Van Der Hagen Premium Shave Set (Soap, Bowl, Brush)

by Van Der Hagen

Product Features

• Hypo-allergenic shave soap contains 40% humectants moisturizers to help soften even the toughest beard
• Ceramic bowl designed to make lathering easier by holding the shave cake in place and fitting comfortably in the shaver's hand
• Handmade shaving brushes using the world's finest quality 100% natural boar bristle
• Shallow bowl reduces mess and prevent tipping

Product Description

Soap net wt: 2.5 oz. Each Set Includes: Hypo-Allergenic Shave Soap: Each of our specially formulated shave cakes contains 40% humectant moisturizers to help soften even the toughest beard for a close and comfortable shave. Cake: net 2.5 oz; Hand Dipped Ceramic Bowl: Specifically designed to make lathering easier by holding the shave cake in place and fitting comfortably in the shavers hand. The shallow bowl reduces mess and prevents tipping; Bear Bristle Shave Brush: van der Hagen shaving brushes are handmade using only the world's finest quality 100% natural boar bristle. Each Premium Shaving Set includes a hypo-allergenic deluxe shave soap with 40% moisturizers, including aloe vera and shea butter; a hand-dipped two-toned ceramic shaving bowl and a shave brush handmade using only the world's finest quality 100% natural boar bristle - for the ultimate in a close & comfortable shave. Satisfaction guaranteed.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 6 x 5 x 4 inches ; 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item can only be shipped to the 48 contiguous states. We regret it cannot be shipped to APO/FPO, Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico.
• ASIN: B001A3HPT0
• UPC: 893164000654
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (168 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #590 in Health & Personal Care (See Top 100 in Health & Personal Care)
  • #4 in Health & Personal Care > Personal Care > Shaving & Hair Removal > Creams, Balms & Aftershaves > Shaving Creams > Shaving Soaps
  • #4 in Health & Personal Care > Personal Care > Shaving & Hair Removal > Creams, Balms & Aftershaves > Shaving Creams > Men's

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

595 of 652 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Its fine, don't be a snob., October 4, 2009

By 

Alex Nennig "al27" (Oshkosh, WI) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Van Der Hagen Premium Shave Set (Soap, Bowl, Brush) (Health and Beauty)

Got this kit for about $8.50 at a Wal-Mart.

And, considering the price, its an awesome value.

Here's the thing about brush shaving, its really nice. It feels good on your face, it results in a nice close shave, and its honestly kinda fun to do it the old school way.

The bad part is, you go on the internet and find out that there's a super elite group of people who will tell you that THIS brand of shave soap is the best soap and you should only use THIS brand of badger brush because the other types don't compare and how you can only use THIS kind of razor because the other kinds will somehow destroy your face and make shaving the kind of unspeakable horror only sick, twisted people dare entertain their minds with.

The point I'm trying to make is this: there is actually a community of shaving snobs. People who've actually invested over a hundred dollars in particular, elite equipment to SCRAPE LITTLE HAIRS OFF THEIR CHINS!!!!

So they see this cheapo set and turn their noses up at it, because its ONLY EIGHT DOLLARS and you can BUY IT AT WAL-MART!!!



I do like wet shaving. Its a good shave. I shave with a double edge safety razor (a Merkur) and this particular kit. And it works out GREAT!!!


So here's my review:

THE BRUSH: Its a boars hair brush, and its fine. It lathers well, it works the way it should, its not rough on my face at all. Yes, it has a plastic handle. WHO CARES?!?!?!?! Its the HANDLE of a friggin BRUSH!!! Do your hands start on fire if they touch plastic? Do you get an allergic reaction if your fingertips handle a brush thats not metal or wood? If you answered "No" to both those questions, then you're fine. Complaining about the material of a shaving brush handle makes you a snob.

THE BOWL: Its a bowl. The soap sits in it, it holds steady when you lather. Its fine. You know why? Because its a FREAKIN' BOWL!!! How do you honestly complain about a bowl? It functions, it doesn't offend the eye, its fine. Don't be a snob.

THE SOAP: Honestly, I've tried so many canned shaving creams its ridiculous. I'm a man with sensitive skin and it doesn't matter how moisturizing the cream was, I still had nicks and cuts and irritated skin. So imagine my surprise to find this soap to be a key part of a very clean, enjoyable shave. I seriously get better results from this soap than I do with my gels and creams. Way to go, VDH shaving soap. Are there better shaving soaps? Probably. Do I care? No, because this one leaves my face moisturized and refreshed, costs 1.80 per bar, and I can actually get it without ordering it over the internet.



BOTTOM LINE: A great wet shave kit, especially for the price. Avoid the snobby opinions and give it an honest shot. If you're not a total tool you'll probably be surprised by how nice this kit is.

There are plenty of things in this world where the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail make a huge difference. Guitars are such a product. Automobiles are another. Shaving brushes and bowls are NOT!!!

Don't be a dumb shaving snob, just go shave your face, then start investing yourself in something thats actually important.

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars For the price, quite nice, November 18, 2009

By 

J. Hetherington (St. Louis) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Van Der Hagen Premium Shave Set (Soap, Bowl, Brush) (Health and Beauty)

Obviously this is not for old school die-hard wet shaving enthusiasts yet still easily beats using canned shaving foam/gel.

The dish is exactly as it appears, decent looking but nothing too exciting.

The brush is a low grade boar hair brush that is unlikely to last more than a few months. I've used mine about 6 weeks and it is shot which is what I was looking for when I decided
to write this review. The brush should be hanged upside down(bristles down) to allow for proper drying and prolong it's life. I did not do so and merely turned it up on it's end when done shaving, consequently the hairs have prematurely worn.

Personally I like the soap, it has a very mild yet pleasant odor and contains Aloe and Shea Butter. My skin is moderately dry and this helps lubricate for a comfortable shave while moistening my
face simultaneously.

This shave set is nothing that will last years but is ideal to get a sense of if you wish to pursue wet shaving/using a brush and soap in the future. It does not lather nearly as well as a quality brush but is sufficient for a comfortable and close shave. The soap will likely last you 3-6 months so coupled with the bowl it is worth the price. You can find double edged razor blades for a safety razor in local stores for less than $2.00/10 blades. These blades offer a much closer shave than any cartridge I have used and are significantly less costly. I would encourage all men to at least try it so you too can rid yourself of the burden of a lifetime of expensive razor/cartridge replacements. Actually this is a brilliant marketing idea for a company who sells higher grade safety razors/straight razors/shaving soaps/bowls/shave kits as it is enough to experience it at a low cost.

33 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great start to brush shaving, July 1, 2009

By 

C. Schimanski (NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Van Der Hagen Premium Shave Set (Soap, Bowl, Brush) (Health and Beauty)

First, brush shaving may not be for everyone, I can't see how though.

If you want to introduce a friend to brush shaving, this is the way to go. If they don't like it, no loss, if they do, this will carry them through until they get a better set.

As far as brushes go, if you're buying boar, you aren't going to waste your money on a metal or wooden handle brush! You're going inexpensive (not cheap).

The soap in this kit is actually quite nice. I'm currently using a EJ Sea-Buckthorn soap, but the VDH soap must've been loaded with aloe, because it always makes my skin smooth, it doesn't have a strong scent though.

The bowl in this kit (not a mug ~ a bowl) is very deep, which I actually really like. I place my brush in the bowl and fill it to the brim with STEAMY HOT water and let it soak for 15 or 30 seconds. It softens the soap for getting on the brush quickly and gets the brush nice and warm to the core.

At this price, pick up a few and pass them around to guys who are still in the dark about brush shaving, you'll make some converts.

I like to leave my Edwin Jagger set at home, I have this VDH set packed in my travel kit.

For the money, it should have more stars, but compared to other shave brushes, it could have less. Factor the cost and the product and it gets 3 stars. Don't mind spending $25 or more? Go with badger.