Thread: Castle Forbes--Proraso

Hey all,

So I am ready to go into the world of shaving creams. I cannot decide whether to go with Proraso, which I have heard great things about. Or spend those extra bucks and go with the high end Castle Forbes. Can I get some feedback.

-Huizar

IMHO, Castle Forbes is the better product by quite a bit. Proraso is good, but CF is in a whole other league. I'm not sure if the improvement is worth the increase in price to you, but for me it certainly is. I've not found any creams that are better than the CF creams.

I would take a look at the reviews in Shaving Soaps/Shaving Creams Reviews - Straight Razor Place Forums. Personally, I think that the two are in different leagues entirely, and if you are only beginning with creams, CF's products will make your life a lot easier. There are, however, similarly good but considerably less expensive alternatives (my current favourite being Edwin Jagger "Aloe Vera"). That said, Proraso is a perfectly good cream, don't get me wrong.

I've tried neither (but have 2 tubs of CF on their way!). They both have reviews here. Have you seen them?
If not, here's Proraso & here's CF Lime.

Lavender & Cedar & Sandalwood get attention too.

Beat me to the reviews Robin!

Huizar6

I have used Proraso for years and swear by it. It is economical and whips up into a nice, rich lather that won't dry out your face. If you plan to use the shave cream you select for everyday use, I would go with Proraso.

I have also found Ingram, Spieck and J. M. Frasers worth considering for everyday use as well. Like Proraso, they are economical, but unlike Proraso they have a more masculine, non-medicinal scent. J. M Frasers has an enjoyable lime scent and IMHO is the most economical quality shaving cream of all I have mentioned.

For special occasions, however, I turn to Taylor's of Bond Street (Shave Shop) or Cyril R. Salter (Vetvier).

In sum, I would purchase both at some point in my wet shaving career. Use the Proraso for everyday use and the Castle Forbes for special occasions. You'll satisfy yourself and please your wallet.

Happy shaving!!

When these questions come up, I always stress the deception of deciding on a product based on the price alone. The truth is that as much as I like Proraso, and it is a very good cream, Castle Forbes is a superior product in every category. If you are on a budget, Proraso would do just fine. However, if you can afford it, you may want to do yourself a favor and buy the Castle Forbes, here is why: Although you can make excellent lather with Proraso, Castle Forbes is much denser at the peak. You also would use about half or less of the amount per shave with Castle Forbes. When you compare them taking this factor into account, Castle Forbes grows in value. I would not decide on a product based on the scent but if you like essential oils in your shaving cream, Castle Forbes is also the ticket. However, for me, what makes the big difference between these 2 products and tips the scale in favor of Castle Forbes is the conditioning: Proraso is not particularly good at conditioning skin, especially if you have sensitive skin and Castle Forbes is excellent in that category. As always, "you get what you paid for" and you make he final decision ;-).

Al raz.

Originally Posted by Huizar6

Hey all,

So I am ready to go into the world of shaving creams. I cannot decide whether to go with Proraso, which I have heard great things about. Or spend those extra bucks and go with the high end Castle Forbes. Can I get some feedback.

-Huizar

I also cast my ballot for Castle Forbes. I was introduced to CF about 5 years ago by a gentleman at Stoddard's, and even with a DE it gives a phenomenal shave, conditions the skin great, and the Lime smells fantastic. I use Proraso also, and it is a fine product, especially for the price, but a tub of CF lasts way longer for me, between 8-9 months, easily, so it really is not anymore expensive, all things considered. You can't go wrong either way, but the CF is definitely more luxuriant.

Proraso is a fine product but to me there would only two reasons to choose it over Castle Forbes. One, you are looking for a eucalyptus scent or two, cost is an overriding consideration. Other than that I would go for CF every time.

Originally Posted by jhenry

Huizar6

I have used Proraso for years and swear by it. It is economical and whips up into a nice, rich lather that won't dry out your face. If you plan to use the shave cream you select for everyday use, I would go with Proraso.

I have also found Ingram, Spieck and J. M. Frasers worth considering for everyday use as well. Like Proraso, they are economical, but unlike Proraso they have a more masculine, non-medicinal scent. J. M Frasers has an enjoyable lime scent and IMHO is the most economical quality shaving cream of all I have mentioned.

For special occasions, however, I turn to Taylor's of Bond Street (Shave Shop) or Cyril R. Salter (Vetvier).

In sum, I would purchase both at some point in my wet shaving career. Use the Proraso for everyday use and the Castle Forbes for special occasions. You'll satisfy yourself and please your wallet.

Happy shaving!!

Yes, I couldn't agree more. It's always good to have your every day use creams and soaps, but be sure to spoil yourself once and a while with at least one container of the higher quality stuff. Thats how I run.

As long as you like the scent there is no competition. performance wise Castle Forbes is the best shave product in the Universe period.