VDH Starter Set, Thoughts?

[OldSaw]

I was just at Rite Aid and noticed that they had VDH shave soap and a brush, soap & bowl starter kit. I think I saw this at Walmart as well. It was $9.99

I was just wondering how many guys on here tried the starter set and what they thought. I used to recommend this type of a set up for newbies quite regularly, but they were sold separately and the price would have been about $1.50 for the soap and $3.00 for the brush. Looks like the price went up a little, but I always thought this was a great way to get started without spending a lot of money. I would recommend learning to make lather, while still using their current razor.

FYI: The brush in my avatar is a Surrey (VDH) that I bought somewhere around 1983 and I still use it several times a year.

 

[luvmysuper]

I was just at Rite Aid and noticed that they had VDH shave soap and a brush, soap & bowl starter kit. I think I saw this at Walmart as well. It was $9.99

I was just wondering how many guys on here tried the starter set and what they thought. I used to recommend this type of a set up for newbies quite regularly, but they were sold separately and the price would have been about $1.50 for the soap and $3.00 for the brush. Looks like the price went up a little, but I always thought this was a great way to get started without spending a lot of money. I would recommend learning to make lather, while still using their current razor.

FYI: The brush in my avatar is a Surrey (VDH) that I bought somewhere around 1983 and I still use it several times a year.

I recommend this kit to guys a LOT. It;s a great way to get started for under 10 bucks.
Walmart was carrying it for $7.50 but I have read here several guys saying that they got one from Walmart on clearance for 4 bucks, and I have not seen any in several Walmarts I checked, so I think Wally is discontinuing the line.
Nice to see it's available somewhere else besides Amazon, even if it is a little more expensive.

 

[OldSaw]

I recommend this kit to guys a LOT. It;s a great way to get started for under 10 bucks.
Walmart was carrying it for $7.50 but I have read here several guys saying that they got one from Walmart on clearance for 4 bucks, and I have not seen any in several Walmarts I checked, so I think Wally is discontinuing the line.
Nice to see it's available somewhere else besides Amazon, even if it is a little more expensive.

That's good to hear someone is recommending this. It's the key to Pandora's box you know.

 

[Marley]

Although I'm a newcomer to the site. I have seen several posts about the Vanderhagen soap set or VDH. My opinion pretty much supports most of the others. I just shaved with it tonight. Got a nice, close shave in 2 passes. It is a good, basic setup. I will continue to use it, and secretly I think it makes me feel good about getting a bargain.

 

[michiganlover]

I think it's a good starter kit.

The bowl is pleasant enough to look at, and does it's job of holding the soap puck well. The soap is a consistently good performer, with a mild non-offensive scent. The boar brush is workable, but even a mere few dollars more will get you a vastly superior brush (the $10 Omega #49 boar for example).

Overall the boar brush is the weakest link of the set.

 

[OldSaw]

I think it's a good starter kit.

The bowl is pleasant enough to look at, and does it's job of holding the soap puck well. The soap is a consistently good performer, with a mild non-offensive scent. The boar brush is workable, but even a mere few dollars more will get you a vastly superior brush (the $10 Omega #49 boar for example).

Overall the boar brush is the weakest link of the set.

In what way is it weak? I know the handle is not the most ergonomic design, but where else does it fall short? Since mine is over 20 years old (and very soft BTW), I can't speak about the quality of the current model.

 

[michiganlover]

In what way is it weak? I know the handle is not the most ergonomic design, but where else does it fall short? Since mine is over 20 years old (and very soft BTW), I can't speak about the quality of the current model.

In comparison to an Omega, the brush feels pretty rough on the face, and quite a few of these VDH boars are major shedders; you never know if you will luck out, and get one that is not a shedder.

Also, when I was new I thought I got decent lather from the VDH brush, but revisiting it about 8-10 months later, I really can't generate the volume of lather with the VDH that I can with a comparable sized Omega.

I actually don't mind the handle of the VDH. I was actually going to re-knot one at one point, but ended up having a family member turn me a custom handle patterned after the VDH handle instead.

 

[OldSaw]

In comparison to an Omega, the brush feels pretty rough on the face, and quite a few of these VDH boars are major shedders; you never know if you will luck out, and get one that is not a shedder.

Also, when I was new I thought I got decent lather from the VDH brush, but revisiting it about 8-10 months later, I really can't generate the volume of lather with the VDH that I can with a comparable sized Omega.

I actually don't mind the handle of the VDH. I was actually going to re-knot one at one point, but ended up having a family member turn me a custom handle patterned after the VDH handle instead.

OK, good points. Yet it is still an inexpensive and easy entry point. Remember, we have to get them hooked first, once that happens human nature will lead them down the path to better and better.

 

[jtrops]

I have a Surrey version of the VDH brush from the mid '80's and I have to say it's really soft and nice as well. From the posts I've read about he VDH version I would have to say that it's changed over the years. I have it in rotation with a pure badger, and a TGN synthetic. It lathers well in comparison, and is comfortable. Maybe I'll pick up one of the newer brushes for a side to side review.

 

[Jorocom]

I bought my set at Right Aid earlier this year, and I really love it. It's definitely gotten me interested in shaving with soap & brush. For any body who would like to start shaving with soap & brush I highly recommend it. And yes, Pandora's box has opened!

 

[OldSaw]

I bought my set at Right Aid earlier this year, and I really love it. It's definitely gotten me interested in shaving with soap & brush. For any body who would like to start shaving with soap & brush I highly recommend it. And yes, Pandora's box has opened!

Excellent, excellent. (he said in his best Peter Lorre impersonation)

View attachment 99584

 

[Ookla The Mok]

The very kit that put me on the right track. The bowl still holds my P160 and the wife uses the brush with KMF. I passed the puck to a friend with a tech, some red personnas, a body shop brush and a snicker....

 

[OldSaw]

The very kit that put me on the right track. The bowl still holds my P160 and the wife uses the brush with KMF. I passed the puck to a friend with a tech, some red personnas, a body shop brush and a snicker....

Excellent, excellent...

 

[wlminter]

The VDH starter set is pretty much the best thing a newbie can buy. It's less than $10, and comes with a great soap and bowl. As others have said, the worst thing about the set is the brush. That being said, it's still perfectly acceptable as a starter.