Thoughts on Art of Shaving brand cream?

[williamsmall2010]

Total newb here. SWMBO got me into wet shaving (doesn't she rule?) with an AoS kit for Christmas. I don't think she realized she had kicked off a bout of acquisition disorder and blood in the bathroom, but here we stand.

Since I am new, I am worried that I'm not doing something (anything) correctly. I think I'm lathering richly enough, but I'm not sure and I am wondering if its the brand of cream I am using. Anyone used AoS cream before and have any thoughts on it? Do I need to switch brands or is this stuff worth the price tag?

 

[djh]

Do I need to switch brands or is this stuff worth the price tag?

This is always relative....... I have never used a Shaving Cream from AOS, but I'm sure that they would be excellent as is the rest of their software range. There are plenty of less expensive options out there and by reading through a few of the threads in this Sub-Forum you will find some ideas.

 

[brucered]

AOS cream is amazing stuff. I recently finished off Tubs of Lemon and Lavender and always got amazing lather and shaves from it.

It work well for face and bowl lathering, but even though it's labelled brushless, I ALWAYS use a brush.

mine were the Paraben formula and not sure if hey differ much in quality to the new Paraben-Free versions, but i'd say you got some good products to start out with.

 

[dpm802]

Welcome to B&B, and Happy Shaving!

AoS software gets good reviews around here. Their hardware, not so much. The weak point in their starter kits is the brush. It is adequate, but you'll probably want to upgrade before long.

If you think you're having trouble lathering with it, the general solution is "use more product." If you're still not getting a decent shave from it, try letting it soak into your beard for a few minutes, then fluff it up with the brush right before you apply the blade.

As for their prices ... yes, they are a tad on the high side. You can get just as good performance from less expensive brands, but SWMBO got you off to a good start with the AoS brand.

 

[texaninkc]

Art of shaving is also what got me into wet shaving. If you read all threads on here regarding AOS you will see a lot of folks say that it is overpriced or that their employees are idiots. You actually do not see people say their stuff is bad. In fact when I joined people told me that it was some of the best stuff they've tried. I'm 3 years into this and now have over 50 soaps and creams. AOS is still among the best for me. Sandalwood is my favorite scent.

Just stay away from the hardware. Now that stuff is overpriced. I still can't believe I bought a $150 fusion handle 5 years ago. Happy shaving and welcome to B&B.

 

[williamsmall2010]

Thanks guys, glad I've got some good stuff. I think a little work on my technique and some more experimentation with my water vs product ratio should fix things for me. It would also help if I used the razor correctly I guess haha

 

[tjg5181]

AoS is by far an amazing product. Yes, we all agree that it carries a hefty price tag, but I'll be damned if it doesn't outlast, outperform and out-smell every other product in my den. I started off with the trial kit of Unscented cream, then graduated to a larger kit in Sandalwood. I do not know what scent you got, but give Sandalwood a go, there is nothing in my mind that beats that smell on the market today.

Remember, you are new to wet-shaving, and NO ONE here learned it over night. You have to practice your lather, practice your strokes, and about all remember, that everyone's face has different growth patters, so what may work for one, may not work for another. Just remember to praise SWMBO for getting you started on a great journey and with such a fine product.

In regards to lather, remember, this is not your old can of "goo". Watch videos on how to prepare, a little water goes a long way (as does such a little amount of product - AoS). Look at the pictures of lathers made here, compare and contrast, and remember, what you get as lather may work for you, and if it works, stick with it....

YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary...

Welcome and best of luck!

 

[GarrettReid]

I've got the Unscented, Sandalwood and Ocean Kelp. I find the Ocean Kelp to have the best shave out of the lot as its latter seems to be the best.

I'm interested in AoS vs. ToBS.

 

[tjg5181]

I'm interested in AoS vs. ToBS.

For you, Garrett, as well as the OP, I think you should look into Garry's Sample Shop. He offers a great service in which he sells samples in small quantities at small prices so that you don't have to break the bank to try out a new product. He has plenty of TOBS products, many of which I have tried. Although the scents were pleasant, and the lather was easy to create and slick enough, I still find that AoS outperformed them. However, as always, YMMV

 

[GarrettReid]

For you, Garrett, as well as the OP, I think you should look into Garry's Sample Shop. He offers a great service in which he sells samples in small quantities at small prices so that you don't have to break the bank to try out a new product. He has plenty of TOBS products, many of which I have tried. Although the scents were pleasant, and the lather was easy to create and slick enough, I still find that AoS outperformed them. However, as always, YMMV

I ordered a sampler pack of razors and ToBS Avocado. Pretty excited.

 

[tjg5181]

He had a post saying that he was taking a week off, so if you dont hear back from him, do not get worried, he will have new stock coming this coming monday...

 

[GarrettReid]

He had a post saying that he was taking a week off, so if you dont hear back from him, do not get worried, he will have new stock coming this coming monday...

I actually got my stuff off Amazon. I was pretty much set on the Avocado so I got a full size of that, plus a seven brand, 5 blades each, sampler pack with a few things he didn't have.

But he does have some interesting stuff I will have to check out in the near future.

 

[bladebuff]

AOS - has a fine line of shave cream, soaps and aftershave products - their creams are well priced and are comparable to all the top lines but I do find their soaps and aftershaves to be somewhat higher priced compared to other products.

 

[heybatter]

I like their cream a lot. Almost done with a tub of sandalwood so I ordered some Ocean Kelp last night along with the balm. I hope the balm is worth the $40 price tag.

 

[OldSaw]

I agree with the others above that AOS is some of the best shave cream available.

 

[luvmysuper]

The AOS soap and cream are both top notch.
Yes, it costs a little more, but...
It's my personal belief that it takes less of the product to get a great lather, so I believe the cost per shave is very comparable.

 

[dundak]

Personally....It is the only one I plan to restock

 

[gks]

Yup. Good stuff. I've only used the lavender soap. But enjoyed it so much I ordered ocean kelp cream and a lavender travel kit (sans razor)

 

[5savages]

A pea sized amount of Ocean Kelp is all I need for a great shave.

 

[jesseix]

Yes, it costs a little more, but...
It's my personal belief that it takes less of the product to get a great lather, so I believe the cost per shave is very comparable.

Agreed, each time I use my AoS cream I'm again amazed at how much rich lather you can make with just a tiny dollop. Its pricey but a tup will last forever, especially when its in a rotation with other products