What are the "Must Have" Soaps & Creams?

**Tolly** · 10-09-2009, 01:52 AM

Okay guys,

In the last two or so weeks since I have become interested in straight razor shaving I have purchased 8 razors, 5 brushes, four strops, two scuttles, a plethora of hones, stones and films, and exactly 0 soaps or creams.

So, my question to all of you maters of the blade and bowl is this, what are some of the must have soaps and creams that you feel everyone should try? I would like a good mix of both soaps and creams so I can mix and match until I come up with what works best for me.

So far the only ones I have on my list are: Irisch Moos(cream and soap) and an Ogallala Bay Rum sampler pack,

1. Irisch Moos(cream and soap)
2. Ogallala Bay Rum sampler pack

So, please help me build a list. I figure I've spent a small fortune on everything else, why go ahead and knock it out of the park on soaps and creams!

Any help would be appreciated.

**Ookla** · 10-09-2009, 01:56 AM

My only "can't live without" stuff is:

1. Tabac soap
2. Proraso cream
3. Aqua Velva Aftershave

I will always have a decent stable of other stuff, but I simply will not be without any of the afformentioned items for any period of time.

**JimR** · 10-09-2009, 02:56 AM

Ahhh, another chance to talk soaps!
First, soaps:
1. Tabac (LIke IM, but more readily available).
2. Mitchell's Wool Fat (buy from a UK vendor, the only way to go...some love it, some hate it.)
3. Palmolive Shave Stick
4. Valobra Shave Stick
5. Cella Crema da Sapone

Creams:
1. Florena
2. J.M. Frasiers
3. La Toja (I prefer Sensitive, but they're both good)
4. The Body Shop/The Real Shave Company (same thing)
5. Connaught Luxury Shaving Cream

**mainaman** · 10-09-2009, 02:59 AM

Mama bear's soaps are very good too.

TOBS soaps are considered good,
Proraso/ C.O Bigelow

You can get samplers of various creams/soaps from The Shave Den

**Tolly** · 10-09-2009, 03:02 AM

Thanks guys, keep em' coming!

**cubed1** · 10-09-2009, 04:18 AM

Don't forget the Willaims mug soap! It's an experience to remember.

**richmondesi** · 10-09-2009, 04:35 AM

Soaps:

DR Harris Arlington and Lavender
Czech and Speake 88
Penhaligon's English Fern if you can find it
Geo F Trumper pick your scent (I like the violet and rose a lot)

I've not tried MWF, but it's high on my "want to" list

I don't use creams... Never found any that I loved. Proraso is ok, but I enjoy soaps so much more that I don't bother with creams

**BeBerlin** · 10-09-2009, 05:22 AM

Well, the easiest thing would be to sort the reviews: Shaving Soaps/Shaving Creams Reviews - Straight Razor Place Forums.

For me:

**Alraz** · 10-09-2009, 05:40 AM

First of all, notice that there are many opinions on this subject. After having tried a fair number of the products mentioned here, I must tell you that you are setting yourself up for some disappointment. The reason being that usually people like soap A because they hate soap B and vice versa. This is not always true but it happens a lot. Instead, I am going to tell you as a user and a soapmaker what I look for in a shaving soap/cream. A good soap/cream:1) contributes to beard and skin preparation by softening whiskers and lubricating the skin; 2) provides a well hydrated lather that does not dry out; 3)allows sufficient cushion and glide during the shave; 4) conditions your skin after the shave; 5) is economic; and 6) and has a pleasant scent. Needless to say, the products that excel in all of these areas can probably counted with the fingers of your hand. These products are typically expensive but well worth their price. Once you try these, you would probably not shave again with most of the cheap ones. Do not take me wrong, there are some inexpensive soap/creams that are very good, even if the scent or the conditioning is not the best.

One thing to be particularly aware of is the economy of the product. The price of the product only tells you half of the story. If you buy a soap that cost twice as much as another but gives you twice as many shaves or more, you are no saving by buying the inexpensive one..., it is that simple. I am not big into scents so unless the soap smells like rotten fish, turpentine, hippie, etc., I am usually happy. I prefer soaps that do not have a pronounced scent. Because I have sensitive skin, for me, what often tilts the scale is conditioning. If you do not have special requirements in that front, you will find more products that fit the bill and your budget.

So here is my list:

Creams: Castle Forbes, without a doubt, the best that you can buy at a store; Truefitt & Hill, close but no cigar. If you are looking for value: Proraso, C. O Bigelow and Taylor of Old Bond Street, no essential oils and sub par conditioning when compared to the best but not bad by any means.

In soaps, I can only agree with richmondesi and add a couple more, one of which was also mentioned: Mitchell's Wool Fat and Truefitt & Hill. If you are going for budget, Tabac is almost unbeatable. There are also many others that would fit the bill in that price range. I have not found the first glycerin-based soap that I have been happy with so I would suggest to stay away from them.

Since you are planning to spend some money on soaps/creams anyway, my suggestion would be to try Castle Forbes or a good milled soap (basically a high end product) first and then decide where you go next, rather than merely going though a wishlist.

Al raz.

**richmondesi** · 10-09-2009, 05:43 AM

I forgot to mention that I wanted to try the T&H soap as well. I've heard that Art of Shaving soaps are really nice too. Do any of you guys have an opinion on them?

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