Full size Kit from Art of Shaving
- Thread starter Marozi
- Start date
While no bargain by any means, my experience is the AOS software (cream, balm, oil, etc) is quite good and lasts a long time. Easily several months or more. The jar of cream I now have is almost a year old and has about 15% left in it. The full size preshave oil I have is 4-5 months old and has about 75% left in it (I bought it used, about 90% full). But then again, I don't use either of these every day. I used the oil several times a week, though. The cream I used very often when I first got it, but as I collect new products I like to use them for a while.
So I can't say how long they will last is you use them every day. I can say even though they are expensive, the value is decent.
I can't comment on the value of the brush as I have never tried an AOS brush. I suspect it is fine but not worth the retail price. At $83 it basically sounds like you are basically paying full price for the software and getting the brush for free. (At least that is one way to look at it.) If you don't have a brush, or need a new one, this might be a good value. Otherwise, is there a way for you to get a discount on the software only from AOS?
EDIT: I had to add this. As I really like AOS software, if I saw this special before I bought my first badger brush I would have jumped all over it.
So I can't say how long they will last is you use them every day. I can say even though they are expensive, the value is decent.
I can't comment on the value of the brush as I have never tried an AOS brush. I suspect it is fine but not worth the retail price. At $83 it basically sounds like you are basically paying full price for the software and getting the brush for free. (At least that is one way to look at it.) If you don't have a brush, or need a new one, this might be a good value. Otherwise, is there a way for you to get a discount on the software only from AOS?
EDIT: I had to add this. As I really like AOS software, if I saw this special before I bought my first badger brush I would have jumped all over it.
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- #3
For that kind of money you have a lot of options in terms of whats out there. The AoS brushes receive their share of criticism around here which is something to consider. I would say if you are looking for a new brush take the money and get a Simpson or something else. Get the software (cream, oil, aftershave) as you need it. I liked the AoS lavender stuff but the Taylor Of Old Bond St. stuff is a few dollars cheaper and comes in many many many more scents and has been my cream of choice as of late.
For 115 here is another kit option (preshave oil aside this is close to my setup, I use a Duke 1 instead of the commodore listed here)
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Simpson-Commodore-X1-Best-Badger-Shaving-Brush-X1B_p_557.html
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Taylor-of-Old-Bond-Street-Shaving-Cream-Bowl-Eton-College_p_458.html
(note: I dont use preshave oil but like the other TOBS stuff so I would expect this to be good)
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Taylor-of-Old-Bond-Street-Pre-shave-Oil_p_186.html
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Pinaud-Clubman-After-Shave-Lotion_p_683.html
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Ast...ouble-Edge-Razor-Blades-100-Blades_p_143.html
Regards
Dave
For 115 here is another kit option (preshave oil aside this is close to my setup, I use a Duke 1 instead of the commodore listed here)
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Simpson-Commodore-X1-Best-Badger-Shaving-Brush-X1B_p_557.html
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Taylor-of-Old-Bond-Street-Shaving-Cream-Bowl-Eton-College_p_458.html
(note: I dont use preshave oil but like the other TOBS stuff so I would expect this to be good)
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Taylor-of-Old-Bond-Street-Pre-shave-Oil_p_186.html
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Pinaud-Clubman-After-Shave-Lotion_p_683.html
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Ast...ouble-Edge-Razor-Blades-100-Blades_p_143.html
Regards
Dave
Suppose it depends on how much shopping time you want to expend. I for one like AoS stuff but their razors and brushes are totally overpriced. A don't use oil...or balm, so for me that takes this kit somewhat out of the picture.
Now...for $100 +/- you can buy a ton of great stuff using the mix & match procedure.
Example-
TOBS flavor of your choice is about $16
Simpson X2L Colonel, about $70...or one of myriad brushes for much more or less expense.
(i.e. B&B Essential-$20, Semogue SOC-$27 or so, the ever popular Whipped Dog at varying prices)
Oils and balms are priced all over the spectrum
As mentioned above, WCS is a great place to shop. So is The Superior Shave, Italian Barber, and a few others.
You won't go wrong per se with that AoS kit, but I think you will get a BIGGER and LOUDER bang for the buck going the alternative route.
Now...for $100 +/- you can buy a ton of great stuff using the mix & match procedure.
Example-
TOBS flavor of your choice is about $16
Simpson X2L Colonel, about $70...or one of myriad brushes for much more or less expense.
(i.e. B&B Essential-$20, Semogue SOC-$27 or so, the ever popular Whipped Dog at varying prices)
Oils and balms are priced all over the spectrum
As mentioned above, WCS is a great place to shop. So is The Superior Shave, Italian Barber, and a few others.
You won't go wrong per se with that AoS kit, but I think you will get a BIGGER and LOUDER bang for the buck going the alternative route.
Like others here, at first I thought "for $115 I could assemble a better starter's kit" but at $83, its not so bad. The brush would need an upgrade, but that could wait until you've started to figure out what you like (i.e. face-lathering vs. bowl-lathering, boar hair vs. badger hair, short handles vs. long handles, balms vs. splashes) or don't. For instance, I don't find pre-shave oils to be worth it, but many do.
AOS takes its lumps here, but the consensus is that their "software" (i.e. creams/soaps, balms, etc.) are top-notch. If the products in the full-size kit are their regular offerings, then it should last a good long time. Long enough for you to get affected by every acquisition order out there!
AOS takes its lumps here, but the consensus is that their "software" (i.e. creams/soaps, balms, etc.) are top-notch. If the products in the full-size kit are their regular offerings, then it should last a good long time. Long enough for you to get affected by every acquisition order out there!
One issue with the kits is that you will likely consume the different products at varying rates. I can make their pre-shave oil last a lot longer than the balm etc. I bought a few kits over time, but found that their unscented balm was the one that product that I was consistently using all the way until empty and thus it has stayed in my long term rotation.
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- #8
I would also mix and match from somewhere else, maybe buy an AOS cream or soap
Instead of shopping on things like Amazon why not support the vendors here at B&B, those guys support B&B. Just a thought. JR
I purchased the full size kit in Ocean Kelp. The preshave in the OK kit is not an oil which I appreciate. I love all three of the soft products. The cream makes great lather and I love the Ocean Kelp fragrance. I upgraded the brush to the largest knot badger silvertip for a total cost of $170 for everything. This was a significant discount because the store was just opening and had a sale and they did not have the smaller kit badger fine available in stock (they switch to the larger silvertip for no upcharge). While I am very satisfied with my purchase, I agree with others that their brushes are overpriced (list on the largest silvertip that I received was $180).
Because it isn't an "either/or" proposition. I buy from B&B vendors and also Amazon. I also like to support my local shops, on the rare occasions when that is possible.
I started with one of the AoS Sandalwood kits with the fine grade brush. Here are my thoughts.
Cream - gave a nice shave, but, IMHO, soaps do a better job, particularly Mike's Natural Soaps & Vostok. I got 48 shaves out of my tub. Had I been more strict on my metering, I could have probably gotten more like 60-65 shaves. This cream cost me $0.5556 per shave. That is substantially more than my soaps cost.
AS Balm - this stuff is great. I am not sure I would toss out $40 for it again, but I have used it 50 times and there are probably 300 more uses in it. It works very well. I am not sorry I bought this product.
Brush - It worked fine for the cream, but was not that good with soaps. I used it 31 times and it has been in a drawer since. I would not buy this again, there are better options.
Pre shave oil - I hated this oil. It was too thick and felt like smearing slightly warm tar on your face. I used it 17 times and sold it. The Dean loves it, so it is clearly YMMV. I would not buy it again.
I started DE shaving back in July. I started with the AoS "Starter Kit" and then went back in a couple of weeks with a coupon and purchased the Sandalwood Kit with the Fine grade badger brush. Here are my impressions.
The shave cream is really good and lasts a long time. I used it virtually every day for about two months and then started to try other creams but after two months of solid use I'd say I still have about 70% of the jar left. I have discovered TOBS and a cream called Taconic and the AoS hangs in there with them in some respects and falls behind in others. All are part of what I call my "treat" days as I have started using the C.O. Bigelow as an everyday cream. Bottom line, the cream is good stuff.
I have no comparison on the pre shave oil. I know that the couple of times that I did not use it my face told me so. I am going to try some of the Proraso pre shave cream and see what that is like, but I am one of those that prefers some type of pre shave treatment and the oil works out well.
The after shave balm is the real deal. I have use it every day for 5 months now and I would say I still have 75% of it left. It doesn't take much and it makes my face feel great.
The brush has served me well. I've been taking care of it and I expect that I will use it for years to come. With no other brush in my experience to compare, I simply can't tear it down, all I can say is that it has done for me what it is supposed to do. There will be a silver tip brush in my future, but for now this is working well.
I think the AoS products are high quality and I will have no qualms about purchasing more from them, especially the after shave balm. Their hardware is quite expensive, I should know as I bought a Merkur 47C for $80 when it can be had for half of that price online. However, I will not tear down a brick a mortar store for having high prices as their overhead, especially in the mall that mine is located, is much greater. I know now what I should buy there and what I should purchase elsewhere.
I should also note that I have a bit of gratitude to AoS as it was my experience in their store that prompted me to investigate the whole traditional shaving experience. I was wandering around the mall and saw their store and decided to check it out. Their staff was very nice and informative and prompted me to give the whole thing a try. I am having a grand time investigating different razors, creams, blades, etc. and my face feels 1000 times better. For that I am in their debt.
That's my two cents.
EZ
The shave cream is really good and lasts a long time. I used it virtually every day for about two months and then started to try other creams but after two months of solid use I'd say I still have about 70% of the jar left. I have discovered TOBS and a cream called Taconic and the AoS hangs in there with them in some respects and falls behind in others. All are part of what I call my "treat" days as I have started using the C.O. Bigelow as an everyday cream. Bottom line, the cream is good stuff.
I have no comparison on the pre shave oil. I know that the couple of times that I did not use it my face told me so. I am going to try some of the Proraso pre shave cream and see what that is like, but I am one of those that prefers some type of pre shave treatment and the oil works out well.
The after shave balm is the real deal. I have use it every day for 5 months now and I would say I still have 75% of it left. It doesn't take much and it makes my face feel great.
The brush has served me well. I've been taking care of it and I expect that I will use it for years to come. With no other brush in my experience to compare, I simply can't tear it down, all I can say is that it has done for me what it is supposed to do. There will be a silver tip brush in my future, but for now this is working well.
I think the AoS products are high quality and I will have no qualms about purchasing more from them, especially the after shave balm. Their hardware is quite expensive, I should know as I bought a Merkur 47C for $80 when it can be had for half of that price online. However, I will not tear down a brick a mortar store for having high prices as their overhead, especially in the mall that mine is located, is much greater. I know now what I should buy there and what I should purchase elsewhere.
I should also note that I have a bit of gratitude to AoS as it was my experience in their store that prompted me to investigate the whole traditional shaving experience. I was wandering around the mall and saw their store and decided to check it out. Their staff was very nice and informative and prompted me to give the whole thing a try. I am having a grand time investigating different razors, creams, blades, etc. and my face feels 1000 times better. For that I am in their debt.
That's my two cents.
EZ
- Thread starter
- #15
Well, I'm new to B&B so I haven't been able to fully browse what's being sold, but I do plan to for future reference. When I said, "I shop Amazon for everything" I meant that in hyperbole. They usually have good deals, so I have bought a lot from there. My only qualms about buying consumable products directly from individuals (ebay as well), is that I don't like to purchase used consumables. No offense to anyone's personal hygiene, but it grosses me out. If I buy consumables I make sure they were never used beforehand.
- Thread starter
- #16
Thank you, this is actually exactly what I was wondering in terms of length of use per item.
I think an estimate of 200 shaves from the cream is a bit optimistic. If you can get that, great, but I would not plan on it. Just my $0.02.
I purchased a Ocean Kelp full-sized starter kit from AoS yesterday, along with their Fine badger brush. The shaving cream tub looks like it's going to last a long, long time for me -- I only need a nickel sized finger swipe of cream to get enough lather. There's going to be at least 100 uses in that tub. The pre-shave oil and after shave, I don't know - I think I might be using a little too much of them because they smell GREAT, LOL. More is better with shaving, at least with my face, LOL.
I wasn't fully prepared for the price before walking into the store, only having an idea that I wanted a brush and was having some problem finding one "locally" in my area. I remember the good ole' days when you could find a large selection of men's grooming supplies at Sears, Macy's, JC Penny, etc., but now it's a literal absence of anything masculine in the cosmetics area in most of these stores with exception of fragrances. I could have bought something online, but let me tell you - the salesman at my local store really took the time to explain every aspect of their product line, and demonstrated the whole process minus the shave itself. I had exclusive attention from this guy for at least 25 minutes - and I appreciated it, and he deserved his commission. I know the rent at my local high-end mall runs $20K+ a month for a space the size of the AoS store, and it's a local source for quality stuff - so I paid the piper.
I've shaved twice with the new badger brush, cream, oil and aftershave, and WOW what a difference from the Edge gel. LOL. I'm still using Sensor 3 disposables, the next step for me is checking out the DE options.
Greg
I wasn't fully prepared for the price before walking into the store, only having an idea that I wanted a brush and was having some problem finding one "locally" in my area. I remember the good ole' days when you could find a large selection of men's grooming supplies at Sears, Macy's, JC Penny, etc., but now it's a literal absence of anything masculine in the cosmetics area in most of these stores with exception of fragrances. I could have bought something online, but let me tell you - the salesman at my local store really took the time to explain every aspect of their product line, and demonstrated the whole process minus the shave itself. I had exclusive attention from this guy for at least 25 minutes - and I appreciated it, and he deserved his commission. I know the rent at my local high-end mall runs $20K+ a month for a space the size of the AoS store, and it's a local source for quality stuff - so I paid the piper.
I've shaved twice with the new badger brush, cream, oil and aftershave, and WOW what a difference from the Edge gel. LOL. I'm still using Sensor 3 disposables, the next step for me is checking out the DE options.
Greg
I think that's my next AOS purchase, too--along with some unscented oil and also, perhaps, some unscented cream. I'm drowning in software, and expenses, at the moment, so it may have to wait a while.
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