So I'm new to DE shaving and I live in BFE and have scoured all of the stores around and the only soaps available are williams, whatever the green box of stuff wallmart carries and Herban cowboy (at a local fruit and nut shop) So I'm going to order a new soap but not sure which to try. I'm looking for a soap that doesn't smell flowery but more of a spicey or earthy smell. I also like bay rum scent. So which should I try? I've read that Speick and Tabac have a nice scent. Anybody have a suggestion on which soap to try?
Plow, Tabac is, for the most part, a love it or hate it proposition when it comes to scent. I love it. It is definitely not flowery, nor is it Bay Rum, and is an excellent lathering soap. Just my 2¢.
Personally, I'm a huge fan of pine, sandalwood, and cedar scents. All are available here in the shop, but I haven't tried any of them. I'm currently using some Taylor Old Bond Street Eton College cream, but The Shave Den soap is next on the list for sure.
The "green box" soap is Van Der Hagen. If it's the Deluxe version, you might want to try it. Avoid Herban Cowboy like the plague. Of those you mentioned, I'd go with Speick. The scent is absolutely wonderful and the lather better than most.
Tabac is a nice choice and it lathers very easily. Its scent is well, tabac-ish, that's the only way I can describe it. It IS strong and it WILL stay with you for a while, so be prepared. Most people like it, but those that don't, REALLY don't like it. You might consider a cream for your first choice because they seem a bit easier to lather when you are just learning. I know you said you didn't want floral, but my first cream was TOBS (Taylor of Old Bond Street) Rose. It's still one of my favs to this day and lathers better than just about anything I have. You cant go wrong with a sandalwood; that's kind of a standard. However, my all time favorite scent is TSD Lemon & Cedarwood. JoAnna is one of the few people that are still doing samples of name brand creams and soaps as well as her own stuff. If I were you, I would pick a few samples that look good to you and go from there. Also, feel free to PM JoAnna (Queen of blades) because she will be very happy to help. You can't go wrong with TSD. -->Tod
The Williams will do all that you need to do with shaving..but if you want something else I second third and if needed Forth the TSD store. JoAnna makes a very good quality product at very good prices. I just recently ordered some more myself. She also has a tremendous choice in scents. Fuzzy
Out of curiosity, do you have some kind of price range in mind? There are plenty of good soaps to be had for about the $6 mark, but you can definitely go up from there...
One soap I definitely recommend is Erasmic. It comes in a bowl, which contains a glycerin version, or a tallow-based stick. The scent is old-school, and very nice on both versions. Great lather and skincare is guaranteed. This soap is also very reasonably priced.
Proraso If you have sensitive skin, you`ll need to try Proraso Aloe and Green tea Very reasonable price, rich lather and protecting the skin very well !
Yes, I agree. Proraso Aloe & Green Tea soap is excellent as well. That soap is also more cooling than a lot of guys realize. The menthol level is just a bit less than the Green bowl version, not much less. It also smells MUCH, MUCH nicer.
Thanks for the recommendations, I hadn't seen the samples on tsd store before. I think I'll do several samples including tabac, speick, and a few others.
Plow, I know the situation you are in. Same thing with me. Nobody around where I live carries shave soap anymore. Lucky for me I found this site. I got some Essential Journeys Sandalwood from the Golden Nib and I really like it. A mild scent...not over powering at all and easily gives a good rich lather.
I have a feeling I'm soon going to need to drop about $30 on samples even though I have a fresh TOBS...
La Toja & Palmolive are great sticks. Kellsoriginal Hemp based soap & sticks are awsome too. Proraso green is another good soap Fozz
Personally if you are looking for value for dollar check out Mama Bear Soaps or Susie's Bubbles N Squeak. Great prices, service and the product itself. Mama Bears comes in nice screw on lid containers too.
Don't be afraid to use Van Der Hagen Deluxe SS. Easily found at Walmart, inexpensive and works very very well. Good place to start.
I'd give L'Occitane CADE a try. The soap puck without the metal bowl and lid is reasonably priced considering how well this soap performs.
