Tom's of Maine Natural conditioning shave cream

[USNA92]

As promised, since I haven't seen this one mentioned in any forums, I thought I'd add my opinion. The directions on the tube tell you to use your hands to create a lather, but I tried it with my brush.
So far, I've only used a cheap shave soap, which I didn't like, and William's Mug Shaving Soap, which I do like. I like this better.
Pros:
1) Generate a thicker lather than the other soaps.
2) Really seems to condition well.
3) All-natural ingredients.
4) Contains Peppermint oil, which really wakes me up in the morning.
5) The peppermint smell rinses off with the cream (I don't mind my breath being minty, but I don't think I want my face to smell minty )

Cons:
1) Hard to actually get the lather (and easy to mess up). Probably my fault.
2) Comes out of the tube cold and hard, so I have to add hot water to the bowl while I prep my face and brush.

Ifs:
1) When you first apply it, the peppermint oil is really noticeable. The first time, it felt like it was almost burning my face. I'm concerned that it's having a mentholating effect and numbing the skin a little. Does anyone have an opinion about this?

FWIW

- Rick

[RichZ]

I use proraso as a preshave conditioner it also has a menthol smell which wakes you up nicely in the AM. I have not tried Tom's will have to put it on my list to try.

[xman]

I have used the Tom's tube before and find it a good cream. I suggest you follow the instructions on the tube, lather it with your hands, try it a couple of times at least. You might try warming the tube up before shaving to see if it softens it out of the tube.

X

[USNA92]

I have used the Tom's tube before and find it a good cream. I suggest you follow the instructions on the tube, lather it with your hands, try it a couple of times at least. You might try warming the tube up before shaving to see if it softens it out of the tube.

X

X,
Good advice! This morning I ran the closed tube under the hot water for just a few seconds and the cream came out real close to perfect for use with the brush. Another second or two should do it. I will take your other advice and lather with my hands just to see how that goes.
Thanks

[RichZ]

That's xman for you always thinking!!!!!!

[xman]

Aw, shucks.

[gustav]

Weighing in on this kinda late as I've been gone from here for a bit, but Tom's is my current favorite. I've found that it works amazingly in my Victorian shaving scuttle (well, may be the wrong term). I fill the base with hot water from the tap, put the soap dish in, squeeze in a bit of Tom's and let it sit while I strop. A little hot water to the brush and, viola, perfect lather every time! And it's so wonderfully affordable I haven't ventured out much from it.