Not enough praise for Al Raz "The Bomb" shaving creams....

**kingfisher** · 09-01-2011, 01:46 PM

A kind fellow B&B'er (Evbo, to be precise) sent me a little sample of Penhaligon's Castile shaving cream a few weeks ago when I was lamenting its demise, and in the package he included a small sample of a custom made scent of Al Raz's The Bomb cream. The scent is a combination of sage, vetiver, thyme, black pepper, etc., etc., etc. and I didn't really care for it much. It seems that most of the notes were faded considerably except for the black pepper, which was quite strong.

the sample was apparently quite old and the cream had basically hardened into the container.

This morning I decided to give it a try anyway. I took a little bit of it out using a broken ice-cream-tasting spoon, and then crushed it onto the bottom of my lather bowl with my finger. Then I lathered it like a soap using an Omega boar.

I just have to say that I got a wonderful lather, every bit the equal (if not superior to) GFT, T&H, CF, and others. The shave was smooth and comfortable and it didn't dry out my skin at all.

The shave was so good that, even though I didn't like the scent at first, by the end of the shave I was almost wondering if there was an accompanying cologne.

Anyway, I wanted everybody to know that Al Raz's cream ROCKED, even when it was crusty and had to be resuscitated!

**California Cajun** · 09-01-2011, 01:59 PM

I was very impressed with his cream, and his balm as well.

**oscar11** · 09-01-2011, 03:21 PM

It's my favorite shaving soap/cream product, just excellent stuff.

**rickboone1** · 09-01-2011, 03:24 PM

Another one that'll claim it to be a favorite cream. Great, great stuff.

**Scott0079** · 09-01-2011, 04:19 PM

Best cream I've used.

**J.K.T.** · 09-01-2011, 05:01 PM

I am throwing out an honest opinion here. I do think the creams are really good. I would not say it is the best but very good quality. I think the prices are way too high to compete though. I think I paid $20ish shipped per tub and think that are much better values out there. I have the calypso "bay rum" which smells amazing! The bodega which was suppose to smell like cedar had not one note of cedar?

I am not saying the products are bad, in fact they work quite well. But unless there is a scent you cant live without then I would shop else where. No there are not that many bay rum options btw. I will continue to purchase regardless. I think one thing that hurt him though was not disclosing ingredients. Everyone does and he doesnt. Yes saying there are all natural ingredients is cool but folks want to know.

Sorry for the rant, I do love his products but I guess I felt a little short changed if that makes sense.

**thewatermark** · 09-01-2011, 05:14 PM

Hands down, its my favorite, Vetiver cream. The smell is spot on to Cyrill Salters Vetiver, which is pungent and earthy, also my skin always feels so nourished and smooth after I use his creams, great stuff!

**Baloosh** · 09-01-2011, 05:24 PM

I had pretty much opposite experiences as the rest of the gents on here. Al's creams didn't lather for me worth a plug nickel, and I wasn't wild about any of the scents I tried.

I agree that the lack of actual ingredients is a hindrance to some, but Al doesn't seem to mind that. I'm glad to hear that it sounds like I'm in the minority with my experience - always nice to have lots of options for shave creams!

**gull** · 09-01-2011, 05:53 PM

Originally Posted by Baloosh

I had pretty much opposite experiences as the rest of the gents on here. Al's creams didn't lather for me worth a plug nickel, and I wasn't wild about any of the scents I tried.

Are you face lathering or bowl lathering. I get horrible lather while face lathering Al's products, but it's a whole different ball game while bowl lathering.

To be honest, I too disliked pretty much all of his scents. Good thing he offers a custom option.

**Baloosh** · 09-01-2011, 06:12 PM

Originally Posted by gull

Are you face lathering or bowl lathering. I get horrible lather while face lathering Al's products, but it's a whole different ball game while bowl lathering.

To be honest, I too disliked pretty much all of his scents. Good thing he offers a custom option.

I've been at this for over 5 years. Bowl lathering, face lathering, palm lathering, side-of-the-sink lathering. I've done it all, numerous times with hundreds of products.

I go in cycles where I prefer face lathering... then I'll prefer bowl lathering... then face for a while, etc. Nothing I've tried works with Al's creams. In the interest of full disclosure, I do have that problem with other artisan products - it's not just an Al's thing for me. I have extremely hard water - some of the hardest in the country. There are few products that work amazingly for me... and luckily I won't be living in this area for long. But I simply use what works... once I get into a place that has decent water, I plan on re-trying some of the artisan soaps and creams.

**Scott0079** · 09-01-2011, 06:15 PM

Originally Posted by Scott0079

Best cream I've used.

Originally Posted by gull

Are you face lathering or bowl lathering. I get horrible lather while face lathering Al's products, but it's a whole different ball game while bowl lathering.

To be honest, I too disliked pretty much all of his scents. Good thing he offers a custom option.

Same here I've only bowl lathered with them and both of the scents I got were custom.

**Balj86** · 09-02-2011, 06:37 AM

I agree! Excellent stuff. I remember when I got my "El Tangerino" bomb - stuff is excellent. People get turned off b/c there's no label of the ingredients listed. I think that maybe why.

**kingfisher** · 09-02-2011, 06:39 AM

I'm surprised you had troubles lathering this stuff, Baloosh. It lathers excellently for me; easily as well as Trumpers.

**Baloosh** · 09-02-2011, 06:53 AM

Originally Posted by kingfisher

I'm surprised you had troubles lathering this stuff, Baloosh. It lathers excellently for me; easily as well as Trumpers.

v

v dunno. Like I said, it might have more to do with my crunchy water than anything else. I miss my water softener.

**sanuginz** · 09-03-2011, 07:14 PM

I agree that this is perhaps the best shaving cream at least in terms of performance and lather. It is a bit tricky at first to lather. You only need pea size amount rather than the standard almond. Less is more. Bowl lathering does help as well to break it down and go to town with the lather. Excellent, excellent stuff.