I am essentially a Williams, Arko, & Palmolive stick user but I usually have a tub of Proraso green around just for the menthol. I have little experience with artisanal soaps but its been mixed. I was sucked into buying a glycerine puck of Mama Bear's Old Spice scented soap. It was, to say the least, a poor performer.The Proraso line is dependable, inexpensive, and effective. Not everything has to be highest end. The Red, Green, and White will always be part of my rotation, even in the presence of their more well-heeled brethren.
Williams. Its an inferior copy of what used to be a great American shaving soap
Cade. Just doesn't do it for me.