Artisan Shave Sticks?

**billyboy** · 07-18-2010, 03:36 PM

I have recently started using shave sticks and love them. Some of the artisan choices run the gambit from 2 oz. to 2.3/4 oz sizes within a price range of $6.00 to $10.00.
I'm not as concerned about the price per oz. as I am in the shave soap quality.
Any comments on QED vs. Prarie Creations vs. Kells vs. Mama Bears?
Any others that I should consider?

**Barber-Eile** · 07-18-2010, 03:52 PM

It's a long way away from being artisan but I love Arko. It rocks my shave stick world and is so cheap you'd be crazy not to try it!

Arko!

**Austin** · 07-18-2010, 03:55 PM

I like DR Harris shave sticks. Nevertheless, the best I have used is the Palmolive shave stick. It's tallow and cheap.

**Klarion** · 07-18-2010, 03:59 PM

I'd definitely stay away from Kell's. Though they didn't make any shave sticks when I last tried it, I wouldn't recommend it whatsoever. It had this oddly heavy scent and, along with Riana, is the only soap/cream I've never been able to lather. I couldn't even stand to turn it into a bath soap.

**billyboy** · 07-18-2010, 04:11 PM

Love Arko & Palmolive. Also love the Speick shave stick. (wish they all came in plastic containers rather than just wrapped in foil.

**The Nid Hog** · 07-18-2010, 04:28 PM

In terms of artisanal shave sticks, I'm using Gentlemen's Best "Chilled." Very nice.

**Telecaster52** · 07-18-2010, 05:03 PM

Originally Posted by Barber-Eile

It's a long way away from being artisan but I love Arko. It rocks my shave stick world and is so cheap you'd be crazy not to try it!

+1 IMO all of the euro tallow sticks (and la toja, bea, AU palm) are worth a shot

Arko!

Polo!

**Barber-Eile** · 07-18-2010, 05:33 PM

Originally Posted by Barber-Eile

Arko!

Originally Posted by Telecaster52

Polo!

**RichGem** · 07-18-2010, 05:36 PM

Not artisan, but definitely a must have Erasmic (old formula or newest formula, ie: w/ tallow) and valobra.

**xriley** · 07-18-2010, 08:01 PM

I don't believe that Arko, Palmolive, Speick, DR Harris, Erasmic or Valobra are artisan soaps that the OP was asking about.

**steveclarkus** · 07-18-2010, 10:14 PM

Mama Bears sells 2 oz. twist up shaving stick tubes you can melt your favorite artisan soap in and make your own shave stick. There under "other shaving items".

http://mamabearssoaps.com/index.php?...18a04214e6f24d

**falkor27** · 07-18-2010, 10:28 PM

I have a PC stick that's worked very nicely. I don't have any of the other artisan sticks to compare to, but I'd say it's worth a shot if a tallow stick in one of her scents appeals to you.

QED is likely my next stick purchase. I've heard too many good things about Bathtub Gin and Mocha Java to stay away.

**steveclarkus** · 07-18-2010, 10:29 PM

I hit the "post reply" button too quickly on that last post. I ordered shaving soap from "Nanas" on e-bay yesterday (patchouli/sandalwood/vanilla). They are glycerin based soaps with bendonite clay and also castor oil is in the soap which will add to the ability to lather well. She has some interesting scents and her soaps review very well on B&B.

I e-mailed her and asked her about adding an almond scented soap and she replied in just a few minutes and said she would would see if she could find a good almond scent and would add it.

She sells bath soaps that match the shaving soaps as well.

The price was $6. including shipping for a 3.5 oz. puck.

**billyboy** · 07-19-2010, 04:06 AM

All of this is great info. Thx. Like the idea about ordering empty shaving stick canisters too and making my own.

**elveeskee** · 07-20-2010, 04:28 AM

Originally Posted by falkor27

I have a PC stick that's worked very nicely. I don't have any of the other artisan sticks to compare to, but I'd say it's worth a shot if a tallow stick in one of her scents appeals to you.

QED is likely my next stick purchase. I've heard too many good things about Bathtub Gin and Mocha Java to stay away.

Man, you gotta do it! That Mocha Java is great for a morning shave! The Bathtub Gin goes into the Dopp when I am on the road! Definitely must haves for the shave den.