Do shaving creams/soaps/gels REALLY make a difference?

[TAZORAC]

Some people pay $10 PLUS for soaps/creams and gels. I personally use 1.05 dollar general shaving gels, I think the RAZOR is most important.

So my question is being that I've never used "higher end" shaving creams, for those of you who have, is it really worth it?

 

[Groat]

Short answer: Yes. It's a little more complicated than that, though. Price isn't the sole factor for determining effectiveness, and the prices you see are also a little deceptive. Many $15 shave soaps that you see people on this forum using will last a good six months of pretty continual use. Shaving creams out of a tub or tube last forever as well.

You're not going to get a good shave with the most expensive cream ever if you have a dull razor. By that same token, a good razor is complemented by a good cream or soap.

 

[LinuxMintyFresh]

I absolutely think that the cream/soap one uses make a huge difference, but that isn't to say that the most expensive creams/soaps are always the best. More expensive items often are actually better, but their increase in efficacy is probably not as big as their increase in cost, ie a $20 soap probably isn't going to be 4x as good as a $5 soap. Another point to note is that a $10 soap might cost more up front than your shave gel, but it is probably going to last you a whole lot longer

 

[MRast01]

I have several creams/soaps that are in the $10+ range and they do a fantastic job. On the other hand, I have three pucks of Col. Conk in shave den as well and these can be had for $5 or less, and I can still get a great shave. As far as how long they last, my first soap was Conk Bay Rum. Used it only for about 3 months, maybe longer. CO Bigelow can also be had for $5, and it lathers like a champ. For me, its all about what scent I want to use on any given day.

 

[maxman]

I agree that they compliment each other. Try using a good cream/soap with a cart and you'll see a difference. The goo in a can is on par with some cheap creams/soaps and better than some (like Williams, IMHO).

The fun is trying these thing out.
The best shave I've ever had was with Trumper's Lime.
It's worth every penny.

 

[Luc]

Yes. However, the more you pay doesn't mean it's always better. Some shaving creams are cheap and good!

 

[BroJohn]

Yes. However, the more you pay doesn't mean it's always better. Some shaving creams are cheap and good!

+1 This is true.

TAZORAC --

Generally speaking, soaps/creams do three things when lathered; 1. they keep the face/beard wet, 2. they lubricate so the razor glides freely, and 3. they soften the whiskers. When you make a good/great lather with an excellent product (which is independent of price...), the lather accomplishes all three and it really helps in getting a great shave.

HTH.

-- John Gehman

 

[Easttexasman]

Try Tabula Rasa or any any other high quality cream or soap and like me you will not even consider anything low quaility again.
The P.160 soap is very economical and very good.

Paul

 

[Arctic]

I've never gotten a nasty nick or gouge when using a brush and soap or cream, but canned foam on the other hand...

 

[Swampfox]

You don't have to spend a lot of money on soaps and creams to get good quality. There are a lot of soaps out there for under $10 that are excellent. There are plenty of creams out there for less than $5 that good as well.

 

[solar]

I just plain like shaving kit, so I enjoy buying a real variety of soaps, creams and sticks. I generally find that the companies which specialise in shaving kit do a better job on the soaps and creams--MWF, T&H, Mama Bear, Trumper's, etc--than the companies that produce a lot of things, with shaving soap/cream thrown in, but it comes down to what works for you.

Personally, my shaving experience is heightened wonderfully by quality shaving cream, soap or sticks. The quality and quantity of the lather, the scent, the smooth feel of the face following your wash up, these are all things that I appreciate.

A fine razor and sharp blade are part of the equation, and for me it works best when all parts of the equation are present: pre-shave oil after shower or face wash, nice lather up with a good brush, shave with a proven razor and sharp blade, cold water rinse and alum block rub down, clean off with toner, aftershave spash, completed with application of a nice moisturiser. If I omit any of the steps or cheapen a step with an inferior product, I don't enjoy the process as much. And the process is as much fun as the BBS result when I can get BBS.

Just my deux centimes, your mileage may vary,

Best,

C

 

[Slivovitz]

The end result with my two cheap soaps, Williams and Van der Hagen, is about the same as the end result with my most expensive soap, D.R. Harris Almond. (I saved some money by sampling the DRH in the shave stick size). Mind you, I like the lather from the DRH a bit better, I just don't think it makes much difference after I've rinsed my face off.

It seems to me that I get a much better lather with the Williams or the VdH than I did with the Edge Gel or Barbasol that I used to use. I haven't actually calculated the cost on a per shave basis, but I suspect that the soap works out to be less expensive, even allowing for the initial cost of a decent brush. I've stocked up on Williams for $1.50 per puck, shipped, and VdH at I forget exactly what, but in the $2.00 per puck range. I think that compares pretty well with most canned products.

The only uncertainty is how much better a shave with canned stuff would be, now that I've learned a better shaving technique. I'm sure I could do well enough with it if I had to. I just prefer face lathering with a decent soap and brush, and to hammer the point into the ground, it does not have to be more expensive.

 

[ackvil]

Yes. However, the more you pay doesn't mean it's always better. Some shaving creams are cheap and good!

+1.

There are some overpriced creams and soaps. However, I can see a vast difference in the quality of the shave in certain soaps and creams. For me a good cream or soap is one the lubricates my skin when I shave. I am not interested in the scent - just how it performs.

 

[rosborne]

Like many have said before me, price does not mean quality. However, what I have found IMHO, is that lather is the most important part of a good shave. Yes, good lather plus a dull razor equals a bad shave. However, after switching over to straight razors, my respect and the level of importance placed on good lather has moved to a completely new level.

When I have a freshly honed and stropped razor in my hand, only a good quality soap or cream is going on my face. Note I didn't reference a price.

One final note, the best part of wet shaving for me is the lather. I enjoy the scent of the soap. A nice scented lather make mornings start off so much better!

 

[GDCarrington]

Fine a cream, lotion or soap that works best for you and...
USE IT !

 

[sir-nix-alot]

Yup, I got trolled.

Crummy troll, but he got me nonetheless.

 

[duokun]

I must agree its all a personal thing. That being said, I feel it does make a big difference.

For example, I just gave my girlfriend a container of RazoRock soap and a whipped dog brush and she has told me that not only does she enjoy her shave a lot more now (still using cart razor) but her shave is easier because the lather is more protective, and leaves her skin softer.

 

[sychodelix]

: 2 years lurking, almost no posts and these kinds of questions. I believe I detect a troll/shill.

 

[musicman1951]

Yes.

 

[El-a-Menthol]

I absolutely think that the cream/soap one uses make a huge difference, but that isn't to say that the most expensive creams/soaps are always the best. More expensive items often are actually better, but their increase in efficacy is probably not as big as their increase in cost, ie a $20 soap probably isn't going to be 4x as good as a $5 soap. Another point to note is that a $10 soap might cost more up front than your shave gel, but it is probably going to last you a whole lot longer

This.