Thread: English Shaving Soaps

Here is my favorite English shaving soap!

Jeff

Originally Posted by crackstar

Here is my favorite English shaving soap!

Jeff

what's it like?

Originally Posted by loueedacat

what's it like?

Ahhhhh--a glycerine soap with a wonderful, and soothing rich lather, and a great "Old School" barbershop scent!

Jeff

Sorry to be the voice of disagreement guys, but I have the Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandelwood soap and have found it to be top notch. Lathers thick and rich and provides a nice comfortable shave for me. Now before everyone tries to say I'm completely off the mark (and I think comparing TOBS to Williams of all things is totally off the mark) I should point out that there are many factors in making the perfect lather; anything from water hardness to the individual technique of the lathermaker himself (or herself to be fair). I am usually in agreement with my fellow members, but not this time.

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

How do you like TOBS compared to DRH?

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.

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..

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.