OldSaw
The wife's investment
Since my first shave with Old Spice shaving soap, I have had a secret passion for wet shaving. It just wasn't a topic that came up very often in conversation. However, since discovering places like B&B I can finally share my experiences with people who are interested.
I believe a good quality shaving soap, (or cream if that is your preference), is the corner stone to a smooth comfortable shave. I've used many razors over the years and while they each have their own idiosyncrasies, it has always been the soap that mattered most.
When Old Spice discontinued their shaving soap, (not that it was the best but it didn't suck either), I began my quest for great shaving soap. I tried all the usual store brands but was not satisfied. Then one day I was introduced to Colonel Conk almond shaving soap and it has been my main stay for much of the past 20 years. I've seen posts that compare Conk to Surrey suggesting that they are related because they come in the same package style. I don't know wether they are related or not, but I do notice a big difference in how they feel.
Buying Conk soaps has not always been easy. Before internet retailers were available I had to buy the minumum store size order directly from Colonel Conk. I was able to get one store to stock it once and then she moved her shop to a tourist area in another town. Thanks to the internet I can buy it from many sources.
Now I am not trying to suggest that Colonel Conk is the Holy Grail of all shaving soap, it's just the best I've used so far. I have been out for a while and have been tempted by all the new choices I now have. I should be receiving some almond from Honey Bee soon and some Arko from Tulumba. In the mean time I currently have some Proraso which I do not like very well.
I appreciate all the reviews posted here on B&B. I never realized there was such a wide variety available before. So I will do a little experimenting and chances are I will find one that I will settle on for a while. I like having one set up that works and stick with it.
So from an old saw to all the new guys I would suggest finding the soap or cream that works best for you before spending all your resources on razors and brushes. I can get a great shave with good soap, a cheap boar brush and a Bic disposable or a lousy mess with top shelf epuipment and crummy soap.
I believe a good quality shaving soap, (or cream if that is your preference), is the corner stone to a smooth comfortable shave. I've used many razors over the years and while they each have their own idiosyncrasies, it has always been the soap that mattered most.
When Old Spice discontinued their shaving soap, (not that it was the best but it didn't suck either), I began my quest for great shaving soap. I tried all the usual store brands but was not satisfied. Then one day I was introduced to Colonel Conk almond shaving soap and it has been my main stay for much of the past 20 years. I've seen posts that compare Conk to Surrey suggesting that they are related because they come in the same package style. I don't know wether they are related or not, but I do notice a big difference in how they feel.
Buying Conk soaps has not always been easy. Before internet retailers were available I had to buy the minumum store size order directly from Colonel Conk. I was able to get one store to stock it once and then she moved her shop to a tourist area in another town. Thanks to the internet I can buy it from many sources.
Now I am not trying to suggest that Colonel Conk is the Holy Grail of all shaving soap, it's just the best I've used so far. I have been out for a while and have been tempted by all the new choices I now have. I should be receiving some almond from Honey Bee soon and some Arko from Tulumba. In the mean time I currently have some Proraso which I do not like very well.
I appreciate all the reviews posted here on B&B. I never realized there was such a wide variety available before. So I will do a little experimenting and chances are I will find one that I will settle on for a while. I like having one set up that works and stick with it.
So from an old saw to all the new guys I would suggest finding the soap or cream that works best for you before spending all your resources on razors and brushes. I can get a great shave with good soap, a cheap boar brush and a Bic disposable or a lousy mess with top shelf epuipment and crummy soap.