The Obie Memorial First Tier Soaps and Creams Thread.

[DZEC]

I find myself turning to a few favourite soaps as well: MdC original, PannaCrema, TOBS and Cyril Salter Sandalwood and Baume.be. There are quite a few tubs of other soaps around, but they get used only when I think I want to try something different.

I was in Iceland in March and picked up a tube of the European Noxzema shave cream. Finally tried it yesterday and was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to use (no brush lathering) and the glide and post shave face feel. It wasn’t;t very expensive and is well worth having in my travel kit.

[BobH]

I was in Iceland in March and picked up a tube of the European Noxzema shave cream. Finally tried it yesterday and was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to use (no brush lathering) and the glide and post shave face feel. It wasn’t;t very expensive and is well worth having in my travel kit.

Now that is interesting since the Noxzema shave cream that used to be sold in North America years ago was meant to used with a brush. IIR the cream had a pinkish tinge to it and smelt a bit like Noxzema cold cream. I liked it very much and wish it was still available.

Bob

[Obie]

Speick shaving cream . . .

Gentlemen, I had known of this unpretentious German shaving cream, but never tried it. I know the cream has its fans, and now you can count me in as one. I found a tube of it in my stash, but I have no idea when I bought it.

The cream's fragrance is lavender with a dose of spice. It reminds me of the incense burned in the Catholic church of my youth in Tehran. The cream creates luxurious lather, with impressive glide and cushion. The price is right, too, I might add. Speick definitely deserve the Second Tier rating.

[BobH]

Their shave stick and AS are also excellent.

Bob

[Obie]

Their shave stick and AS are also excellent.

Bob

I did a little research and saw them, Bob. I have never tried them, though. The cream itself, by Jove, is impressive. It is certainly worth the try.

[BobH]

I did a little research and saw them, Bob. I have never tried them, though. The cream itself, by Jove, is impressive. It is certainly worth the try.

Yes certainly, I have also used the cream.

Bob

[Haroldg48]

I've zeroed in on my own favorites...MdC Fougere, Castle Forbes Cedarwood and Sandalwood, Proraso green and Arko. With them I get the easiest and fastest, best lather and the most enjoyable scents. I have a few others that I occasionally try, but those four I keep in a pretty regular rotation.

[Obie]

Updated List . . .

From time to time I update my list. Obviously I cannot keep up with all the soaps and creams coming out, especially from artisans, but I do the best I can.

I have moved to the First Tier Provence Sante and Institute Karite, two unpretentious shave soaps packed with shea butter. These are inexpensive soaps, especially Provence Sante, that are just as good as the great ones already in the First Tier.

Provence Sante Verlaine has been an especially favorite of mine for years. That it is named after the French poet Paul Verlaine does not hurt. I like the green tea version, too. As for Institute Karite, who can argue with 25% shave butter?

I removed I Coloniali, the Italian soap, from the list, because it is no longer made. Xpec has dropped to the Second Tier. The artisan made Shave Revolution is no longer made, so it went away. I have a small tube Wilkinson Sword on the way from English. We'll see where it ends up.

[DZEC]

Interesting about Institut Karite. I got the cream in a tube some time ago and did not particularly enjoy it. I think I’ll find it and try again.

I also have the after shave balm in a tube, which feels quite enriching on my skin in the winter when my skin tends to feel dry.

[Obie]

Interesting about Institut Karite. I got the cream in a tube some time ago and did not particularly enjoy it. I think I’ll find it and try again.

I also have the after shave balm in a tube, which feels quite enriching on my skin in the winter when my skin tends to feel dry.

The cream is dreadful. I think I have it in the Basement. The soap is another story. In my opinion, it is First Tier stuff. As for the aftershave balm, it is good stuff, with 25% Shea Butter.