Ok, I got so far: Razor: Gillette SuperSpeed X4 Series 40 and 3 Piece Fat handle Tech off E-bay. Brush: Edwin Jagger brush equivalent to the C&E brush I plan on getting a Blade sample from West Coast Shaving but I need a cream recomendation. I've been looking at Taylor's. Would I be better with Almond, Avocado, or Lavendar? Thanks for stopping by.
Okay, I just got a sample of Taylors from Shaving Essentials... It is lime scented and man it lathers really nice. Now, I do not have much experience with DE shaving but this cream was amazing.
Hi Nickaber, welcome to The Shave Den (TSD). So far looks like you have got a good start. Your choice of Taylor's as a beginning cream is fine. Have only used a couple samples from Taylors the almond being the only one you have mentioned. I liked it but it is not that strong a scent. I like a bit stronger scent from the C&E Sweet Almond Oil cream and even the cream from the TSD Store. Both have a bit stronger scent. For the over performance of the TOBS I think you will be happy no matter which scent you choose. The sample I used made a great slick yet cushioning lather. Go for the almond, I would like that better than the avocado or lime. Hey, just a thought. Why choose, just buy all three.
You may also want to check out Paul's site: Connaught Shaving Connaught cream is excellent (check the classifieds, someone is sending out samples - but hurry, they're going quick!!), and they also have a blade sampler. Customer service and shipping are reported to be excellent, although I haven't ordered yet personally I trust the source of that reputation. Another site is Gio's: Razor and Brush Razor & Brush is also a well respected store, with a lot of faithful patrons here, and a huge blade sampler. Gio had been out of town and busy, so he had shut down the store temporarily. I'm not 100% sure if it's back up yet or not, so double check. Good luck and report back!
The blade sampler from Westcoastshaving is a good choice. If he has one now that has the Astra Superior Platinums, I would get that. If not, order a pack or two of them from him. They are excellent blades. Regarding TOBS, I really don't think you can go wrong with that stuff. I think it is one of the better creams out there. There are a few I like better, but TOBS is an all around good choice. As to the scent, that really depends on your tastes. Of those three, I have tried the Avocado and the Lavender. I preferred the Lavender, but in general, I prefer the almond scent of the three. I'll give one more suggestion. Try Proraso. I don't know if you will like the scent (menthol/eucalyptus), but it performs really well. If you have a Bath & Body Works near by, you can pick up a small tube for $5.00. It is in a green shiny box, and is branded as C. O. Bigelow Eucalyptus shave cream, but it is Proraso (the fine print states it is made by Proraso). It gives a great lather, and for many is really a benchmark cream.
I've heard reports that Avocado is the least risky in terms of potential sensitivities/allergies; but, all I can tell you first hand is it works fine for me. It's the only Taylor cream I have (now...so far...)
Update I just ordered a sample pack of blades and a tub of Almond Cream of TOBS from West Coast Shaving. When I get the merchandise in I will give an update.
Buy any cream or soap that has decent reviews at the shaving forums in a scent that you like. Samples are also great for picking scents. Futher, don't rule out shaving soaps. Other than a couple known for being picky about lathering technique (primarily Mitchell's Wool Fat), they really aren't any tougher to use than creams. If you're in a hurry, Kiss My Face is available at most health food and high end grocery stores and Van Der Hagen Delux is available at most Wal-Marts and drug stores.
Congrats nickaber! I think you'll be happy with your decision....TOBS Almond seems to be one of the more popular TOBSs.... keep us informed of how it's going for you!
