Lately I've noticed myself gravitating more towards soaps rather than creams. I'm not sure I understand the why. I think it's because soaps seem to (at least for me) give a more "slick" shave. When I first started with them my technique was such that soaps caused a little irritation and creams didn't. Now that I'm starting to get a little less terrible with my technique I've noticed that I can get an irritation-free shave with soaps, and have the end result be even closer than with creams. Nine times out of ten I'm either using the Taylor's Sandalwood or the Ginger's Bay Rum from the Newbie giveaway. I finally broke down and ordered some Trumper's Rose soap. I love the smell of Rose, and I don't have much of a need for extra moisturizers as I almost never have a problem with dry skin. I also picked up some of their skin food in "coral," which I hear also smells like rose. If I like this as much as I do the Taylor's and Ginger's I will try to finally commit to that 30-day rule and stop switching about BTW... Planofman was right about the Astra blades. Don't argue, just try them. I haven't used anything else since they arrived.
Got both in the mail today when I got home from work. Scent? Exactly what I was hoping for. Rich but subtle rosy goodness. Love it. Tried the skin food already. Love it. I will definitely try the soap tomorrow
I don't remember what I said, but I will use this opportunity to say that one should always research and experiment. What is great for one person is not great for everybody. YMMV. ...and I'm glad they are working out for you.
Astra's are awesome. I also like Treet Black Beauties & Derby blades as well. Astras & Treets do well in a merkur. It's been my experience that Merkurs work best w. the sharper blades. My Edwin Jagger DL89 seems to work best w. milder blades like the Sharks, Derbys, Wilkinson Swords, etc. Thing is I get the same shave quality & feel from either razor. It took me a bit, but I figured out which blades we sharp, which were mild & figured out that one razor worked best w. mild blades & one works w. sharper. The Gillette superspeed will work awesome with either mild or sharp. That's just been my experience. I'd say Treets, Astras & Derby's are my go-to blades. Can't go wrong w. any of those.
