Update on my quest to identify my “Top 10 High Performance Soaps/Creams”

I have tried a sample of Volabra. As I remember, I got 5 shaves out of it. For a non-french soap it is very good. It is very close to MDC (which, IMHO, should be on your list) in terms of cushioning and slickness.

 

GFT and T&H are real good cream imho, but the price might be a bit steep. I don't think Speick was mentionned?, and I like either the cream or stick.

 

I would suggest L'Occitane Cade Rich Shaving Cream (in the tub). It's a hard cream, so it's easy to load, yet long lasting. Nice woodsy scent and great on the skin.

Great list, many on there that I need to try. Can't wait to see the full roster - it will become my Birthday/Christmas list.

 

MdC
Iced Subzero
Knockout Shave
Gingers Garden
Mickey Lee's The Drunken Goat
I could go on and on... Don't limit yourself to 10.

 

Hmmmm...I am inclined to agree...10 seems to be a bit tight...perhaps I should expand this list to include 15 .

 

The only reason I didn't include Speick is its scent. I like the scent a lot, but Rusty is apparently looking for primarily unscented soaps.

 

You can't go wrong with another Stirling or TOBs.

 

A pretty good unscented soap you might want to try is Craftsman Soap Co. $8 for a 4 ounce bar at Knockout Shave

 

Yeah, imo it's an easy scent but it is not light.

 

Hard to judge scents...everyone is different. Unless it says unscented some guys think a soap or cream may have a mild or non-existent scent...but to my sensitive nose it can be overpowering. So I tend to err on the side of caution...minimal scent or unscented is preferred. Or a mild scent that dissipates quickly. Having said that I seem to be able to tolerate the EO scents better than a chemical fragrance. Odd, I know.

 

Actually it make sense. As I understand it, the only difference between EO and Fragrance Oils are that EO are natural. Perhaprs less chances of allergics reactions?

 

For quite a few years I could not use chemical fragrances or commercial scented soaps, detergents because I found them overpowering in a room and when on me they smelled to me like ammonia. So I stick to scent free clothes soap and more natural scents. Sandalwood, lime, and the like which seem very agreeable.

How are you around savory scents like ginger, cinnamon and things like fresh baked apple pie?

 

I prefer flowery scents like lavender, rose...I also like Sterling Coniferous, Bergamot Lavender and Orange Chill. My homemade pre-shave oils are lavender, rose and frankincense....all EOs. I'm not too fond of ginger, cinnamon...and as for apple pie, I could go for a slice right now with a cup of tea. Not too fussy about those scents in my shaving gear. Again as long as the scent is an EO scent I am fine. Strong chemical fragrances are my nemesis. Though having said that there are some products where the chemical scent is very mild and if it rinses off or dissipates quickly then I am usually fine....but I still prefer to avoid them if I can.

I live in a scent free house...we all seem to be sensitive to fragrances...all our cleaning products are scent free and environmentally friendly. And I work in a scent free workplace.

 

Quite possible. I have never been sure if it is an allergic reaction or a chemical intolerance. (Don't ask me to distinguish between the two). I just try to avoid the chemical based fragrances.

 

So many good suggestions...thanks all for the advice. I have been buying my soaps two at a time and not ordering more until my last order arrives. This gives me time to evaluate them carefully. So...based on input from the past few days from forums and colleagues my next two to order are:

1. Haslinger Schafmilch Shaving Soap With Sheep Milk And Lanolin2. Geo F Trumper Coconut Oil Soft Shaving Cream Screw Pot 200g

 

I thought I should update my list (drum roll please): my number 9 soap is Haslinger Schafmilch.
An awesome addition to the top ten team! Still searching for #10.

 

May I respectively disagree? Think of all the natural things people can be allergic to. My mother was very allergic to all flowers. She couldn't be in a room anywhere near them. Shea butter is natural but those who have an allergy to latex may very well react to shea butter. I start sneezing like crazy when my husband mows the lawn. One could be allergic to essential oils, while some cant be around fragrance oils. Carry on y'all

 

I don't see any mention of Parker sandalwood and shea butter. I have good luck with it and it lasts a LONG time. good scent but not too overpowering

 

- TSD sticks (some great fragrances & you can add menthol)
- MdC, unscented (if you're uncertain of either the standard or fougére fragrance)
- L'Occitane Cade
- Valobra, unscented

 

MdC unscented (Although unscented is does have a VERY mild form of scented, pleasant if leary of the scented)
Mikes unscented
LOccitane Cade puck (light fresh scent)