if there is a Nordtroms department store near you, you can get samples of Truefitt and hill shave creams. They also have Art of shaving, and Acqua di Parma.
I tried the T&H almond, very good cream, but a little to sweet marzipan scent for my liking, and the lime scent I wasn't too crazy about.
You can buy taylor samples from theshaveden.com, Taylors doesn't offer samples directly anymore.
I am learning most everything you read on these boards is a YMMV thing, so you just have to pick a few things and try them yourself, good thing is there is always someone that will pick up what you end up not liking.
T&H vs. T&H.... Winner is 1805! Clean, oceanic scent that I love. ( and I wasn't thrilled about the WIL sample I received )
TOBS vs. TOBS... Winner is St. James! Nice fresh scent, again I think it is aquatic but more perfumed that 1805.
T&H vs. TobS....... T&H. I have never had a problem w/ T&H, meaning a 0 learning curve. It has worked perfectly every time I have used it. I still on occasion make my TOBS cream a little too dry. It is operator error I know this, T&H just has more pity on me.
These are just my experiences., YMMV. i advise you to get some samples or go to B&Ms and sniff around. If you do get a cream you just can't stand, it should be easy to trade or sell it.
To me, 1805 and St. James are equally generic cologne scents. T&H West Indian Lime is uninspiring after having used Castle Forbes Lime. Taylor's Rose, however, is not just a beautiful fragrance, but the cream works every bit as good as most of the more expensive ones for a lot less $$$.
They're all good however, when it comes to shaving cream, I prefer less perfumed scents. For me, I'd go for the TOBS Rose every time. A fantastic product IMHO.