Thread: English Shaving Soaps

Different people react to scents in very different ways. Most people say that Harris Almond has a subtle soapy scent, but for me it's like someone shoved a blowtorch up my nose. I can't even sniff the puck much less lather it on my face. I gave my puck away to another member because it stunk up the bathroom so badly. He loved it and thought the scent was so subtle as to be almost nonexistent

Originally Posted by mparker762

Different people react to scents in very different ways. Most people say that Harris Almond has a subtle soapy scent, but for me it's like someone shoved a blowtorch up my nose. I can't even sniff the puck much less lather it on my face. I gave my puck away to another member because it stunk up the bathroom so badly. He loved it and thought the scent was so subtle as to be almost nonexistent

I have your issue but maybe a little less extreme - that's why I use Arlington more. The DRH almond for me was almost painful to the nose at first but has gotten better - I think the scent has just faded a bit. It felt to me like someone used pressured air to ram pepper and nutmeg up my nose. But man it performs! Arlington is very mild and fruity for me so all the upside with none of the downside.

Among the English soaps, I have DR Harris Marlborough, Arlington and Almond as well as Trumpers Rose. The Harris soaps provide the best shave in terms of closeness and comfort. The Turmpers Rose is the best scent. The cushioning and slickness of Harris is what makes it so good. It lathers better than any cream as well. The scents are unique. I wish they had a Rose. The Trumpers Rose also is a great lathering soap.

As my cream collection diminishes, I think I will migrate to soaps exclisively.

Originally Posted by CloseShave

The cushioning and slickness of Harris is what makes it so good. It lathers better than any cream as well. I wish they had a Rose.

I totally agree. C&S 88 by the way might be something for you to check out.

Originally Posted by loueedacat

Hey, it's not a discussion until someone disagrees!

How do you like TOBS compared to DRH?

Honestly, I've never tried D.R. Harris, probably will someday. I'm by no means disputing your top picks, but personally I'd rank Taylor of Old Bond Street WELL above Williams. Hell, I'd rank Ivory hand soap above Williams...

The only one of these I have tried (would like to try mwf one of these days) is Trumpers Coconut Oil. I find the aroma pleasant and also it moisturizes really well. Along with Ogallala Bay Rum and TGQ's Cavendish Black it is one of my go to soaps..

Hmmm, Iv been planning on getting some MWF, mostly cos i heard it was good (as you have confirmed, thanks) but also cos I wanted a ceramic bowl I was using CREW brushless cream (not English i know) because my lady loved the scent. But quite frankly I thought it gave a poor shave. Even experimenting with different amounts water it was like having half set cement on my face. It was so bad in fact that I actually switched back to nivia shave foam while I chose my next product.
I wonder if my girl will like the smell of the MWF as much, I have never smelt it. But hey I can always get a new aftershave right?!
Also have any of you guys used a Simpson brush? I am gonna need one seeing as Im finally moving up to soap. i really like the look of the "chubby" brushes and definatly want badger hair. But Im not sure I can justify the £100 price tag for a first brush.

Any thoughts?

Originally Posted by Ryan82

Honestly, I've never tried D.R. Harris, probably will someday. I'm by no means disputing your top picks, but personally I'd rank Taylor of Old Bond Street WELL above Williams. Hell, I'd rank Ivory hand soap above Williams...

OK - I was just curious if you had tried DRH and preferred TOBS, because sometimes people really do have different reactions to different soaps. For example, I don't really like TGQ [I've been working up the nerve to say that here] but love QED, and really really dig MamaBear and HBS - others here LOVVVVEEEEE TGQ. Who knows why we sometimes react so differently to the same great products.

I agree the Williams analogy was probably unfair - I have a puck of Williams but haven't worked up the nerve to try it yet - just sitting there stinkin' up the closet.

If you try DRH (and I heavily recommend it!), I'd start with arlington or marlboro. The almond is a classic to some but violently abusive to the sinuses of others, so I wouldn't start there.

Originally Posted by loueedacat

OK - I was just curious if you had tried DRH and preferred TOBS, because sometimes people really do have different reactions to different soaps. For example, I don't really like TGQ [I've been working up the nerve to say that here] but love QED, and really really dig MamaBear and HBS - others here LOVVVVEEEEE TGQ. Who knows why we sometimes react so differently to the same great products.

As for TGQ I currently have two pucks and three samples; love the scents, but I can't get it to lather in a bowl worth a damn. If I lather directly on my face it is great, but I am primarily a bowl lather maker. I know what you mean about bad-mouthing Colleen's soaps around here though.

Back to DRH, don't worry loueedacat, it is for sure on my list of soaps to try..... and Tabac, and Truefitt & Hill, and MWF, and Mamabears', and........................

Originally Posted by Ryan82

and........................

yes, exactly. I bought a TABAC stick - I already have a TABAC bowl. THats 200g of TABAC. I don't need 200g of TABAC, yet I must have it. And I dont' even like TABAC as much as half my soaps. Somebody make me stop.