AAAAGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have been reading every post I can find on every shaving forum the internet has to offer. According to the threads, and articles I have read, the soaps offered by: Joanna at "TSD" and Colleen at "TGQ" are the top two in regards of pure performance so far. Of course, there will be some expected bias with the fine members of TSD regarding which one is best. But, anyway........... I am looking at these soaps from a purely performance standpoint. COST AND SCENT ASIDE!! Which one offers the best shave and skin care properties? What are the pros and cons of each? Personal preferrence, water supply/type, DE vs. Straight, Badger vs. Boar vs. Synthetic. I need details, fellas (and females). **Just for a comparison referrence, my "go to" hardware is a '66 Gillette slim adjustable w/Gillette platinums, and I go back and forth between my C&E BB, AOS pure, and my own custom silvertip. And yes, I keep my razor set on nine, all the time!
Hi there, To maybe help clarify any answers even further, what soaps or creams have you tried so far? That info might help as a reference point to some members who respond. Martin
I have used soaps from AOS (tallow), Mama Bear (glycerine), and one sample that I was told came from TGQ, but I am not sure. I just ordered a puck of MWF, and I am eagerly awaiting its arrival. The creams I use are AOS, Proraso red, and Noxzema (vintage tube). I have a tube of Arko that I will PIF soon. The stuff burns the heck out of my face.
Both soaps are quality, and I don't think you can go wrong with either. TGQ are cold process soaps, TSD are glycerin. I wouldn't quite compare the TSD to a normal glycerin though, as the end product ends up being a much harder soap than glycerin normally is. I don't think you can go wrong with either.
For me: TGQ and TSD soaps are both similar in many ways, scent and lubricity but the key difference is that TSD soap is "faster" than TGQ. Faster in the sense that that the lather seems more slippery than cushiony and the shave is closer, faster. Make any sense ???
Both are great products and I would have a hard time to put one before the other. They perform slightly different, where I'd say I don't get the same richness in lather from TGQ (not meaning it lathers bad in any way, just that TSD lathers slightly more) while TGQ moistens a but more (again, not meaning the TSD doesn't moisten, but TGQ does it more...) As for slip they are equal. While the scents are very hard to compare. TGQ Cavendish Black is awesome, but so is TSD Lilac... this is purely up to your personal preference. My suggestion would be to pick up one of each, both will certainly give you great shaves!
How about the creams from each vendor? How do they match up against vendors like AOS? I saw a thread during my long hours of research that lists the ingredients of many different products, but cannot remember off-hand if these two were on it. What are the biggest differences in the ingredients with TSD and TGQ creams? I was just looking over the vast selection of scents offered by Joanna, and I have a question that hopefully she can answer. What soap/cream of the TDS offerings has the most beneficial ingredients in regards to the EO's used to achieve the scent? I have heard that lavender is good for the ole' epidermis. The one that is jumping out at me is the Lavender/tea tree. That sounds like a real winner in the skin care department. **I know that there is always going to be some friendly rivalry between vendors. If anyone does not want to lend thier opinion publicly, feel free to PM me. Jason
I find both brands excellent. I've only tried the TGQ Mandarin Martini, which I like very much, but I have a lot of TSD soaps.
Sorry, Jason, I don't really know the answer. I just buy what is popular with the guys, or that I think will smell nice, and has good qualities for skincare (according to the webstores I buy them from). I have too much stuff in my brain to memorize why exactly each certain EO is beneficial. :ashamed001 Perhaps someone else can answer your question.
I appreciate the honesty, Joanna. After a few hours of searching EO related sites I found one that lists the information I inquired about. I just posted a thread this morning in the "general" forum providing everyone with the links to the site. I have come up with a nice combination of EO's that would provide excellent skin care qualities while still being enjoyable to the nose. I will send you a PM when I work out the details for an order of a soap and a cream.
My initial response would be to get both and see what works best for you. That being said, I have used both along with just about every other cream & soap made by the English companies and artisan soap maker. Joanna's soap has worked the best for me out of all of 'em. If you check out my cabinet, it is all I have on hand at home. Quick to lather, superior glide, zero irritation & my skin is soft and not greasy all day. Spend a few extra $ and have her make up some Iced Limes aftershave for you as well...you will not regret it.
You may find us to be more unbiased as you think. But get both. And QED Saint Charles Shave Mama Bear Pirates Cove Em’s Honey Bee Spa ....................I could go on here. As for the cream question, they are both lousy (IMHO, YMMV, YADA-YADA-YADA).
It was also on par with Mama Bears. Oliva and SCS seem to make good creams though, IF you can get them to lather. :happy102
Now, now no need to get testy. What I did get out of your cream was not impressive. I do not get her creams to lather well either (much like yours, only better) but it was impressive. Remember when I first used your soap? Crappy lather but a great shave. Same with Olivia but the lather is not THAT bad, just hard to make.
