Xpec, MDC, ABC shoot Out!

Ok long story as short as possible. Got the itch for some high end soaps/creams. Didn't want to pull the trigger on all of these at once so I bought some samples. Spent the last two weeks rotating these three an comparing. This is my overall impression. YMMV, matter of fact I know it will. Scent, lather, slickness, cushion, overall experience.

Xpec- scent as expected. Same as old formula. Pleasant doesn't hang around long
Lather fantastic once you learn the water ratio. Key with any soap.
Slickness not as good as old formula IMO.
Cushion also a bit off for the price.
Overall a great performer an definitely top tier.

MDC- scent is a fantastic lavender. My favorite among the samples.
Lather is easy to make with 24mm brush which I used for then entire test
Slickness is perfect during shave but went away with a rinse.
Cushion good but again less than I expected.
Overall an amazing soap that will find it's way into my cabinet in full jar size

ABC (antica colla)- scent is almond an my least favorite among the samples
Lather every time is amazing! Makes up for not liking the scent.
Slickness is nice an stays throughout the shave.
Cushion is exceptional. Almost to the point of not feeling the blade at all.
Overall this is my pick for overall performer. The shaves I have been getting using this soap is great an the condition of my skin afterward is very soft. This in full size will also be in the cabinet soon.

In summary all of these are great. Do I think that means they replace the much cheaper options, absolutely not. RR mudderfocker will continue to be my $9 go to. Amongst the collection of maggards, tobs, dr Harris etc I rotate thru. That being said if your in the market to try the top tier stuff I hope this helps.

Iv'e not tried the newer Expec but am working through a jar of the original cream and I am crazy about it. Expec, old and new is a cream.

MDC is a fine soap and develops a lather that is as good as it gets. imo.

I have not tried ABC soap but will at some point.

I don't use any anyones artisinal soaps. Most I have tried samples of just prove to me that the majority of these "shave soap" makers do not have a clue. YMMV.

I am a huge fan of MdC. I expected too much of XPec and went against buying the new formula. I could not get passed the scent.

ABC... I avoided thinking almond was not my thing. Then I bought a sample and was blown away. I immediately placed an order on ABC website. It is a fantastic soap. I have not tried the cream.

My newest untried super cream is Penhaligon's. Which smells amazing

I've never tried the Xpec, old or new formula, but between the MdC and ABC, the latter wins hands down, for me. Good slickness with protection, and with a post shave feel that MdC cannot compete.

Thanks for the reviews! I have always wanted to try these higher end guys, and it kills me that I cant. All of them seem to have almond in them... which I am allergic to. :(

Glad to see others have had the same experience with ABC that I have. I was truly expecting xpec to win my vote amongst these three. I had a small amount of the original an loved it. Just not the same with the new formula. It's close but seems a bit off to me. Mdc is great. Matter of fact it was my choice for today's shave. But overall I'm really impressed with abc. The post shave is just wow.

ABC at their website required buying minimal 200euro products to be shipped to US.
The selling price at old town shaving is almost twice the original price.
I am still hesitating buying it.