The Obie Memorial First Tier Soaps and Creams Thread.

[Obie]

Thanks Obie for all of your great recommendations. I have worked my way through most of your T1 suggestions, and they are all fabulous.

Alvarez Gomez seems to be a cream I reach for again and again. I am not sure why it doesn't get more discussion.

Newton,
Right you are about Alvarez Gomez. This is really a delightful cream, and the scent is intoxicating. An excellent choice, my friend.

[Obie]

One that has moved to first tier for me after using it for 3 weeks is Vegulde Hand Extra Fris. Cheap as chips. Great slick, nice post shave feel and nice scent that is not over powering

Crown,
I tried this soap couple years back and gave up on it after the second shave. I find it inexpensive, yes, but ordinary. I think I have it in the Third Tier. Of course, as always, this is only my opinion. If you like it, then it is the right stuff for you. Enjoy it.

[Deeter]

Thank you Obie. I bought some tier one samples and started with Martin de Candre. You are going to cost me some money because I really like it.

[Michelle45]

Thank you so much.

[Phrank]

I'm going to give this misunderstood soap a "bump" up in the thread.

Obie - I don't know if you've tried it, but as it contains Alum, I'm guessing it may fry your face....

I've read a lot of mixed reviews of this soap, from the internet and here, and it seems to be a "hit and miss" soap with some, as the general complaint regarding it is it's hard to lather.

With many soaps that have this "hard to lather" tag, I've found these soaps tend to need an above average brush loading, and the right amount of water to get them to perform.

Frankly, this is and has been one of my favourite soaps for years now, aside from the fact it has all the qualities of a fine French soap, it is certainly the most unique soap I've ever used. The infusion of Alum provides a wonderful tingling sensation on the face, and I find the alum tightens the skin and really does make a difference in ensuring an uber close shave.

The scent is very fresh and clean, and while it may take some tweaking to get it to perform, it's never wavered for me being a Tier 1 soap, as always with this thread, my opinion only.

Savon a Barbe a l'Alum Osma Shaving Soap

[jmercer]

Thanks Phrank. I tried it when you posted about it. Intrigued me. The idea of alum in it is likable for me as I'm still perfecting SR use. I liked the scent as you said fresh and clean and French. Blows off after rinsing so no AF clash.

Tweaking to perform is a good description. It took me several tries to get it brush blooming. I ended up soaking my brush in the soap mug for starters and then beating it to death adjusting moisture content. I didn't try it but next stage would have been to cheese grade into a mug. That seems to work with other stubborn soaps reducing whipping time.

Once I got the lather up it was a good close shave with a clean rinse. Applying alum afterwards seem diminished in affect and sensation so I believe that part worked great.

I let it go after a dozen uses though. Humorously, my arthritics is more user friendly now.

Thanks to this thread (thanking you Phrank, Obie and fellow Posters) I am spoiled by other soaps/creams consistent ease of performance. Some are as simple as apply to wet brush... apply to face... shave.

...

[Obie]

Phrank,

I recall trying the Osma soap some years ago, but I don't recall my reaction. Through the years, I have read mixed reviews of it, though.

[Phrank]

I've also re-evaluated the Le Pere Lucien that I had disliked - it came down to proper loading (I found you really need to aggressively load this soap) and water, as I expected, truly is a Tier 1 soap, each the Traditional, the Patchouli and the Rose, and as I've been back to really enjoying these soaps, I couldn't resist ordering the Le Pere Lucien, Cologne ~ Fougere, it smells absolutely beautiful, and my test lather seemed to indicate that we have something that is somewhat reminiscent of the MdC Fougere, but with subtle differences that make it stand on its own - only a shave will tell....

[jmercer]

(I found you really need to aggressively load this soap)

That was my experience too. A little hot water sitting on top while brush is soaking helped in the brush loading for me.

Using the Traditional for now and is top tier for me. Love it.

I'm not that much into wearing scents so to speak. I do like them for the shaving/bathing ritual. Because of this thread I've found Penhaligon's Sartorial scent. Love it. Thanking you. Can't get enough of it. Ordered the hard shave soap and bath soap yesterday. Har!

Penhaligon's shave cream is top tier for me.

I wore Grey Flannel for years and then stopped some 25 years ago.

[ultrasoundguy2003]

[QUOTE=Phrank;1650758]I've also re-evaluated the Le Pere Lucien that I had disliked - it came down to proper loading (I found you really need to aggressively load this soap) and water, as I expected, truly is a Tier 1 soap, each the Traditional, the Patchouli and the Rose,

Phrank good thing you held onto that soap. I went ahead an bought LPL and yes it is 1st Tier.
It is an aggressive loader when compared to other 1st Tiers. Good tip.