Thread: Art of Shaving

I know the Art of Shaving products are overpriced but I've been using them ever since I ordered their starter kit. The stuff is great but very expensive as I just stated. I know there are some other really expensive stuff out there but I was just wondering if there was something equal in quality but not so expensive available. I don't care for any heavy scents and I have some pretty sensitive skin and some thick curly facial hair. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Try some soap or cream from Colleen at TGQ (see her thread in the Vendor's Corner and email her with questions or an order). I don't know about shipping to Japan, but I'm sure Colleen will let you know. Try some of her bath soaps while you're at it.

Mama Bear also makes great soap and has added cream. I haven't tried the cream yet myself. MB's shampoo is also superb. http://www.bear-haven.com/ShavingCream.html

In my experience, the artisan soaps and creams are as good if not better than the high end products and much less expensive.

On the commercial side, Taylor of Old Bond street makes great products that are less than AOS or Trumper. Proraso is good also. You have many options. Please report back and let us know how you do!

Jordan

I think anyone makes soaps and creams les expensive than Art of Shaving. I found them to be a tad annoying as the sales staff needed better training when it comes to straight razors. The person I spoke to assured me all razors came shave ready out of the box and you would only need to hone a razor a few times in your lifetime. Imagine that I done all this honing for nothing. Also boy are they expensive.....

I totally agree with Jordan on his recommendations..

I've still got an ass-ton of my AOS pre-shave, cream, and aftershave balm left but I've heard some good things about mama bear and taylor. As far as Taylor goes, would you guys recommend the cream or the soap? And how about porasso's preshave. I know lynn mentioned it in his video but I've never tried it before.

Don't forget about Honeybee Spa or Pirate's Cove soaps ---- can't be beat for the price.

Justin

Cream/soap, soap/cream - is a personal choice. I use soaps most of the time, but use cream once in a while when the mood strikes. Try a little of both.

Proraso pre-shave is a good multi-tasking product to have around. I don't really use pre-shave under my lather, but I do use it under my hot towel sometimes. Its also a great aftershave moisturizer for particularly dry days.

Jordan

Originally Posted by saladbar2000

I've still got an ass-ton of my AOS pre-shave, cream, and aftershave balm left but I've heard some good things about mama bear and taylor. As far as Taylor goes, would you guys recommend the cream or the soap? And how about porasso's preshave. I know lynn mentioned it in his video but I've never tried it before.

Taylor's creams and soaps are all top notch. I have most of the creams, but only the lavender soap (not a sandalwood fan). I have found no disappointment with any of them.

Now, to keep this on topic. I have the Lavender from AOS and from Taylor's. Both are great shaving creams, but the AOS scent is a bit stronger and longer lasting. I like it better. For me, it is really not a lot more expensive than Taylor's because I can buy locally and not pay shipping. And it is not any more expensive than Truefitt & Hill. Personally, I find it every bit as nice to use as the T&H products.

RT

I definitely agree with you on this! I've tried many others and none compare to AOS. so i will have to suck it up.

would you say use the pre-shave oil or poraso pre-shave cream before a hot towel or after the hot towel and before lathering up? I noticed lynn did the hot towel, lathered up, hot towel, lathered up again, and then shaved. Did that first lather followed by the towel serve the same purpose as the pre-shave oil or cream?

Originally Posted by saladbar2000

would you say use the pre-shave oil or poraso pre-shave cream before a hot towel or after the hot towel and before lathering up? I noticed lynn did the hot towel, lathered up, hot towel, lathered up again, and then shaved. Did that first lather followed by the towel serve the same purpose as the pre-shave oil or cream?

Lynn, can speak to this better but my thoughts are that the first hot towel was to start the bread softening. The second continued this and removed the oils from the whiskers with the lather. The final lathering is to provide the lubrication and protection for the shave so adding a pre-shave right before this final lathering makes sense. It wouldn't make sense at any of the earlier steps because it's function is to increase the cushion and slickness as well as anestitize the skin.

Regards,
EL