Recommend luxury shave soap for gift pack

AussieTanker

Member
Joined
May 1, 2020
Location
Adelaide
Hi folks..

I'm looking to create a "thank you" gift pack for a relative who has done a huge favor for me. He has never wet shaved before. I'm trying to entice him to "join the movement" ... I intend to make up a pack with basically everything that he needs to start wet shaving ... I think i have sourced a birth year Fatboy, I will pop in a sample pack of blades, blade bank, styptic pencil, shave bowl and a nice long handled synthetic brush... but I'm a bit stumped on what shave soap to get as i am looking for something that is quite luxurious, that will engage the senses when the lid is opened ie a shave soap that will really knock his sox off, and has a "matched" or at least a "related" aftershave (and is easy to use)

I was thinking of getting him the > CAPTAIN FAWCETT'S SCAPICCHIO'S FIG, OLIVE AND BAY RUM SHAVING SOAP < Mainly because it looks pretty special (and luxurious) with its wooden bowl, and the scent / fragrance sounds REALLY awesome ... but it doesn't seem to have a "matching" aftershave and i cant find any reviews on it anywhere. I did think of getting a Bay Rum in a different brand but i dont have much experience with Bay Rum aftershave and an not certain of the good ones and the not so good ones

1. Any thoughts on a great "knock your sox off" shave soap / aftershave combo (that i can buy in Au as i want speeeedy delivery

2. Has anyone tried this particular shave soap and is able to give a basic review / opinion

Any ideas and thoughts are GREATLY appreciated.
 
Wow, you are definitely going all out with a birth year razor.

I do recommend Saponificio Varesino 70th, you can get it from vshod. You can get the aftershave through them too, but you have to contact them to order it in. The metal tub (though thin) and the glass bottle look nice. Make sure he keeps the lid off after use for a day or two, to air/dry the soap.

But to add to @Ozwhisker post. I think soap samples might be good, that way he can try some scents and make sure they don't cause any irritation. Soaps and aftershave, like blades are a YMMV.

Alternatively something like a tub of TOBS (cream) or 'Truefitt & Hill Ultimate Comfort Unscented Shave Cream' runs less risk of irritation and being a cream might be an easier for them to get started with shaving.

Good luck.
 
Wow, you are definitely going all out with a birth year razor.

I do recommend Saponificio Varesino 70th, you can get it from vshod. You can get the aftershave through them too, but you have to contact them to order it in. The metal tub (though thin) and the glass bottle look nice. Make sure he keeps the lid off after use for a day or two, to air/dry the soap.

But to add to @Ozwhisker post. I think soap samples might be good, that way he can try some scents and make sure they don't cause any irritation. Soaps and aftershave, like blades are a YMMV.

Alternatively something like a tub of TOBS (cream) or 'Truefitt & Hill Ultimate Comfort Unscented Shave Cream' runs less risk of irritation and being a cream might be an easier for them to get started with shaving.

Good luck.
I would second the above option regarding a TOBS or Truefitt and Hill Cream. I would also suggest the Sandalwood scent in either would be a good option (although not a proper Sandalwood scent). You can get matching aftershave products for both options as well.
 
Scents are such a personal thing that I suggest you find out, perhaps discreetly through his spouse/family, the scents that he likes..
I'll second that. I've found way more scents that I don't like than I do (even when making more or less educated guesses from what I know) but Mrs Gargravarr has a pretty good handle on what I like.

Trouble is, there's no way to sniff samples over the internet. I guess if there was, the first application would be in the porn industry... 😨
 
Arko is the only option.
Careful brother. Might upset the wifey, if, she hates the smell

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My votes would be utterly different, but your suggestion has the merit of everything being available without having to wait months for products to arrive from overseas.

[Edit]
The only drawback of samples is that they're not always easy to load even for experienced shavers...
Keen to hear your votes :)

As some one who has 30+ samples, I leaned to wetshave primarily with samples so it's not too bad. Stirling samples are pretty big disks too
 
Keen to hear your votes :)

As some one who has 30+ samples, I leaned to wetshave primarily with samples so it's not too bad. Stirling samples are pretty big disks too
Yep, they certainly are generous with their samples.

OK, here are my votes, FWIW:
Bergamot Lavender (I've got nearly 3 tubs of this, I love it that much)
Sandpiper
Black Cherry
Agar
Autumn Glory
 
If creams are in the running, you might want to consider one of the following:

Truefitt & Hill 1805
Geo F Trumper Spanish Leather
D.R. Harris Arlington

Haven’t used them in a few years, but the scents are divine and matching splashes usually available. Plus these traditional English brands do ooze a certain level of class.
 
Vshod have Pannacrema in the ceramic bowl for $99
I recall they we having issues getting it back in stock but well worth a try as it comes highly rated (y)
 
My votes would be utterly different, but your suggestion has the merit of everything being available without having to wait months for products to arrive from overseas.

[Edit]
The only drawback of samples is that they're not always easy to load even for experienced shavers...


$3 tins from Kmart. Perfect for Stirling samples. Brush fits in with room and high sides for loading. Stickers easily peel off and fit tin lid.
 
$3 tins from Kmart. Perfect for Stirling samples. Brush fits in with room and high sides for loading. Stickers easily peel off and fit tin lid.
Brilliant. Well spotted. 😊

I have to go into Kmart tomorrow to get jars for my whisky marmalade, so I'll look out for these...
 
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