I wanted to focus on shave soaps for the next couple of months, so I started with Proraso. My wife was ordering something on Amazon recently and I figured that I would take advantage of the free shipping. Proraso seemed like a safe place to start, so I ordered a tub of the green and one of the blue. My first impressions are that its a nice step up from VDH, but not a huge step up. It lathers better, is just a bit slicker and lathers thicker than VDH. I don't find much of a scent to either the green or red. What scent they have is pleasant. Also, I seem to get a better shave with the Proraso compared to VDH. I'm not knocking VDH, especially as it is half the price of Proraso. Hey, I've been using VDH for over 6 months now and I think it's a decent soap. But, as I get a better shave with Proraso, I think the extra money is worth it. So, what's the point of my rant? I think soaps are becoming an obsession. Well, what should I try next? I think that a bit more scent would be nice, along with a bit more menthol. I was thinking maggards orange menthol, one of the stirling soaps and maybe a TSD soap. I kind of like the menthol route, but would also like to try a citrusy or flowery (hmm... that's tough to admit) type soap. If I had to pick just two soaps, a menthol and a citrus/flowery soap, what would you recommend? Thanks Jim
Just a couple suggestions... TSD Iced Sub Zero for the menthol. It's definitely got more kick than Proraso so sounds like what you're looking for. Citrusy and flowery are pretty different. If you want to go with citrus, my pick is grapefruit. Not too many soaps out there have a grapefruit scent but TSD does make one. For flowery, I think you might want to try Tabac. It's a classic. Sure the scent is polarizing and lots of people don't like it but it is flowery.
Consider: Mike's Natural Soaps: Peppermint & Rosemary (Menthol) Soap Commander: True Rose (Flowery) Mystic Water: Lime (Citrusy) Three of my favorite soaps.
It sounds to me like it is time to order some samples so that you can find out what you like. There are a number of places you can get samples, including TSD.
I don't know what to advise regarding menthol...I'm not a big fan of menthol As for flowers...I can recommend a few nice soaps/creams that I have a nice fragrance...not sure if it flowers specifically or just a nice scent... 1. Mitchell’s Wool Fat 2. Cella 3. The Body Shop For Men Maca Root Shave Cream 4. Haslnger Schafmilch Any one of these soaps perform very well. Good luck!
Hmm.. I know stirling has nice menthol soaps. margaritas in the arctic is getting a lot of love. I also wanna recommend a TSD soap as you mentioned it yourself. What I would do it to maybe buy, 1 flowery, 1 citrusy and maybe something else you like the scent of. But WITHOUT menthol, when go to TSD shop and buy M-bomb. That way you can mentholate ANY soap or cream or soap or aftershave you have at hand. Maybe you like grapefruit, maybe you like grapefruit with menthol but not ALWAYS. You can control the days you want menthol and the days you don't want menthol. Plus you could boost the soaps you already have with some extra menthol
You want a soap with a stronger scent? Try Tabac. It performs great, and the scent is complex. You'll love it or hate it.
I used TOBS Rose this morning-I'm blown away by it. I know I'm going to spend a little more, but right now I'm buying nothing but samples.
With Stirling Soap you'll get the biggest bang for your buck. Samples are large and inexpensive and they have a lot of scent options. It's also a very nice performer! I think I'm one of the few who isn't all about the margaritas in the arctic scent. It's not bad but I wouldn't buy a full puck.
proraso green is my goTo. i used it the 100% the first four months. i still like to use it every once in a while but definitely if i'm trying something different ... a new razor/blade combo, a new brush, etc. i also like to give it a kick sometimes with M-Bomb from the TSDShop.
Another vote for Tabac. One of the best soaps out there. Another vote for Sterling too. Other than that, I'd suggest trying actual creams like Taylor of Old Bond Street.
If you want a real menthol kick and like the scent of lemons then get some Stirling Glacial Lemon Chill. You will not complain about lackluster scent on that one. It's especially great on a hot day.
I personally thought Proraso Green was a significant step up from VDH. I thought the lather was much richer. I haven't used VDH in a long time though.
I'm doing part of my focus this month with creams. I haven't used creams much before this focus and I must say I've been pleasantly surprised.
If menthol is your thing, then you have to give the Glacial soaps at Stirling a try! Lemon Glacial is fantastic, and a great scent for the summer months! But it is COLD! If you like a little menthol, then Stirling MITA is a great soap!
