism lacking in modern times. The precious liquid covering the blank pages with meaning was once a rarity as was the gift of writing. With the invention of the fountain pen, writing with ink became easier, more flexible in terms of refilling options and more diverse in colors and properties.

Until the 1900s, when the two most famous options for ink pen refills were invented — ink converters and ink cartridges — scribes and writers were left with cumbersome methods for recharging their pens. Fountain pens were not initially coupled with specially designed ink as ballpoint pens or gel pens are. 

The modern plastic ink cartridge came to replace the self-filling system of the fountain pen in 1950. Designed to be easy to switch and portable, the small ink container was primarily issued in its so-called "international" size. The ink bottle was always seen as the more economical, eco-friendly option ever since the invention of the converter. Even with less portability, the bottle was preferred for the wider selection of ink colors and higher ink capacity it had.

 Montegrappa pen refills and ink bottles 

Spanning a variety of colors including black, blue, bordeaux and turquoise, the Montegrappa refills available both in bottle or cartridge option, maintain the history and romanticism of a high-quality Italian ink. The 8-sided bottles have the vintage appearance of their 1912 design, remembering the time when they were the means of communication for World War II soldiers writing their letters home. Born in the country of the most famous couple, Romeo and Juliet, the inspiring, rich colors of Montegrappa are also said to be a symbol of passion.

Personalize your documents, write your own history and never run out of words with the distinctive Montegrappa ink bottles or with the practical Montegrappa ink cartridges.