Thread: Shaving Cream/Soap Recommendations

So I'm new the this website, and I'm new the shaving with a straight razor. I've done it all of two times (w/ my new Dovo Astrale) now and have been using an expensive sample kit I picked up from The Art of Shaving. I know it's not going to last me too long so I was wondering if there other recommended creams/soaps that work well, and won't break my wallet.

I've already seen another post on this subject from a few years ago (http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...mendation.html) and I'll look into some of those, but I would like to see if some opinions have changed. I also attempted the link in said post (http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...reams-reviews/), but it says I don't have permission to view it.

I'm in the city of Chicago if anyone has any shop recommendations.

Thanks in advance.

Had a look at the thread you linked to and I don't think much has changed. Here is one http://straightrazorpalace.com/soaps...ew-creams.html . Living in Chicago you likely have more of a variety available to you locally. For cost effective and good I would look at Proraso and The Body Shop's Maca Root. If you get the other more expensive stuff like MWF, Tabac or DR Harris consider getting the refills and putting them in your own container. That makes them quite a bit cheaper to use.

Bob

I think Proraso (also sold as C. O. Bigelow at Bath And Body Works) is a great cream to start with. So long as you don't mind menthol. You should be able to find it locally, it's very forgiving on the water to cream ratio, and it works very well.

If you don't mind ordering online, then, as was said in another recent thread, the sky's the limit.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

I think Proraso (also sold as C. O. Bigelow at Bath And Body Works) is a great cream to start with. So long as you don't mind menthol. You should be able to find it locally, it's very forgiving on the water to cream ratio, and it works very well.

If you don't mind ordering online, then, as was said in another recent thread, the sky's the limit.

Agree 100%. C.O.Bigelow will probably always remain in my rotation. Another easily available cream that performs way above it's pay grade is The Real Shaving Company. (I know, it sounds silly, but it is top drawer stuff) It's available off the shelf at Rite-Aid drug stores, if you have those in Chicago.

I could type out a dozen more favorites, but by the time this thead is done there will be a hundred or so soaps and creams listed, so..................

With the change from your evening hotdog, you could get plenty of Arko sticks... haha !

Co Bigelow at bath and body works good stuff.. Great recommendations were given the maca root is good stuff too...

if you are unsure of your lather-making abilities, the Proraso red (for me) is super easy to whip up a lather with. Same for the Taylor of Old Bond Street (aka TOBS) cream. I have a DR Harris puck of lavender soap that performs well too.

+1 on the refill method. My DR Harris puck is stuffed in the little cup that the VDH Wallyworld setup came with (I did not care for that soap or brush)

I've had extremely good luck with Proraso. Works up a great lather and already comes in a tub. I usually work up a little lather in the tub and put it on. Then I rewet the brush and work it in. Doesn't take long to figure out exactly how much water to use, and not much to clean up afterwards. The Proraso pre-shave is also great and really works.

No soap or cream recommendations thread would be complete without the mention of Tabac, Cella or Mitchell's Wool Fat. I would also +1 to Arko (which is probably the easiest lathering soap I've ever seen), C.O. Bigelow, TOBS (my favorite is Eton College)

PS: I have heard some people complain about the smell of Arko but I think for me and most guys it just kind of has a plain soap smell (similar to the old Ivory body soap). In my book Arko is the top dog of affordable soap, you can buy the sticks for a buck and change a piece. I bought a 15 pack of the shavesticks a couple years back off Amazon for like $20 with shipping (from what I can tell this is about a five year supply)

C.O. Bigelow!!! Inexpensive but so good.

TOBS. Costs a bit more but so worth it.

I have and use both of these..but cant go wrong with CO if price is a concern and Bath and Body has buy 2 get 1 free.

Premium Shave Cream with Eucalyptus Oil - C.O. Bigelow - Bath & Body Works

Premium Shave Cream with Eucalyptus Oil - C.O. Bigelow - Bath & Body Works

or purchase at a local store to avoid shipping charges..