Looking for scented shaving soap recommendations

[Warpiper]

Hi All,

I have recently been stricken by SAD and I"m looking for scented shaving soaps that have a strong scent and a good lather that I can enjoy while shaving. I've only been using shaving soap for 2 weeks now and have used 2 different brands, Proraso green and Col Conk Bay Rum. I like the feel of the Proraso and can make good lather but would like a stronger menthol smell/feel. I used Col Conk for the first time this morning and was a little disappointed. I didn't think it had much of a scent (could barely smell it) and the lather did not feel as creamy/smooth as the Proraso. As this is a new experience I am open to trying any scent to see which one or ones I like. Any recommendations would greatly be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[mblakele]

Tabac
Calani
Art of Shaving

Those are some of the strongest-scented soaps I have. All good soaps, too, although AoS has a question mark because of the recent reformulation.

 

[Mbuckwash]

Do you know by chance if the products you've used in the past included glycerin or tallow? If you like strong scents, you will find that many on B&B will suggest Mike's Natural Soaps or Mystic Waters. No matter what the scent, they are typically quite strong and very appealing to most on the forum. Also, Mama Bear's Soaps has a wide selection of soaps with a lot of menthol (which she refers to as "Ice"), and could really fit your bill. Just do a google search for anything I just mentioned and you'll be on your way. Also, just a suggestion before you spend a ton of money on a soap which you're basically just experimenting with...all of these sites offer samples for approximately $1 plus shipping. It may be fun to try a bunch of scents, save a few bucks as well, and really hone in on what you like. Enjoy the journey, though!

 

[chron67]

If you want a VERY strong menthol kick try QCS Vostok. So cold you might need medical attention.

If you want an excellent soap with strong scent order some samples from Barrister and Man. Ridiculously good lather!

 

[mpmartinez99]

+1 for Mama Bear's soaps. Great variety and the quality is solid too. I just picked up some soaps from Stirling (vendor here at B&B) at the suggestion from some folks on the board. 5 bucks a soap and from most accounts it is good, fragrant stuff especially for the price.

 

[jasonb8736]

Razrock shaving soaps come in a variety of nice scents. Some are stronger than others. I believe the Italian Barber website sells samples now.

 

[Niles]

DR Harris
Cella

 

[GencoOliveOilCompany]

I was going to recommend Mama Bears Awakening soap; alas, no longer in her line up. Sadly, I have only a bit left; very nice on brutally hot days.

 

[SteveWY]

Coming to this forum and asking for ANY recommendations is like going to a bar and asking for cocktail recommendations!

Seriously, there are some great soaps listed above. As far as strong scents, I find Tabac to be certainly the strongest I have. I find I have yet to find a sufficiently strong bay rum scent. I love Mike's soaps but I don't find them all that strong, actually on the mild side, but very good soaps.

 

[imthegoal]

I really like the mama bear soaps. She has so many scents to choose from their should be at least 1 or 2 that fit what your looking for.

 

[Havok305]

Barrister & Mann. Bay Rum is awesome. They sell sample a sample pack. Mike's has samples as well, their Orange smells awesome. Tabac is hit or miss, you will either love it or hate it. I love it.

I like DR Harris Arlington. Speick, another good one.

 

[Graybeard57]

I really like the mama bear soaps. She has so many scents to choose from their should be at least 1 or 2 that fit what your looking for.

MB has Bay Rhum, Mike's Natural Soaps has Bay Rum, and Queen Charlotte Soaps has Cayman (which is bay rum). I like the Barber Shop versions from MB and Mike's, too. And all three vendors have various types of Lime, as well.

 

[California Cajun]

Hi All,

I have recently been stricken by SAD and I"m looking for scented shaving soaps that have a strong scent and a good lather that I can enjoy while shaving. I've only been using shaving soap for 2 weeks now and have used 2 different brands, Proraso green and Col Conk Bay Rum. I like the feel of the Proraso and can make good lather but would like a stronger menthol smell/feel. I used Col Conk for the first time this morning and was a little disappointed. I didn't think it had much of a scent (could barely smell it) and the lather did not feel as creamy/smooth as the Proraso. As this is a new experience I am open to trying any scent to see which one or ones I like. Any recommendations would greatly be appreciated. Thanks.

If you want a STRONG menthol kick in your soap, try the following:

Queen Charlotte Soaps Vostok
Mama Bears Awakenings
The Shave Den Iced Subzero

Really refreshing in the summer.

 

[mctmatt]

I just got finished helping someone on this board and someone on another board who were just starting out like yourself. I Pif'ed two shave sticks (La Toja and Speick then as an added bonus Arko) so I am not going to be able to do a PIF on this one, but I am going to ask our fellow members can anyone help PIF some samples to this young man. If you have ever received a PIF now would be a great opportunity to Pay It Forward (PIF). So long as he is in CONUS it should not be that much as mine was less $5.50 mailing 3 shave sticks to each address. Should a PIF be provided then a review of the PIF by the recipient needs to be done on this board. Just my suggestion.

 

[Warpiper]

Wow!! Great list every one and thank you for your recommendations. This list should keep me busy for a while. I'll definitely look into the samples as well. That's a great idea. Hey, by the time I'm done, I'll have more soaps than SWMBO!


Mbuckwas, I'm not sure about Proraso but I know that Col Conk is glycerin based. I wouldn't mind trying a Tallow soap.

chron67, thanks for the warning. I'd say not a problem because my wife is a nurse but then again, I am the husband and usually don't get much sympathy! LOL

SteveWY, Yeah, I figured that would happen but look at all the fun you could have at a bars.

 

[Warpiper]

I just got finished helping someone on this board and someone on another board who were just starting out like yourself. I Pif'ed two shave sticks (La Toja and Speick then as an added bonus Arko) so I am not going to be able to do a PIF on this one, but I am going to ask our fellow members can anyone help PIF some samples to this young man. If you have ever received a PIF now would be a great opportunity to Pay It Forward (PIF). So long as he is in CONUS it should not be that much as mine was less $5.50 mailing 3 shave sticks to each address. Should a PIF be provided then a review of the PIF by the recipient needs to be done on this board. Just my suggestion.

Hi Tom, thanks. I was wondering what PIF meant. If I do receive a PIF I'd be more than happy to do a review. I figure by the time I collect all these soaps I could PIF in kind.

 

[Warpiper]

Oh, and I almost forgot. Thank you you all for your support during this tough time while I deal with my SAD.

 

[Mbuckwash]

I just got finished helping someone on this board and someone on another board who were just starting out like yourself. I Pif'ed two shave sticks (La Toja and Speick then as an added bonus Arko) so I am not going to be able to do a PIF on this one, but I am going to ask our fellow members can anyone help PIF some samples to this young man. If you have ever received a PIF now would be a great opportunity to Pay It Forward (PIF). So long as he is in CONUS it should not be that much as mine was less $5.50 mailing 3 shave sticks to each address. Should a PIF be provided then a review of the PIF by the recipient needs to be done on this board. Just my suggestion.

You're definitely right! I personally don't have any of the "stronger scented" soaps but if I do in the near future, expect a sample!

 

[SteveWY]

Ya know, I didn't want to say but... if Warpiper doesn't think Proraso has enough menthol then I can't help in that regard. I find it VERY menthol-y. I may be a little sensitive to face freeze though. Here is an idea to kick up the menthol... Soak your brush in Osage Rub instead of water and use that to make your lather!

 

[Kramerica]

I can't believe no one recommended Arko (though it was mentioned briefly). I personally don't care for the scent, but it is one of the strongest, and you owe it to yourself to try it, if for no other reason than curiosity!

For soaps I'd recommend, they've all been stated. Tabac, Cella, DR Harris, and RR.