Art of Shaving Kit

Sorry if this has been covered already, did a quick search and it didn't return much.

Recently an Art of Shaving store opened in my local mall, and to be honest being intrigued by their products is what got me started on this journey. My question is about their kits they sell. They come with a bottle of oil, creme, a brush, and aftershave lotion. Does anyone have experience with this set that can comment on the quality of the products? Would this be a good kit to start out with or do you this its better for a noob such as myself to piece my supplies together separately? Also, if this is something that is recommended can anyone comment on the different scents? If this is not advisable can anyone have any recommend some good products to start with? (I understand that portion of the question is covered ad nauseam on this site but since I'm writing why not ask and get a fresh opinion?)

Responses are much appreciated!

I got started wet shaving with an AOS Lavender kit. My opinion is that it is ok, but there is better stuff to be had for the money.

The pre-shave oil I don't use as I found it actually made it harder (FOR ME) to get a good glide across the skin and was just messy.

Look around on the web, you can find better stuff IMHO for about the same $...

Good luck!

I bought the lavender starter kit and I like that scent as well as their products. The brush that comes with that kit is fairly worthless. Even the Shea moisture brush that can be found at target or an omega on amazon is a very cheap alternative. The other brushes they have there are nice just more expensive.

I got started wet shaving with their travel kit, for $50 you get oil, cream and AS and a brush. The pack lasted me a couple months and I am still using the brush. Me and my wife both love the Sandalwood scent, AOS is some of my favorite stuff I have used and you cant beat the convenience of not having to wait for stuff to ship. Hope this

I'm not familiar with the kit you mentioned. A lot of people like AoS products.

BUT... here's my offering. Playing Devils advocate.....

Sample packs; straightrazordesign.com has a Truefitt & Hill sample pack of creams and balms. Great stuff, lots of people like it, good selection and it lasts a while. $10. Trumpers also has a sample pack, IIRC. Just as much, if not more, of a following. Don't think it's much more than that.

Omega brushes. Sold on many sites. Find one you like. The one I have ran me about $12. Some are more. Entirely adequate, and a good value.

Good luck, whatever you decide to do!

I would start with the cheaper stuff, then when you spend the money you know if it is worth it or not. Besides, a poor experience with expensive stuff is a big downer, but if it is not going well and you are using cheap stuff, can try new stuff easy :)

I recently got their lemon kit. I like the products. And they do this discount thing that if you buy their $25 sample kit, you get a $25 off coupon. So instead of buying the small kit, I was allowed to just apply the $25 off the large kit.

For me, that made the difference. I got the super badger brush, which I do enjoy. Of course you can find stuff cheaper online, but it was nice to walk out with a nice kit in hand and not have to wait.

Oh, and not to flood Proctor and Gamble's complaint line, but I did send in a complaint about the packaging. No lie, the kit is put together like it is going to the moon. Each item is nestled in plastic that you need superhuman strength to free it from. Then, and the one thing that put me over the edge, they also feel the need to use some adhesive on each product. What should be fugitive glue (you know... that gummy crap that affixes the new credit card to the paper when it is mailed to you) wasn't easily removed. I had to use some Goo Off on each bottle to get the sticky stuff off. Pissed me off.

But P&G sent me a $25 check to offset my displeasure. An actual check! Not a coupon. Was a nice touch.

So feel free to use that approach for another discount if you have a similar issue (or not..... :p).

I don't mind AOS, but defiantly not priced right. I recommend listening to the other posts here and going for something else first. That being said, I have the Sandalwood in my shave cupboard right now, both the aftershave and the pre shave oil. I don't use the pre shave oil very much. It's a bit too thick for me. I think the scent is ok. but I'd prefer to go with something else. I find I like the eShave products more right now.

I did start with the AOS kit. I got it from my wife for Christmas. While I have learned tons since then, and I do know the kit is pricy, I did like their stuff. The brush does suck though, and the higher quality brushes they sell are way over priced. I do really like the sandalwood scent, and I do use their pre-shave oil. I'm sure there are better oils out there, but I am trying to change my product rather slowly because I want to practice my angles and such without changing too many other variables. Don't worry about asking questions here, the guys are great, and are always willing to help.

Other than a HIGH price point, there is nothing wrong with their products. One thing though, if you use their pre shave oil you will find it very slimey, making it hard to grip your razor, and that can lead to disaster. Be sure to get it all off your hands before your shave. Good luck and Happy Shaving, John

If you are questionable on new products to get I reccomend the Truefitt and Trumpers sampler packs. I have both and am enjoying going through the different options. Even if you don't like their products or want something cheaper, it will help you figure out the scents and what all you enjoy. There is probably enough in both kits for a couple weeks worth of shaves or so and they are around $10 each.

Is there a Nordstrom's in the same mall...Here's why I ask:

My mall has an AOS and a Nordstrom's - I went in to AOS to sniff the new Ocean Kelp line they just came out with - couldn't decide if I liked it. Nordstrom's carries some AOS products, along with a bunch of others. Along with the standard "tester" bottles of product, they provide empty plastic vials and small plastic tubs, encouraging you to take a sample home. I was able to take a small plastic tub, scoop out enough AOS Ocean Kelp shave cream for one shave, and stick it in my pocket. Tried it that night and decided I didn't like it. Saved me 22 bucks.

Wow great response. That was all very helpful. I think I'm going to order the truefitt sample. Seems like the best course of action at this point. But I will be at the mall tomorrow so I may swing into nordstorms and check out some of the scents for the AOS products. Thanks again everyone this has been extremely helpful!