Customer Reviews

Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Cream Bowl, 5.3-Ounce

5 star:		(85)
4 star:		(29)
3 star:		(12)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

I've been looking for a cheaper alternative to Geo. F. Trumpers sandalwood shaving cream, which has become my gold standard. Taylor of Old Bond street was considerably cheaper, so I decided to give it a try.

The immediate difference I noticed was the strength and quality of the sandalwood fragrance. It's too highly scented for me, and neither is it as pleasant a scent as Trumpers. Whereas Trumpers leaves a hint of fragrance behind after a shave and a wipe-down with a wash-cloth, I find that Taylor leaves behind an "aftershave" level of fragrance, which is more than I prefer. Also, the scent is a sharper, more artificial smell that brings to my mind a dryer anti-static sheet, not something I'd want to smell like. I don't have any allergies to fragrances, so this is purely a preference thing, and I had no bad reactions to the scent.

It lathers up nicely. I dare say, slightly better than Trumpers. Taylor seems to be a drier formulation, but I had no trouble getting an appropriate amount on my badger-hair brush, and getting a good coating on my face.

It shaves well. I've had no problems getting a close shave with it.

However, whereas Trumpers seems to leave behind a bit of oils on my skin for a nice moisturizing effect, Taylor leaves my skin feeling drier. As I have naturally dry skin, Trumpers works better for me in this regard, but I can believe someone with oilier skin would appreciate Taylor's more soap-like effect.

It's a good product, and I would frankly probably switch to it for the cheaper price, but I really can't stand the heavier scent of it, unfortunately.

This product whips up an amazing lather, and it smells excellent. It has that kind of mystical old fashioned barbershop type smell, clean, manly, sophisticated.
It also leaves the skin soft and supple without any of the burn that the minty type oils tend to give.
This product ends the quest for the best, yet paradoxically most economical, shaving lather I have found. This tub lasts forever...

I have been using Taylor of Old Bond Street creams for about 4 years now and love the way they lather and shave! I usually use a brush but even just lathering up in the palm of my hand with my fingers this cream works wonderfully--far better than the mass-market gels and creams you buy at the grocery store.

This is, by far, my favorite scent Taylor offers, it makes my mornings so much more enjoyable!

I started using a Safety Razor just over a year ago (Merkur Model 180 Long Handled Safety Razor). I loved the weight and the feel. I started with a boar hair brush from the local Wal-Mart. It just didn't feel "right".

I also was using the $1.00/package safety razors in my grocery aisle, results were horrible!! I thought maybe it was my learning curve since all my research and the testimonials stated this was THE way to shave, especially if you have sensitive skin (like me).

So, I got a Tweezerman Men's Shaving Brush (Badger Hair)...WOW what a difference!!! At the same time I splurged for the 100 Double Edge Shark Super Stainless Razor Blades here on Amazon after some research.

Well, I thought my world was going to change now that I had all the right equipment...it didn't.... :(

I was still using the crappy shave soap from the shave aisle in the grocery (Williams mug shaving soap - 1.7 oz), I felt like I was ripping my skin still....shaving was still not the joy I kept hearing about...

A couple weeks ago I ordered this product....THAT WAS IT!!! It wasn't just ONE of the elements..it was ALL the elements!!! This shave cream is FANTASTIC!!! I have NEVER had a more enjoyable shave...EVER (been shaving for 25 years now).

This cream, the brush, the blades and the razor all worked together in harmony to give my thick black stubble a mowing!! I felt as if my razor was a knife gliding across butter across my face...just beautiful!!! The scent is very nice as well! Reminds me of my barber shop or my Dad.

I have NEVER written a review before for any of the numerous products I've purchased through Amazon...I did now...that's how great an experience I had!!

Gentlemen, this is an excellent product. A penny size drop in a lathering bowl, a couple of swirls with a shaving brush gives you a thick rich lather that helps the razor glide over your face. You get a great shave without irritation.

I'll start of by saying I am new to shaving with a safety razor, let alone using shaving cream (I use electric razors I have a very sensitive face). This shaving cream, which was recommended to me by a friend, is all I wanted it to be, and more. Not only does it work when using the double edge safety razor, but also while using my electric.

First, the name brand does it all for me. It has such a unique presentation, and industrial feel to it. In fact, it feels much like its right out of the industrial age in Britain! In my opinion, this is very unique. When it arrived I was happy to start shaving with it because like I said, I always have problems with shaving, whether it is red dry skin, or not getting a good enough shave. This cream really does it all. When using the safety razor, I feel protected, and the shave is smooth. When using an electric razor, I apply it on with a brush like normal, then wipe it off slightly and shave. Both ways generally produce an amazing shave and minimal irritation while cutting down extremely low.

This shaving cream is a nice addition, or nice first choice for new shavers, or people getting into shaving with safety razors. It really has a nice lather, feel, and soothes the skin. I do recommend using a brush, otherwise it will be messy and won't exfoliate your skin. Although a bit pricey, you do really get what you pay for, it's a brand name and is a high end product. I have to say this site is the cheapest way to get this item. Other websites are hefty on shipping fees and charge a nice premium. If you were lucky enough to see it here, buy it!

I will conclude with saying that the reason I gave it 4 out of 5 was for personal reasons. Although its great on the skin, and has a nice lather, the smell is very strong. I do enjoy it, don't get me wrong, but I would next time try something a bit more subtle and fresh. This smell is very "manly" which is a good thing, but a bit "musty" for my taste.

If you are in the market for new shaving cream, give this a try! Might I recommend another scent however, such as avocado or lavender, and then move to this after. As always I hope my review helped, if you have any questions feel free to comment, if I helped out let me know by clicking that button. Thanks!

You can't go wrong with TOBS creams. I love the sandalwood scent. Some people complain it is too strong, but I must disagree. I think it is the right amount of scent, without being too overdone. TOBS creams lather well, with little effort on my part. Just a quick whip with the brush and a little water, and I am set for multiple lathers. The amount of cream needed is minimal, literally a dime sized dollop. That's perfect, b/c this tub will last for months (4-6) at that rate. I need to shave everyday, and with this cream it is a pleasure. I moisturize afterwards, but this cream doesn't dry out my face like other creams/soaps do.

This cream gives an excellent shave. It is very slick and the razor glides nicely over it. It lathers quickly and easily. The scent however is not to my liking. It does not smell bad, but to me it smells like old Avon soaps. I use the "Mr. Taylor's" scent of this brand of shaving cream. The shave is slightly better than the sandalwood and the scent is an excellent low-tone cedar/musk/spice scent.

The positives are clear, I cannot but agree with the positives reviews here.
BUT (a big, capital letters but), the fragrance is much too strong. This might be great for smokers (to cover some of the tobacco smell).
It is not too bad for me either, as it helps masking offensive odors during my morning commute on the NYC subway. But my colleagues still notice it when I get in the office.

This was the first type of soap/cream I've bought other than aerosol shaving creams and I'm never going back. The shave I get is just a lot less irritating. I've been using it for weeks and can barely tell I've used any. The package is a nice durable screw-top plastic that seals well in my bathroom. I just unscrew the lid, give my brush a whirl and about a minute later, I've got a nice rich lather. The smell is pleasant and not overpowering, though it may not be exactly my style.