AoS 'vs' Castle Forbes

[Ignatius]

Both known for strong, straight EO scents.

Both rather...pricy.

Both highly regarded.

Have you used both? If so, how do they compare?

Thanks.

 

[momo360]

I think the quality of oil used in CF surpasses AoS by miles, but that's just me. Lather-wise, both provide a great shave by all means. YMMV, yadda, yadda, yadda...

 

[DGS]

I've used both AoS Lavender and CF Lavender and like both very much. The scent is wonderful with both. The main difference, in my opinion, is that even though AoS is very rich and makes a luxurious lather, the CF has got to be the densest, creamiest lather I've ever shaved with. In fact, I gave up scooping a bit out of the jar because I found it extremely difficult to get that little dollop to dissolve in the bowl, it was so thick. Instead, I shake out almost all of the water from my brush and swirl it around on the cream, almost like using soap, then face lather. I find I still use very little of the product that way and get a huge amount of lather. The AoS costs around $22-$25, and the CF is $32, but since a little goes such a long way, the price doesn't seem so bad.

 

[ChrisG]

I think the quality of oil used in CF surpasses AoS by miles, but that's just me. Lather-wise, both provide a great shave by all means. YMMV, yadda, yadda, yadda...

I couldn't agree more.

 

[petercle]

i think AOS lavender, sandalwood... is awesome, as for the CF never tried it yet...but you can't go wrong with either..just try AOS...you wont be disappointed...and its easier to get..well if you live buy a AOS retailer it is..

 

[Tom Ford]

I have previously used the AoS Lavender, and now currently have the AoS Sandalwood and CF Limes.

Both are fantastic products. I can't really separate them performance wise, but If I was to be REALLY picky, I'd go with AoS. CF needs to be prepared like a soft soap. Before releasing this, I was producing lather and noticing the cream had yet to dissolve. There's no such problems with AoS.

 

[texbilly]

The main difference, in my opinion, is that even though AoS is very rich and makes a luxurious lather, the CF has got to be the densest, creamiest lather I've ever shaved with. In fact, I gave up scooping a bit out of the jar because I found it extremely difficult to get that little dollop to dissolve in the bowl, it was so thick. Instead, I shake out almost all of the water from my brush and swirl it around on the cream, almost like using soap, then face lather.

Agreed! I have used AOS off and on for years but only recently tried a large sample of CF Cedar Sandalwood. The CF's cream is simply the best I've used and I plan to order some very soon. Fabulous!

 

[HoratioCaine]

CF uses a superior grade of lavender oil than AOS does. That doesn't mean you'll like it better, but if you're really into pure, straight-up lavender, CF is the way to go. As far as the cream itself, flip a coin. Generally, I think CF is superior, but AOS is no slouch. On the plus side for AOS, it's easier to use, is less expensive, and is easier to obtain (which contributes to its lower cost, since most people can buy it in person and avoid shipping costs). On the plus side for CF...well, it's the best of the best, and there's really nothing else like it, even though it is temperamental and expensive. If you like using a cream that is both great and unique, even if it has a learning curve, then you'll like it. Or you could bite the bullet and buy both. Not that I'm trying to enable you or anything.

 

[Ignatius]

Or you could bite the bullet and buy both. Not that I'm trying to enable you or anything.

Chaps, I currently have Lavender offerings from TOBS and AoS. I think a Lavender cream is a must for anybodys den, its particularly fitting for a relaxing night shave. I guess I'm just trying to justify another one.

The purported 'uniqueness' of CF has really piqued my interest; and with the talk of concentration and pea-sized snurdles, I can delude myself I'm saving money.


ps, any comparison between AoS Lemon and CF Lime (other than one being Lemony and the other more Limey...)?

 

[HoratioCaine]

ps, any comparison between AoS Lemon and CF Lime (other than one being Lemony and the other more Limey...)?

AOS lemon is very mildly scented. I found it to be almost bland, although pleasant. CF lime practically punches you in the nose with its lime scent; it's very intense.

 

[Ignatius]

AOS lemon is very mildly scented. I found it to be almost bland, although pleasant. CF lime practically punches you in the nose with its lime scent; it's very intense.

Thanks for the info HC. Sounds great for summer.

I'm going with a 50ml tub of each, I think.

 

[Marco]

The Art of Shaving is a very good brand, with high quality creams appreciated by many experienced wet shavers.
Castle Forbes is just superior.
Nothing is comparable to CF in terms of scent, performance and overall quality.
Castle Forbes is, in fact, not only a fabulous luxury shaving cream, but also something unique in the wet shaving market.
I think their Lavender is a step above other quality Lavender creams, including T&H.
Regarding Castle Forbes Lime Oil, it is, in my opinion, the very best Lime shaving cream available and the only one that has a TRUE Lime scent.

 

[IrkMe]

Another vote for CF here over Aos

One thing I have noticed is that folks have issues with CF dissolving, I live around 30mins drive from the actual Castle Forbes so I bought mines from there (lime & lavender)

Mines are older stock I would say as they come in glass tubs but I have no problems with lathering them up, in fact in the tub they have they consistency of TOBS cream.

I have a bit of a OCD so I use measuring spoons to bowl mix my lather so my ration with CF is 1/4 tsp cream to 2-2 1/2 tsp water added 1 tsp at a time (told you I had OCD ) with a well shaken out brush. This hasn't let me down yet with any of my creams so it might be worth a try for others.

 

[kingfisher]

There is no comparison between the CF Lime and the AoS lemon. In my opinion the CF Lime is superior in every way.

 

[HoratioCaine]

Mines are older stock I would say as they come in glass tubs....

Wow...that is old, unless they have a special "edition" of the tubs they have made specifically for sale at the castle. (Or, dare I hope, that's brand new stock, and CF has returned to glass?) CF hasn't been available in glass for at least five years, maybe longer. Lucky you - those might be worth saving and refilling, although the cream is so dense, that might not be practical.

 

[WhosYerBob]

I think the quality of oil used in CF surpasses AoS by miles, but that's just me. Lather-wise, both provide a great shave by all means. YMMV, yadda, yadda, yadda...

+1 AoS has an off note to all of their tallow soaps - one I don't pick up in any other tallow soap on the market.

 

[ChrisG]

" Castle Forbes, the Rolls Royce of Wet Shaving"

 

[petr]

Don't forget that CF is offering smaller travel size creams now so a guy does not have to splurge on the whole tub. Besides, CF gets many shaves pound for pound.

I prefer Castle Forbes by a mile.

 

[IrkMe]

Wow...that is old, unless they have a special "edition" of the tubs they have made specifically for sale at the castle. (Or, dare I hope, that's brand new stock, and CF has returned to glass?) CF hasn't been available in glass for at least five years, maybe longer.

You have me intrigued Horatio,

I grabbed some quick shots so what do you think-new or more likely old stock

 

[Marco]

You have me intrigued Horatio,

I grabbed some quick shots so what do you think-new or more likely old stock

Thank you IrkMe for the nice pics!

And beautiful looking glass bowsl! Very luxury indeed!

Since you live close to Castle Forbes, could you ask them about these shaving creams you got there?
And eventually inform us if they are:
1. Old stock;
2. Special Edition for the Castle's customers;
3. A brand new version.

Thanks a lot.