The Obie Memorial First Tier Soaps and Creams Thread.

[Addison]

How does one send a sample? I'll send you some Klar for a shave and you send me some AG or something you have. How's that sound?

Ask Lumberjack55, I just send the hole container, but if you order samples Ex(( Proraso Samples)) they come in a small containers then just use them with a label.. But hobby lobby sells great bead containers that would work well also, Just a thought,Ty

[SemperFi]

+1 on Phrank's post about Saponificio Varesino's latest "bowls." They are beautifully made and really add to SV's outstanding soaps (I have Stella Alpina, Artic Tundra, Cosmo, 75th Ann., and Manna, which I haven't tried yet), and yep on having to shape the pucks just a bit to fit the bowls.

I ordered directly from SV and they were stellar with their packing, prompt shipping, providing tracking and etc.; overall a great firm to work with (though with the soaps I have, it'll be awhile before I order more! lol)

[Dieseld]

Well figured what the heck last night, and ordered from the Italian Barber

1x Saponificio Varesino Ash Wood Shave Bowl - Mahogany Colour
1x Saponificio Varesino Shaving Soap - Aromatic Fern 150g
1x Saponificio Varesino Shaving Soap - Dolomiti 150g
1x Abbate Y La Mantia Shaving Soap - KROKOS

So now to make room for more soaps, but look forward to using more of the top tier ones.
I have found one thing, why not just go for the best. When you add it up, you spend much more trying sub standard soaps/creams til you actually break down and buy some real good ones

[Gasman]

Ive tried to make myself buy some S.V. but to cost just kills me. I understand it will last a long time but still. Id have to buy a bowl too. Man, you guys are killing me. Some day i guess. As for now, i think i got enough soap for 3 years.

[Dieseld]

Jerry there are some pretty inexpensive bowls out there. I only got one bowl since I have a nice wood one I bought over 12 years ago.
With a tiny bit of care they last a very long time

And only 3 years? catch up

[Euclid440]

Yup, years’ worth.

It is now, the go to gift from my kids, and I encourage it. I keep a list that I am continually up dating and give to my wife. She ticks them off, when the kids ask what I want for…

Thank Obie, and guys for this post, it is the basis for my list and have experienced some GREAT soaps.

My daughter and son in law, returned from Vienna and Esbjerg’s, a year ago, last Christmas, with a Box of soaps that I am still working my way through. They spent hours in the store with the staff, talking razors and soaps. When they emailed my wife, from the shop, she knew just what to recommend.

Make a list, and give it out…

[Euclid440]

“How does one send a sample?”

We have a new line of stores here in So. Cal, called Daiso. It is a Japanese dollar store, with stuff up to 3 & 5 dollars. Their stores are immaculate and very well stocked.

They carry a great line of plastic and clear Lucite containers, very inexpensively.

Also, The Container Store carried tons of small containers in a mind-numbing variety of sizes, a bit pricier, but a vast selection. They have an on-line presents.

[Atlas1911]

Not to sound cras, but what is an acceptable amount to send someone as a sample for them to try? I'm sending some out and am new to this. Just picked up some new soap and it's only 3.9oz tin.

[Gasman]

I have gotten sample in the past. Containers about the size of a quarter and about 1/4 inch thick. Gets a couple shaves to try. I've also got one sample that was about three times that much. Squished into a ziploc sandwich bag. Kinda a PITA getting it out and you loose some and have to put it in something else while you use it but it worked. I had an empty tin at the time so not too big a deal. Samples work better with bowl lathering unless they come in bigger containers.

If you give some out then its up to you but I'd say enough to get 2 or 3 shaves would be plenty for testing.

Now if anyone want to send me some of that S.V. stuff I'd love a sample or two. It might help me to push the button and buy some but the cost is what stops me. Sorry, Not begging here. I got lots of soaps and will last a couple years I bet.

[Phrank]

Tried a few of the Fine Shaving Soaps, and they are superb soaps.

Obviously not in league with the 1st Tier soaps IMO, but absolutely solid performers in every respect.

The Italian Citrus is fantastic, reminds me of Acqua Di Parma, superb performer, great soap.

Same can be said with the equally fantastic Fine Platinum Shaving Soap and the Fine Fresh Vetiver Shaving Soap, great hard puck soaps that are effortless to get a great shave from - highly recomend if you need something to sooth the SSAD.

In a recent SOTD, I saw that Richard (envpar) had used a soap by Truefitt and Hill I hadn't seen before, T&H Apsley, and given that IMO, most of the T&H creams fall into Tier One, I had to give this one a try and it certainly is an absolute treat for the nose.

Here is the T&H description of the Apsley Shaving Cream, and yes, it is all this and more, beautiful stuff:

"Apsley, named after the iconic London landmark and former residence of the 1st Duke of Wellington, has been formulated to ignite the senses with a refined blend of smouldering woods accentuated by light citrus notes. The harmonious overtones of woody vertivert are lifted with a refreshing essence of grapefruit and are accentuated by notes of pepper, while its heart of cedar- wood and patchouli, which has been enriched by sensual notes of musk, gives an alluring base to this captivating fragrance."