old guy, bold guy--be not too bold!

**cjspence** · 06-07-2010, 08:37 PM

Best shaving experience so far. My Simpson Wee Scot arrived today (see pictures attached.) I wanted a Best Badger, but I didn't want to spend too much. Everybody seems to like these, and, man, I see why. What a huge impact. The cheap boar-bristle brush I was using is not a brush at all in comparison. Made a completely different sort of lather. I used the Proraso pre-shave, Mama Bear, and a new Merkur blade in my old Super Speed---less blood, more fun. (Some blood, nonetheless.)

I suppose I introduced too many variables at once, new pre-shave, brush, blade, but I couldn't resist. Someone actually shipped me the Proraso pre-shave in error--I had ordered the pre and post, but I wanted to try it so bad, I didn't send it back. It was so cool, literally and figuratively, I used it again as a post. I'm thinking right now about going back for some more. Can someone who has used both the pre and the pre/post comment on the difference?

Thanks for all the good advice.
Jack

**Drubbing** · 06-07-2010, 09:27 PM

Proraso don't have a pre-only product. The pre/post is it.

The regular shave cream in the tube is the lather product. The Pre/post cream in the glass jar can be used as a pre shave softener, and as an after shave cream/balm.

It doesn't really do much for me as a pre shave product, but it's an excellent after shave product.

**ackvil** · 06-08-2010, 02:23 AM

Originally Posted by Drubbing

Proraso don't have a pre-only product. The pre/post is it.

The regular shave cream in the tube is the lather product. The Pre/post cream in the glass jar can be used as a pre shave softener, and as an after shave cream/balm.

It doesn't really do much for me as a pre shave product, but it's an excellent after shave product.

I use the pre before shaving to soften up my beard. Works and feels fine.

**SRock** · 06-08-2010, 02:51 AM

Congrats on a great shave.

**cjspence** · 06-08-2010, 04:33 AM

The pre & post says "Crema Pre & Dopo Barba"; the pre says "Crema Pre Barba." They both come in round, glass jars, but the pre/post is mostly green, while the pre has a lot of white. The boxes they come in look quite different. You can see pictures of both on Amazon, although I don't recommend buying it from them. Whether the two products are in fact the same is another question. They are cetainly marketed as different. I plan to get a jar of the pre/post and compare them; I was wondering if anyone had already done so. Thanks for responding to my post. I love this site! Jack

**Sushi** · 06-08-2010, 07:24 AM

Why don't you recommend buying from Amazon?

**cjspence** · 06-08-2010, 05:04 PM

Originally Posted by Sushi

Why don't you recommend buying from Amazon?

Amazon is mostly great: I'm a "Prime" member so I get free 2nd day shipping on most items. Of course I pay for the membership, but it's a good deal. They discount most stuff and don't charge many states' sales taxes. But Amazon also has "partners" who sell stuff through Amazon. I have consistently been disappointed with the third-party vendors. But the deal I described above was typical of the third-party vendors: I ordered through Amazon, but the company that fulfilled the order sent the wrong shave cream. I could have made A. send me a call-tag and take it back, but it's not worth the hassle. I called the vendor who won't return my call. So I definitely do not recommend buying through their "partners," and a lot of the shaving gear is 3rd-party.

**Blue_2** · 06-08-2010, 05:19 PM

I've had mixed luck with Amazon's partners. However, I never buy from them if I can get the same product from a specialty store. I'd rather support the little guy who made a hobby (a hobby I share) into a living.

**cjspence** · 06-08-2010, 07:29 PM

Originally Posted by Blue_2

I've had mixed luck with Amazon's partners. However, I never buy from them if I can get the same product from a specialty store. I'd rather support the little guy who made a hobby (a hobby I share) into a living.

I heartily agree, and I sometimes, in trying to save a buck, lose sight of the virtue and value of little dealers. You can't call up Amazon (or their "partners") on the phone like you can Gary at Shoebox!

**cjspence** · 06-09-2010, 06:31 PM

The owner of the Amazon 3rd-party vendor I was a little unhappy about called me on the phone personally and made me very happy. The vendor made no error; the labelling of the Proraso Crema had changed. Can't beat the service. I had not mentioned the vendor by name, but since I had such a good experience, I'll share it: Details for Men.
Jack