Maggard Razors Samples: Christmas in July!

Hi All-Well, Christmas came early for me this year! I was checking out Brad and Casie's website at Maggard Razors (where I've spent a lot of time watching Brad's videos trying to learn the art of restoring), and ogling all their excellent sample packs. As I'm always trying out new (to me) soaps, creams, and aftershaves, my shave den is full of samples to play with. Anyway, as I love Proraso's classic cream, and have heard wonderful things about their other products, I couldn't resist this Proraso Ultimate Sampler: Proraso Ultimate Sampler | Maggard Razors - Straight Razor Restoration, Custom Scales and Wet Shaving Products
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And though I've never been a big fan of the basic Pinaud Clubman AS, I decided I couldn't really call myself a true wet-shaver until I had tried all the others, so I had to get this: Clubman Pinaud Aftershave Samples | Maggard Razors - Straight Razor Restoration, Custom Scales and Wet Shaving Products
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I love the little 7ml spray bottles, and they're all so colorful (I could even save them to hang on the Christmas tree!). I especially can't wait to try the Lime Sec, Osage Rub, and we'll see about the notorious Lilac Vegetal I've heard so much about.

Let me add too that even though I ordered on Sunday, they were lightning fast with several e-mails acknowledging the order, shipping info., etc. The package came in the mail today, and was meticulously and protectively packed by Casie and Collin. Now I can't wait to go play with them all. Too bad I had to shave this morning for a funeral.

I'll try to report back my impressions on each individual product later. Aaron/SHD

Maggards has great service. An the samples they offer are a great way to try new stuff. I use them often for samples. Looks like you have enough to keep ya busy for a while.:tu

Brad & Casie are the best! This will keep you busy for a while, if not out of trouble!

Enjoy!

Well, I promised some reviews on the sample products: let's start with the Proraso!

Proraso Green Pre-Shave, Green Menthol and Eucalyptus Cream, and Menthol and Eucalyptus Aftershave: Wow-Been awhile since I had had any, so I had almost forgotten just how awesome Proraso is! First, I dabbed on and rubbed in the pre-shave. I’m not sure it makes any difference, but the identical scent is a nice prelude to the real thing. Then I whipped up a pillowy, luxurious face lather with the cream. I can’t get enough of that deliciously cooling eucalyptus and menthol. I got a smooth, relaxing 3-pass shave with my trusty WB Celebrated Hollow Ground. I followed up with a hot water rinse, followed by a bracing ice cube rub (sop with any really cold mentholated products-brrrrr!), then finished with the green aftershave. It was just the perfect ending to one of the most enjoyable shaves I can ever remember. It has a very tingling skin-feel, with a very green take on the Proraso scent, and left my face toned and smooth. Just a perfect summer evening shave! Now I have to get the full size cream and AS!

Just went for the Clubman Sampler Pack, think there is 2 left in stock for those that are vacillating.

**Edit**

Already shipped!

Well, I shaved with the Aloe and Vitamin E Blue cream and my Filarmonica 12, followed by the matching balm. Very smooth shave with a lightly -scented cream that made the same copious, slick Proraso lather as the Green. The scent is a light, vaguely aquatic "blue" scent. That and the balm left my face smooth and moisturized, though not greasy. Still, for general purposes I only use balms in dry winter air. Good stuff, though I prefer the Green.