Please post your top 3-5 soaps. I know it's hard for some to narrow down. Just interested in what people favs are.
First Tier: Mitchell's Wool Fat Haslinger Sheep Milk & Lanolin (very similar to MWF) LEA Classic Shaving Soap Pre De Provence No. 63 Tabac Soap & Stick Second Tier: La Toja Shaving Soap Stick The Body Shop Maca Root Shave Cream Third Tier: None at this stage. Sold: Martin de Candre Scented Mike Natural Soaps Dr Harris Windsor Santa Maria del Fiore Sapone da Barba Shaving Soap In the Bin: Nivea Sensitive Shaving Cream
I'll play Phoenix and Beau Martin de Candre Jabonman/Eufros Barrister and Mann (glissant) Saponificio Varesino (beta 4.1) Limited myself to five in the list above, though for me it's more a matter of having found a few that DON'T work, while I could easily have listed plenty top ones (Cold River, Mickey Lee, Bufflehead, Mitchell's Wool Fat, Haslinger (Schafsmilch), Grandstaff, Mike's, Queen Charlotte, Meissner Tremonia (Pots of Milk)). I have Wickham 1912 (Cashmere) inbound from UK, which according to reports will likely hit the top list too. When performance is about equal, it's scent that distinguishes. The choice each morning depends on the mood, plus variation for variation's sake.
Barrister and Mann (Glissant) Cold River Soap Works (Select v.2, but Oliva is pretty great too) Tabac Haslinger Schafmilch Soap Commander Stirling Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
My top 5 seem to change as time goes on, but currently: I Colonaili Phoenix & Beau Viking soap & cosmetics Wholly Kaw Tallow B&M Glissant
A top 5 for me, in no particular order: Mitchell's Wool Fat Soap Commander Stirling The Shave Den La Toja
I have many that I like very much, but these were the ones that made me say "wow!" out loud, after trying them the first time. -Pannacrema Nuavia red, blue and green -L'occitane Cade Take into account that I haven't had much experience with American artisan soaps, besides Mama Bear (my den is 99% European), and that a lot of otherwise highly praised soaps like MdC leave my skin a little on the dry side.
So many on my list still to try. Of those I have, and I would hope everyone gets to experience; Arko - inexpensive, strong scented, effective. Cremo - locally available, by itself or mixed with others. Gingers Garden - tallow variety, great performance & scent. Stirling - only a sample, but great lather, very slick. C.O. Bigelow - menthol creme, good stuff that works well. Others that I like, or want to try; Barrister & Mann -enjoyed a sample, I'd like to try more. Strop Shoppe - discontinued, but the Maggard's samples were great. Le Pere Lucien - a fine French soap, top end stuff. Mitchell's Wool Fat - I haven't yet, but it sure has a following. Saponificio Varesino - Italian soap, light scent but great performance.
When performance is about equal, it's scent that distinguishes. The choice each morning depends on the mood, plus variation for variation's sake.[/QUOTE] The above is so true. I base my choices on the following...and in this order: 1. Quality. The lather, cushion, and glide. 2. Variety. I really like different options, particularly in scents. 3. Availability. Can I easily get it? 4. Sustainability. Has this company been around a while, and will they likely continue to be around? If I fall in love with a soap/scent, will I be able to re-buy it again, or will it be discontinued? 5. Price. Even the most expensive soaps really don't cost much when broken down on a per-shave basis. While this is a big concern for some, it is a consideration for me...not a concern. Stirling Soaps Mama bear soaps Mickel Lee soapworks Barrister & Mann Taylor of Old Bond Street Truefitt and Hill I put 6, sorry...not sorry. On the cusp of joining the list: Penhaligon's All of the above offer tremendous quality and variety. I really love artisan soaps, and if/when you get deep into this hobby you will too. The best Artisans offer high quality, low price, easy availability, and tons of scent options. Some of them are quite new to the market, however, and for various reasons, may not last. There are some very high-quality soaps that I enjoy, but don't have many (or any) scent options. Tabac, martin de candre, Mitchell's wool fat fall into this category. High on my list to try: Cold River Soap works (in the mail) Mystic Waters (in the mail) Route 66 (in the mail) Catie's Bubbles (in the mail) Saponificio varesino Pannacrema Nuavia There are some great lists on this thread. Everyone values things differently, but if you pull some soaps off this thread and try them out, you will have some great choices to work with for sure.
Where's the love for Proraso ? The sensitive green tea and oatmeal is a winner for me. Slick with a bit of cool. 2) Cella 3) Mitchell's Wool Fat
Proraso is good, but there are better soaps out there. The white line is the best of the bunch IMHO, but they all leave a film behind. Their aftershaves on the other hand, are top notch. Particularly their white line aftershave balm. It is one of the top performing balms in existence.
I'm only keen on the new formula green tea / oatmeal. The others don't do it for me. Don't even like the other scents. Having said that I think it will surprise those who did not like Proraso originally.
I have 10 that are pretty much tied for "Top 5" status. YMMV and mine is always subject to change. This list is not in any order of preference. Stirling Route 66 CRSW "Original" Reef Point WSP Rustic Shaving Soap Los Angeles Shaving Soap Martin de Candre Maggard Catie's Bubbles Henri et Victoria
If you are also considering creams, I would have to add Musco Real Classic SC. It is my special occasion cream. Slick, cushion, and wonderful scent.
My top 3 - 5: MWF Haslinger Schafmilch B&M Unscented Cella Proraso white Ask me next week and I will have some of the same and maybe some new ones...
I enjoy Proraso too! I left it off my list earlier but could easily add it in. The White and Green are more likable for me than the Red. Haven't tried the Blue cream yet but want to.
In no particular order... Mitchell's Wool Fat Taylor Of Old Bond Street Almond GEO F Trumper Eucris. Stirling Brutish. Cella. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk