Thread: Beginner confused with mass amounts of Soaps and Creams

So I've just bought two vintage Boker's today and am now looking for some soap/cream. After reading through the forum, i've gotten all confused and dazed with the amount of info. I'm currently using Taylor of Old Bond right now, but would like to venture out and try a different one. I've read on hear that Mama Bear is really good, any other suggestions will be welcomed. Thanks

Troy

A great suds maker and a fantastic summertime soap is Proraso. Short money too,and it will wake up your face!!!! The Proraso pre/aftershave balm rocks too!!!!!

So whats the order that you follow? Shower, pre shave balm, apply soap, shave, warm rinse, alum, cool rinse, then aftershave balm? I've read about guys using all sorts of different product at certain times throughout their shave. I'm a little confused on what's needed and when it's needed.

You got it !! Shower, apply lather, shave,apply lather again for 2nd pass with razor and a 3rd time if you want, warm rinse, wet alum block with cold water and rub all over face,let it stay on face for a minute and rinse off with cold water. Pat face dry with towel and apply some type of BALM,let balm dry into skin and then the good smelly stuff.

There is plenty of options for creams and soaps, for different budgets and tastes.
I would suggest you do search for reviews on the forum and read what people say.

Thanks for all the info guys

Hey, don't be confused by them, just buy them or add them to your wish list. This is my ever-growing list of shaving related items to buy showing the creams, soaps, etc!

Trumpers are excellent, better than TOBS IMHO, and their scents are really fresh and clean.

If you want creams Penhaligons are right up there. Their creams are just superb.

Tabac is also an excellent soap with a lovely fresh scent and superb lather.

Mama Bear is also a great make. I have half a dozen of her soaps and they're all amazing.

Mitchells wool fat is great too. The scent is a real blend of things but as you work it you can smell the different elements coming out. It can be a bit tricky to lather sometimes and the proportions of water need to be just right, but again a truly excellent soap.

If you want a course in top line soaps just drop my friend Obie a PM...! He's a veritable gold mine of awesome soaps and creams.

This is one of the places in this hobby you can really play about as there's just so much choice.

Good luck and enjoy!

Originally Posted by TMBartley

I'm a little confused on what's needed and when it's needed.

Just wanted to clarify: Very little of this is needed. All you need really is a boar brush, some water and a soap. The rest is just for extra luxury.

I often just use a standard basic progression: First wet my face with water, then make my lather. Add more water to face, then apply suds. Strop my knife, replenish suds, then shave. Rinse face after, apply my splash. Done. This is a quick, simple and sufficient method. Feel free to add more luxury in there for even better shaves

Best of luck.

Thanks for all the info guys. My razor's are in the mail, as well as my strop, mama bears soap, some witchhazel, and Pinaud clubman.