Suggestions on setup

[derazor]

I've been using a feather razor with feather blades and Cella soap for the past couple of years. Very enjoyable setup and I've been very pleased with the results. I'm due to restock blades and soap and thought it might be time for a little variety. Does anyone have any suggestions for alternatives. I use a rooneys silver tip brush and live in an area with hard water.

I've been to the applicable forums and it seems like there are a lot of good choices. Any thoughts on what might pair well with my razor and brush?

 

[deruitem]

Soap
Synergy, petal pushers fancie, Mikes Natural, panna cream or barrister and mann

blades
sampler or gillette black or blues

 

[Prof. Moriarty]

Sorry mate you are going to need to narrow it down a bit.
Soap or Cream or Croap?
What kind of scents do you like?
What is your budget?

I really like Martin de Candre Fougere, but that is just me.
For blades, I'd go with a sampler pack and see what you like.

 

[The Dean]

I can't really help you on the Feather razor (which do you have?), but if you have had good luck with the Feather, I'd try other good sharp blades. I really have liked the 7 O'Clock Yellow, Super Iridium, Voskhod, and Rapira blades. The Rapira blades don't last for more than a shave or two for me, but I really like the way they cut and feel. I used a GSB once when I first started and thought it was good---but that was one blade a long time ago. I'm picking up a couple more to see if it's the blade for me. Actually, I think many of the Russian made blades are worth a try. Kai blades are also supposed to be very sharp, but I have yet to try them.

I also have very hard water. So perhaps i can be of some help here. Cella is terrific, IMO. Every RazoRock croap (soft soap) I have tried has been sensational. XX and the King of the Castle series are among the newer lines and they are fantastic. While the scent can be polarizing, the Arko stick might be the best value in shaving--based on performance. I don't use it enough, but I am never disappointed when I do.

If you want to give creams a go, then The Body Shop Maca Root cream is a fantastic performer and can typically be found locally in most areas in the USA. Another cream you can find locally most places is Kiss My Face. Very affordable and lathers in all conditions, in my experience. While considered overpriced by many, the Art of Shaving creams really are great performers. And Biotique Bio Palmyra is a fantastic, and very affordable cream from India. Very concentrated with great cushion and moisturizing properties.

I don't use a lot of hard soaps, but I have good experience with Sterling and Sante Provence---still I tend to use the croaps and concentrated creams more often. And, if you want to stay local, and inexpensive, you might consider mixing up some Van Der Hagen soap (dirt cheap at Walgreens) with Kiss My Face cream and make a superlather. Toss in a drop or two of glycerin and you will have an uberlather. I find that playing around with these lower priced products sometimes results in a lather that equals those of exclusive, and very expensive, products.

I'm sure there will be no lack of other alternative for you to try. Samples are a nice way to go should you feel overwhelmed and/or unsure about a products ability to lather in hard water.

 

[Okla1911]

I would try Garry's Sample Shop for creams & soaps - I've been a repeat customer. Check a blade sampler from an online retailer, there are tons to choose from. Just don't blade & cream/soap sample at the same time!