Products that surprised you?

[dgauvreau]

I was sort of curious if there were any products or line of products that surprised you in terms of wildly exceeding or falling short of your expectations. For me, I ordered the sampler pack from Men-u, and I really didn't give it a second though until I used their face wash and moisturizer (aftershave.) These are both really amazing products, and I really wasn't expecting them to be that much different from others I've tried. I know this isn't entirely fair to products that are great and that receive a lot of positive forum traffic (think the 3 t's), but I'm just curious about the products that snuck-up on folks (either good or bad.)

[fuerein]

I was surprised by how poorly Caswell-Massey performed. For CM looking like a major company in the realm of men's toilettries, their soap is just horrible. You cannot get a decent lather out of it.

[SA_bmatth]

Better than expected: Salter.

Worse than expected: Trumper's Skin Foods. Easily the worst aftershave I've used. But I'm going to wait and try it again in a few months. If it's a seasonal thing then I'd replace it here with Nancy Boy shaving cream.

[Agent86]

Simpson's brushes!

I'm surprised and amazed at the incredible.....shedding. What a superb product, so deserving of the reputation and price. They're awesome brushes...really, just awesome!

[BD1970]

For me:

Better than expected: The Body Shop shaving cream & Baxters of CA ASB.

Worse than expected: Rooney brushes & Trumper's shaving cream. Hated both.

[rusirius]

Proraso aftershave balm... I'd passed this stuff up in target I dunno how many times equating it with all the run of the mill store bought aftershaves I had tried numerous times and been dissapointed in... First time a rubbed this stuff in and felt how soft and moisturized it left my face for hours and hours after applying it, I was just floored...

[rikrdo]

Better than:
-AQUA VELVA, Baby !!
-Brut ASB
-CHL
==============
Worse than:
.....+1 for Caswell Massey creams:thumbdown

[galopede]

Just found a local chemist that sells Erasmic cream and the shave stick (no soap tub though)

I just tried the stick and it was brilliant. I'd say slicker than any of the other soaps and creams I've accumulated since finding B&B. Just wash the face and rub the stick about a bit, straight on the skin. Brush away (used my cheapest Muhle badger) and ended up with enough lather for my usual four passes and a few touch ups.

A good, old fashioned smell I'm useless at describing, which didn't really last long.

All for 72 pence ($1.42)

I think I've found my travel soap!

I'm looking forward to trying the cream tomorrow.

Gareth

[peacefrog]

I was surprised by Palmolive. It lathers well and provides excellent lubrication.

[galpman]

Proraso aftershave balm... I'd passed this stuff up in target I dunno how many times equating it with all the run of the mill store bought aftershaves I had tried numerous times and been dissapointed in... First time a rubbed this stuff in and felt how soft and moisturized it left my face for hours and hours after applying it, I was just floored...

Is this the Pre Shave/After Shave in the jar?

[BrianP]

Wilkinson black tub shaving soap. It was slick, cheap and I liked the sent. I'll be trying it again soon. The only reason I stopped using it years ago was because I quit using a brush.

[RichGem]

I was surprised by Palmolive. It lathers well and provides excellent lubrication.

+1... once you get used to the scent.

[sacmore21]

The most surprising was how much I liked the smell of the white tea cream from eshave.

The most disappointing was that the Merkur blades are not sharper or last longer than I would have expected. Especially since they're so good at making razors.

[Porcine]

Hello, This is my first post on this most helpful site. I am impressed by the posts and the amount of useful information I have learned. For me, the best shaving cream at the best price is the Body Shop's. I also enjoy the more expensive White Tea by Eshave. I have problem skin, which is inflamed by menthol products and boar brushes, which I used to enjoy.

Respectfully,
Porcine

[joel]

I was sort of curious if there were any products or line of products that surprised you in terms of wildly exceeding or falling short of your expectations. For me, I ordered the sampler pack from Men-u, and I really didn't give it a second though until I used their face wash and moisturizer (aftershave.) These are both really amazing products, and I really wasn't expecting them to be that much different from others I've tried. I know this isn't entirely fair to products that are great and that receive a lot of positive forum traffic (think the 3 t's), but I'm just curious about the products that snuck-up on folks (either good or bad.)

+1 - the Men-U products are wonderful... even their synthetic bristle brush.

BIG Disappointments (for me) Rooney brushes (basically a more expensive vulfix) New Simpson Brushes (massive POS') Superior Brushes (they really aren't "superior" - in fact there are many "superior" options for less $), Arko, Ti Damascus, Maestro Razor (at least the one I have, I have another one on order I am hoping to like more - don't get me wrong.... I very much like it, however I expected more from it)

[djpharoah]

For me the product that was better than expected was Aqua Velva After shave and Brut Aftershave Balm.

Man everytime i went shiopping I would skip that to get Old Spice. But now Im totally converted. Old Spice would burn and then never cool cuz it didnt have menthol.

Aqua Velva and Brut Aftershave Balm rock together and leave a nice smell.

[Jim]

Exceeded = Corn huskers
Massive let down = Proraso

[Lyrt]

+
Penhaligon’s edt. I realised department store fragrances were crap and all the same.
De Vergulde Hand shaving soap

–
L’Occitane Cade Shaving Cream.
Cremo Cream (coconut + blue cheese foul stench).

[mantic]

Hello, This is my first post on this most helpful site. I am impressed by the posts and the amount of useful information I have learned. For me, the best shaving cream at the best price is the Body Shop's. I also enjoy the more expensive White Tea by Eshave. I have problem skin, which is inflamed by menthol products and boar brushes, which I used to enjoy.

Respectfully,
Porcine
Welcome!!

[rusirius]

Is this the Pre Shave/After Shave in the jar?


No, the regular ASB... Ummmm here... :thumbup:

http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/522960/381297.htm

Fantastic stuff...

[Amyn]

Proraso A/S Splash. Way better than expected..

[rafikz]

For me the product that was better than expected was Aqua Velva After shave and Brut Aftershave Balm.

Man everytime i went shiopping I would skip that to get Old Spice. But now Im totally converted. Old Spice would burn and then never cool cuz it didnt have menthol.

Aqua Velva and Brut Aftershave Balm rock together and leave a nice smell.

:thumbup1:

[BroJohn]

+ :w00t:
Derby-Extra Blades
Varvetos EDT
Honey-Bee Almond shave soap
C&E SAO shave cream

- :mad3:
Caswell-Massey shave cream (won't lather, have two tubs) :tongue_sm


-- John Gehman

[Kalypso]

What surprised me was how helpful & honest everyone in the Wet-shaving community has been. From the vendors & manufacturers to the members of the forums....everybody has been top notch in their transactions & service after the sale! I think this obsession brings out the best in everyone!

[LX_Emergency]

TOP:
Trumper scents
Penhaligon's scents for both of these I simply LOVE them .Most of the departement store stuff was all the same and these were refreshingly different.
I was also surprised at the Kruidvat soap. I got a puck from a friend and he wouldn't tell me what it was untill I'd tried it. I really like the stuff and it costs nexts to nothing.

[PeteW]

What surprised me was how helpful & honest everyone in the Wet-shaving community has been. From the vendors & manufacturers to the members of the forums....everybody has been top notch in their transactions & service after the sale! I think this obsession brings out the best in everyone!

+1

Exactly what I was going to say.

[AJCFD]

:thumbup1:

Gold Slant W/ Feather
Em's Shave Oil
Rooney Brush
Anything with Menthol
All NB products


:mad:

Merkur Razors
Vision
Toms of Maine-Mint

[M Guthner]

"Now" brand vegetable glycerin - a few drops in your mug makes the lather rich and moist. Best part is its about $5 for 16oz.

[Lynchmeister]

+1 on Tom's of Maine mint...for me it's ok, but...I had higher expectations.