What's up with the Art of Shaving?

**Wcoppage** · 08-03-2012, 08:39 PM

You will eny the TOBS and Proraso.

**mhdena** · 08-03-2012, 08:42 PM

Anyone who spends hours on site like this will undoubtedly know more than the part time sales people in the stores.

There are plenty of sales and plenty of other shops that sell AOS products on sale from time to time to not have to go in one.

As the AOS stores are in Malls and usually a higher income demographic Mall at that it shouldn't be a surprise.

I'll say this, I'm glad I have stocked up on AOS soaps before this last price increase, never paying more than $18, with more than several in the $11 to $16 range.

AOS is the best soap I've ever used period.

**goatee** · 08-03-2012, 08:52 PM

spread on the face because you will use it up 10 times faster, therefore need to buy more sooner.
its the difference between a salesperson and B&B. stick with us...

**JeffOlson** · 08-04-2012, 08:44 AM

I am glad there are still brick-and-mortar stores in our struggling/declining world. I do not at all mind paying a bit more for the experience of being able to see, smell, and touch a product before buying it.

I suppose Art of Shaving is a bit like Guitar Center. I may know more about their products and the competion than a random salesperson, but so what? I'm still glad they are there so I can visit them and spend a bit of money to keep the wheels of commerce turning...

**BlackBard** · 08-04-2012, 09:02 AM

Originally Posted by 40boy

Noticed in an email I received recently that the price of the soaps went up to $30 for a refill and $50 for a bowl from $26 and $46 respectively.

I really like their soaps, and think they're one of the best performing I've ever used, but that is 2X what a DR Harris refill puck costs

I had to "fact check" and find that you are correct about the price increase. Although I believe their soap is the best on the planet (YMMV, of course), they have exceeded my price threshold. Unless I win the lottery, I probably will not be buying any more. I do have about 2/3 of a puck of sandalwood soap still in the rotation.

**Vagabeard** · 08-04-2012, 09:05 AM

I am greatful that AoS exists just because it was a gateway to get me back into old school wet shaving. Having said that I am not a fan of their products not just because they are pricey, but their products just do not agree with my face. I have found far cheaper products that my face loves. So shop around and try new things until you find what you like, both in product and technique.

**Kooze** · 08-04-2012, 09:06 AM

Originally Posted by BlackBard

I had to "fact check" and find that you are correct about the price increase. Although I believe their soap is the best on the planet (YMMV, of course), they have exceeded my price threshold. Unless I win the lottery, I probably will not be buying any more. I do have about 2/3 of a puck of sandalwood soap still in the rotation.

I did as well. Oh well, next time i need soap I will just purchase 2 pucks of d.r. Harris instead for less than the price of 1 AoS refill puck.

**Champion of Capua** · 08-04-2012, 09:15 AM

Originally Posted by luvmysuper

The AOS soaps and creams are some of the best available on the commercial market today.
The hardware they sell (including the bowls the soaps come in) are all ridiculously over priced.

Pay no attention to the people who work at AOS.

Do what I do;

Just before entering an AOS store, I put my fingers in my ears and begin saying "na na na na na na na" out loud over and over.

I grab whatever soap refill or cream I came for, never looking directly at any of the sales staff.

Leave as soon as is humanly possible.

Thx Phil, that gave me a real good laugh this morning.
I agree 100%, but I still love AOS products and I couldn't imagine not having Lemmon or Sandalwood on my sink.
thanks again for the laugh.

**eizan70** · 08-04-2012, 09:34 AM

I personally am not a fan of their products, thinking they are overpriced and over rated (YMMV many of my friends are big fans though), although my wife did enjoy using up my unused shave cream. That being said, I do appreciate their presence in so many venues, bringing awareness to the general public that traditional shaving is still alive and well. I no longer enter the stores as I tire of salesmen/women trying to convince me that the latest greatest electric multibladed monstrosity is what I need to buy, but their brushes are pretty to look at.

**Nick Danger** · 08-04-2012, 09:47 AM

I was extremely disappointed by my visits to the AoS store in Chicago.

The greatest sin committed by an ill-informed salesman: he told me NOT to read B&B. Lots of bad information and nothing to be learned here, according to the AoS rep.

That was the point when I turned on my heels and left the store.

Then I went to the Truefitt & Hill shop on Michigan Avenue, where they actually know something about shaving and have great respect for the B&B community.

Nick

**CharlieFoxtrot** · 08-04-2012, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by Nick Danger

I was extremely disappointed by my visits to the AoS store in Chicago.

The greatest sin committed by an ill-informed salesman: he told me NOT to read B&B. Lots of bad information and nothing to be learned here, according to the AoS rep.

That was the point when I turned on my heels and left the store.

Then I went to the Truefitt & Hill shop on Michigan Avenue, where they actually know something about shaving and have great respect for the B&B community.

Nick

You have fabulous self-control
sir! Rahm himself would have had to make an appearance to broker the forth coming apologies and lifetime discounts after I was finished.

**misterelie** · 08-04-2012, 10:38 AM

I too, got into wet shaving about 5 years ago thanks to visiting an AoS store. I kept buying their products online and grumbling about the prices until I found B&B. Now I found stuff as good as what AoS sells thanks to the people here.

AoS stuff really works well, but so does a lot of other things.

**Nick Danger** · 08-04-2012, 10:53 AM

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

You have fabulous self-control
sir! Rahm himself would have had to make an appearance to broker the forth coming apologies and lifetime discounts after I was finished.

Regarding the guy at the AoS shop, my policy is "Never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."

I did send some very frank comments to AoS via their web site. I actually got a call from someone in management who sounded very concerned about my experience at their store. Still, there is nothing that could make me go back to that location again.

Nick