I am new to SE and DE razors. I did some research and ended up buying mostly Proraso products for my soaps. which I really like. Got some Pinald aftersave which is really nice. Dig the old school scent. Some Osage rub which I found out isn't really menthol but more like shoving your face in an ice bucket after you rubbed down in menthol. Thumbs up! My favorite shave cream is White Basin Black oak. I fear they may have discontinued it.
Anyways, my local Art of Shave is only a few blocks away so needing an Alum bar, I thought I would give them the business and stroll around the store and smell the products. Rolled in and some guy was enjoying a SE shave courtesy of a Dovo Shavette. Overall the visit was pleasant even though no prices were posted. I already knew they were on the pricy side but when I found the Alum bar was $18, I punched out.
I know you get what you pay for but I have found in the past that most newer commercial mens bath products don't work that great regardless of the price tag. Seems like most of the indy boutique and old school products seem to get the highest ratings.
I have noticed over the years that bath product manufactures seem to be bumping there prices in hopes that people will assume that because its expensive its gonna be good. Maybe its just the cost of goods and not some marketing scam.
I appreciate that Art of Shaving exists, but personally I feel they need lower there price point just a bit.