Typically you can get AOS Unscented for about $22 but it lasts forever it's immensely concentrated. Their post shave balm is one of my all time favorites but with a $40 price tag I think I will stick to Nivea.
It's a tube cream, not the soap. Arko makes really decent, inexpensive creams, but I think people overlook them due to their soap.
I know I want to try their ice mint version. I liked the soap. But haven't used it for a while because I got some bad results a couple times. I always say I'm gonna revisit it =P but never do haha!
I tried the Art Of Shaving cream (unscented) and it produced a nice lather with good lubrication and cushion. I liked the oil, but will just try to duplicate that since I have the same ingredients. For some reason the balm and I did not get along, it was to tacky well after applying for me.
I'd have to say Xpec. I'd also say, for me personally, it was my first, last and only purchase. There are many very good shaving creams that are much less expensive that work extremely well for me. The cost doesn't justify the benefits. Besides, I use soap much more than creams. It is good stuff, however.
Try Straight Razor Designs. I had mine quite awhile and believe it was out of production for awhile but it's supposed to be on the market again or coming out shortly. I also purchased some MdC shaving soap, original scent, but got rid of it pretty quick because I didn't care for it, mostly because of the scent but I have soaps that out perform it on a personal level. Remember, JMO. http://www.straightrazordesigns.com/
Thanks, I found some via that link. It's a bit expensive for my taste at 66$ plus shipping God knows how much that it's haha