Thread: Most underrated soap/cream under $20

Originally Posted by OCDshaver

To me, the most underrated soap out there is Barrister and Mann. While there are many members here that I see using it, it doesn't get the praise of some of the other high end soaps. Many of the scents are under $20 and I will say that IN MY OPINION, B&M outperforms many of the coveted creams/soaps. MDC or B&M? The answer, B&M. Truefitt and Hill or B&M?....B&M. Proraso?....B&M. Baume.be?....B&M. For my tastes, it hasn't dethroned Penhaligons, Xpec, or Castle and Forbes. But its beat the pants off of anything else I've bought or tried. I've found that the best way to get the most out of it is to buy the pucks and smash them into the bottom of a latte mug. Then build your lather on top of them. Its rich, slick, protective lather.

That's high praise indeed and I'll be checking their stuff out. Thanks.

Are we not Blessed (or is it Cursed) to have so many great choices at every price point and but one face to shave and for most of us one shave a day?

This explains the large basket stashed in the depths of the shave den...

Smooth Shaving...

Figaro. Very similar to cella and even cheaper. Got mine for three euro.

Yes, we are blessed and I have that basket too. Why am I reading this thread?

Originally Posted by MJC

Are we not Blessed (or is it Cursed) to have so many great choices at every price point and but one face to shave and for most of us one shave a day?

This explains the large basket stashed in the depths of the shave den...

Smooth Shaving...

Surprised to see no mention of green mountain soaps.. I still think a puck is around 14 to 15 bucks.. And arko is awesome for the 5 bucks I think it costs.. And anything mamma bear for the money.. Wars shaving cream is another one very unknown for like 15 bucks you can get three tubes.. It's a polish shaving cream ..I believe there is a gentleman on ebay who sells it..

At this price point, there are ENDLESS options. Artisan, mass produced...too many to list. Why I love this forum, though, is that we will try to list them all!!!! I love threads like these, because I get to learn about new products I haven't yet found or heard of.

And don't forget - there are so many choices that there really isn't a "correct" or singular answer to your question. There are too many variables for "under 20 bucks". Arko is great and is super cheap. ToBs (ToBs grapefruit is my favorite cream at any price point) is better than Arko. Or is it? Price variables, etc make it hard to determine.

And no matter what, as Jimmy discussed in his beginner tip this month, YMMV. You and I could be given the same puck of soap in the same scent. We can each whip up a beautiful bowl of lather. And based on our individual preference for thickness, cushion, glide and scent, you might say it is the greatest soap you have ever used. And I might say it's the worst. Who is right????

The answer is we are BOTH right - it's what works best for us.

This was a long way to say use this list to buy a bunch of soaps and creams and find YOUR favorite. Go nuts! I do.

Spot on ^ .

Bob

I read threads like this and I just go out and spend $$$!!!! Geeeez!

I guess I should've titled this "your favorite under $20". I tend to keep a couple high end options on hand for special shaves, but my workhorse creams an soaps are of the cheap versions. Like in my original post RR mudderfocker gets a lot of use. Reading the replies I now too have money to spend. Blessed cursed whatever. It's all worth it when the end result is a fantastic shave.

Originally Posted by RollinCoal69

I guess I should've titled this "your favorite under $20". I tend to keep a couple high end options on hand for special shaves, but my workhorse creams an soaps are of the cheap versions. Like in my original post RR mudderfocker gets a lot of use. Reading the replies I now too have money to spend. Blessed cursed whatever. It's all worth it when the end result is a fantastic shave.

Yes, my workhorse soaps and creams are all the sub $20 variety. I do have a few high end options also. I am in the middle of a week of using Palmolive shave sticks formed into a bowl for lathering. At this point I am really wondering why I even bothered with the high end ones. Live and learn or rather relearn.

Bob