Snooping around ebay , Im seeing a soap called Omega and another called Taylor of Old Bond street. I see a big difference in price between the two, but are they any good? I like the bowls both of them come in, the Omega has a black ceramic bowl and the Taylor is a dark wood,
I haven't used either. I know the Omega soap has several fans around here. I don't know as much about the TOBS soaps as I do about their creams, which I love. One of the major differences in costs, though, is likely the types of soaps they are. Unless I am mistaken, the Omega is a softer soap, or a harder cream. The TOBS soap is what is referred to as triple milled - it is much harder, and will last a lot longer than the Omega, most likely. Triple milled soaps typically do cost more up front, but many people feel they are actually cheaper in the long run, as they last so long.
Mike the TOBS soap is around $36 if I remember correctly and the Omega was like $6 , I happen to like the bowls they come in, I may end up with both just for the bowls.
Heres the 2 Im looking at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=280291560538 http://cgi.ebay.com/Taylor-Of-Old-B...62889738QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0
I've only used the Proraso soap, which by all accounts is very similar to the Omega soap. To the extent they are similar, I'd second the opinion that Omega should be a good soap.
I want to try them all, I have a feeling Im gonna be doing a lot of shaving here. Im really wanting to try Wool Fat and see what thats all about
That's another great choice! Consensus is that it takes a bit extra effort to build the lather. I don't see a real reason to argue with that consensus opinion. That said, it's a great performer for me and my puck will last approximately forever. To save some cash, you can by Kent soap, which is rebranded MWF. (Though many like the MWF bowl which comes only with MWF itself.) It's crazy how many great soaps and creams are out there. So many options, so few shaving days... <sigh>
exactly it So many soaps/creams/oils/products---exactly, though, so litle time, just so many shaves. I have to shave every day now to keep up with all of my products. Bonheur!!
Mke The Omega soap is almost certainly plastic - It looks very much like the type used for the Proraso Soap dish. The TOBS soaps are triple Milled Tallow (Beef Fat) soaps - last ages and are really good quality soaps (hence the price). 'cos the Bristish pound is so low, you might want to look at getting from the UK. I buy from Paul at connaughtshaving.com - he is reasonably priced - holds stocks - and offers a very good service. Hope it helps ------------- Simon London UK
The Omega cream provides a phenomenal shave. I am told the soap performs identically. I've never used TOBS soaps but their creams are superior. That doesn't always translate however as L'Occitane soap is fantastic whereas the cream gets panned. If you're worried about risking funds, I'd go for the Omega soap. Maybe get ahold of a TOBS sample later if you can.
How is Trumper soap, Im looking at one called extracts of lime. Is $37.50 in a nice wooden bowl a good price for this, or should I go with Dr Harris , Im really wanting to own at least one soap in a wood bowl so I narrowed it down to these two.
Ok I just ordered my first soap, I went with Dr Harris Almond in the Mahogany bowl from SRD. Im not going to shave untill it gets here, then that will be my first shave with a straight razor.
Mike, you should seriously consider getting a soap or two from The Shave Den store. It is handmade by our very own Queen of Blades (JoAnna). All the guys around here will no doubt tell you also that the performance of her soaps rival those of almost any of the high end English and Italian soaps. SHe also has a very wide scent variety to shose from. Scroll up to the top of the screen and click on "store" when you get in the store, go to the section of TSD exclusive products and find the soap. You will not be disappointed!!
I will definitly buy JoAnna's soaps, I have read nothing but good things. I pretty much wanted to get that Mahogany Bowl from Dr Harris, but Im gonna eventually try them all.
I can get on board w/ this statement. TSD is one of the few small vendor soaps I care for. I would say it's in my top 3 for soaps. She uses just the right mix of clays, glycerin, oils and butters. To me the English and Italians make finer creams than soaps anyway.
Another one that is a must have is the soaps from Art of Shaving. They truly do have one of the best tallow soaps available. And some Tabac, gotta have Tabac!! How about creams? Creams are great too. Especially the Italian made Noxzema!! Yummy!! If the good Lord shaved, he would use Noxzema lather shave. You see how this can quickly become an expensive hobby...........