Hi All,

Just got my sampler back from the Shave Den. I ordered TOBS Avocado, St. James, Mr. Taylor, Rose, Traditional (Soap), T&H Grafton, and Castle Forbes Lavender.

I've tried out the St. James and the Grafton so far. With my C&E BBB both were very easy to lather. I really enjoyed the Grafton scent. The St. James was also similar, but not quite as enjoyable. Both had comparable shaves, with a slight edge with the Grafton, but sometimes it is hard for me to tell if it is the cream or the blade, since I am still using my Fusion, which adds a lot of irritation to the whole process. (I know, I know: I'm getting a DE soon).

I was really excited to try the Avocado. But the smell is just disgusting. I know people say it smells like melon and it is clean, but I just find it displeasing—and that was the one I was looking forward to the most since it has received such high praise here. I might give a try tomorrow just to see how it shaves.

Anyway, I just wanted to give you all my first impressions. If anyone is looking for samples of the different creams, I would highly recommend the Shave Den website for their sampler packs. You can pick out 6 from a huge list of companies and products for a reasonable price. The shipping was alright. Took about 8 days. My sampler pack from Geo F. Trumper arrived faster via airmail from England, though.

I'll post here when I try them all.