Taylor of Old Bond Street??

Hey guys,
I'm fairly new to straight razor shaving, and I'm still trying to find my favorite shaving cream. So far, I have tried Truefitt and Hill, Geo F. Trumper, and Taylor (but only the unscented sensitive skin one). The Truefitt and Hill and Trumper both have a much creamier consistency than the Taylor, but I know that everybody raves about the Taylor. I found that it is very firm, almost on the verge of being solid. It takes some working before I can even put it on the brush. After it has been softened, it does make a good lather, but I think the Truefitt and Hill might be slightly more lubricative. Is this true of all of Taylor's shaving cream, or might it just be the unscented sensitive skin one? Thanks for your opinions!
-Dan

Dan,

Tubs of shaving cream from Taylor's seem to be hit and miss. Some of mine are almost soap like, yet the Avocado looks almost liquid. If your tub is semi-solid, try whipping it up with a fork. If it is still more solid than you like, try adding a few drops of water and slowly stirring it. Some find this easier to do is you set the tub in warm water to soften it. And still some like the "harder" surface because they feel it doesn't waste as much product when you dip your brush into the tub.

RT

RT - side question:

can you compare TOBS Avocado with KMF Lavender + Shea creams? I just need the quick and dirty:

1. Does TOBS actually smell of lavender (as description says) or more avocado and juniper (I would prefer less lavender)
2. Is TOBS much more moisturizing?

Sorry for hijack! I have more soaps and creams than I think I need, but have been thinking about the avocado...

Cheers
Ivo

Ivo,

I don't have the KMF Lavender, just the Mint and Key Lime. ToOBS Avocado, to me, has a "fresh scent...not avocado, but pleasant. I've heard it described as a "garden" scent. I like that it is unique. Both items provide great lather and great shaves, but the lather between the two is very different. KMF lather is more glossy.

RT

Thanks, RT.

The avocado sounds interesting, I like unique scents :)
Ivo

Dan,

The experience that you describe with the Taylor cream for sensitive skin is common, but what has been mentioned about "inconsistencies" across the line can also be true. I have to say, however, that this is also true with T&H and the other brands. Sometimes it's a result of storage conditions during transit from the UK. I get my Taylor products direct from Taylor via FedEx and see variations from product to product, but not batch to batch within the same product.

What I would suggest that you try, as a way to remove this as a factor from your shaving routine, is to use a lather bowl. I have found this to be preferable to face lathering in general. (Forgive me if I've made the wrong assumption about your technique). Your can use your index finger to remove a portion of the cream from the tub; however, I prefer to use a small "butter knife" to take an almond sized portion and place into my lather bowl to build my lather. I find this method to produce better lather with less cream.