Thread: Shaving creams and soaps

Hello Y'all
I've been shaving with a straight razor for several months now, learning tips from people on this site, which I just joined today. Being I have a tough beard, I started putting shave cream on, letting it soak in while I strop, then applying shave soap. So, my first question to this forum is, I've been using the "Every Man Jack" shave cream and post shave cream. Is what I'm using sufficient, or could someone reccommend something better

Hello, TexasRanger, and welcome to Straight Razor Place. Quality shaving soaps and creams abound. Here are some suggestions:

Soaps: Mitchell's Wool Fat, Tabac, Provence Sante Verlaine, L'Occitaine, Institute Karite, D.R. Harris (variety), Taylor of Old Bond Street (variety), Truefitt & Hill, Geo F Trumper (variety), eShave, Scottish Fine Soaps, La Toja Manantiales, Pre de Provence, Mama Bear, Straight Razor Designs, among others.

Also, the best soaps there is, in my estimation: Martin de Candre. It's pricey, so let's save that for dessert.

Creams: Castle Forbes, Truefitt & Hill (variety), D.R. Harris (variety), Geo F Trumper (variety), Taylor of Old Bond Street (variety) Coates, Penhaligon, Arko, Institute Karite, Pre de Provence, Nancy Boy, Cella, RazoRock, Proraso, among others.

If you want to do mixing, load your brush with a good soap, add an almond-size amount of cream to the lather bowl, about five drops of glycerine, and create luxurious lather.

Thank you Obie, you gave me a lot of choices and I will consider using some of those in the future. I was still wondering if anyone had any opinions on "Every Man Jack", which is what I currently use.

TexasRanger,
Someone once gave me a tube of Every Man Jack shave cream and I used it only once — and promised myself not to use it again. There is so much great stuff out there.

Always count on Obie for guidance in the soap/cream realm. The only addition I would suggest would be Queen Charlotte Soaps. They have a great build-your-own sampler pack for $15. You select 5 of their soaps in 1/2 oz containers. I'm fond of their Vostok and Cayman (bay rum) scents.
Welcome to your new obsession!

For those that have responded, I greatly appreciate it. Sounds as though I will be losing the "Every Man Jack" and replacing it with one of the better products mentioned.

TexasRanger,

There is a whole world of soaps and creams to explore, quite literally. If or when you decide to branch out we will be there to help guide you. But as for your standby, Every Man Jack, only you can decide if it's a quality product. If it works for you, great; damn the torpedoes

If you like creams (and I certainly do) I suggest looking for two that can usually be found locally and are inexpensive.
The Real Shave Co cream performs wonderfully and can usually be found at Rite Aid.
C.O. Bigelow has a nice menthol kick and can be had at Bath & Body Works.
Both can be purchased for about 5 dollars so you can have a few things to try out while you wait for any online orders to arrive.

Don't forget Van der Hagen deluxe shaving soap!