Gentlemen:

I continually evaluate my soaps and creams to update the rotation. Subsequently the brands I don't want are not renewed once they run out. Some soaps and creams, not surprisingly, remain on the shave den counter year after year. I prefer soaps to creams, not that they are better, but because, well, I prefer soaps to creams, because they give a bigger taste of nostalgia than do creams. So here are the latest results:

Soaps:

Mitchell's Wool Fat, Tabac, Truefitt & Hill, Provence Sante Verlaine, L'Occitane, Mama Bear and I Coloniali remain. I Coloniali is relatively new for me and I am delighted with it — rich lather, intoxicating fragrance, smooth glide and comfortable cushion. I really like this soap. I also keep Edwin Jagger Aloe Vera for travel — I prefer soaps to creams for travel. All the other soaps will be phased out.

Creams:

Castle Forbes lavender, Trumper's rose, Coates, Institute Karite and Edwin Jagger stay. Not Penhaligon's Blenheim Bouquet. I must say, Penhaligon's cream has been a disappointment. Oh, not that it's bad. No, of course, not — it's nowhere near Castle Forbes. Rather, I find Penhaligon's more hype than substance. I will continue to keep Arko around to use as a blender with the lower grade soaps until they are gone.

I am sure I will continue to discover new soaps and creams for myself, some of which will be worth keeping and some better off retired. I still want to try Martin de Candre and Fitjar neroli, but I'll wait till my wallet enjoys a feast.

Any thoughts, gentlemen?

Regards,

Obie