Glen Forsyth
20 April 2021
Do you know which is the best shaving soap you can use for the perfect wet shave and why some are simply better than others? Find out here as I review some of the top soaps and put them through their paces to discover that not all shaves are made equal.
If you have been following any shaving forums or blogs you may have noted that many diehard wet shavers prefer to use soaps as opposed to creams. The reason for this in my opinion is because we are all looking for an experience over all, and soaps help to better that experience.
There are many great shaving creams for guys out there, however if you are looking for a truly unique wet shave experience a soap is the way to go.
Advantages of Shaving Soap for Men
Before we look at my choices for the best shaving soaps for men, I’d like to take a minute and examine the advantages of soaps.
Shaving soaps tend to give you a much better lather than creams, they are thicker and fluffier. This is great because it helps to define more of a buffer zone between your face and the razor blade.
Unlike creams you have more control over the type of lather you prefer. You can make you lather thicker and heavier and more specific for your skin and hair type. However, that is also the reason I usually don’t recommend shaving soaps to beginners. This type of control takes a little bit of time to master and get it just right
If you are on a budget, you will find that all shaving soap for men are going to be more cost effective than their shaving cream counterparts. That’s because you have to whip up shaving soap as opposed to the already whipped and aerated shaving cream. Also shaving soaps tend to last much longer, saving you money year round.
I find that buying a good assortment of shaving soaps is cheaper in the long room, and gives a nice assortment of smells and textures to my shave.
And of course there is just the experience of using a time tested method of shaving. Take the time and travel back to another era when men were true gentleman! I have reviewed over all the shaving saps in my bathroom and picked out what I consider to be the best of the best for just about any man.
My Choice For Best Shaving Soap For Men
Proraso Shaving Soap
If you are looking for one of the most luxurious shaving soaps on the market to use on your face in the morning, this my friends is the one you need to buy. If I am using shaving cream it is Taylor of Old Bond Street, however for a soap, my first choice is always Proraso.
Proraso shaving soap is an Italian product and to be honest I think that is part of its attraction to me. It just feels so much more elegant and worldly than some of the other soaps on my list. What I love about Proraso is there are natural ingredients and it has not been animal tested, which is a plus for me being an animal lover.
There are a few varieties, however for a fresh feeling, I love the natural eucalyptus and menthol. It is an honest to goodness way to start the morning feeling alive and ready to tackle the day.
Barbershop Shave Soap Bar in a Jar
Here is another shaving soap that I consider very high, for getting the closest shave possible. You can build up a great lather really fast and it has the most incredible scent. If you have sensitive skin, this is the perfect healing soap using shea, cocoa butter and mango as primary ingredients.
The most sensitive of skin will feel baby soft and be free of all burns and irritations. This is a natural vegetable shave soap that has been designed to be as gentle on your skin as possible. There are zero dyes, preservatives and synthetic fragrances.
The rich colour of this soap is all natural and made with cocoa powder. My preferred scent is the cedar wood, cassia and clove. However, the bay rum, orange and clove is a superior scent as well, it all depends on your styles and preferences, try both of them if you are unsure.
If you are on the road a lot you are going to love the small, attractive tin this shave soap comes in. It is the perfect size to fit in your carry-on and be on the go, and always be able to feel fresh and stylish.
Colonel Conk Glycerin Soap
By now I am sure you are realizing that not all soaps are created equally. I want you to take a look at this fine collection by Colonel Conk, which has been delivering over 150 years of clean living. Colonel Conks is available in many scents, so I am recommending the four scent sampler, which includes: Amber, Almond, Bay Rum and Lime.
All four of these scents are unique, smell great and will not over power you in the morning. I find the amber scent to be very pleasing in the morning as I lather it up.
The scent will not stay with you for hours at a time, once you wash your face clean the scent of the shaving soap will dissipate. So there is no need to worry about it clashing with after shave or cologne.
These are really cost effective, considering you will get four shaving soap for men for under twenty dollars. I know there are some shaving soaps on the market like Cella and Truper that charge 20 dollars just for one tub, so you are getting a really good deal.
And really, what price are you willing to pay to have baby soft skin again anyway, right?
Arko Shaving Soap Stick
If you are looking for the least expensive shaving soap for men that is high in quality, let me introduce you to Arko Shaving Soap Stick. This is actually a product I stumbled upon by accident, and I am so glad I did.
It is so unique and really looks like a throwback to yesteryear! These shave soaps are delivered to you in the form of sticks, almost looks like a tube of lipstick.
You simply rub the stick across your face and then use a good shave brush lather it up. Your face becomes the shave bowl for this soap!
I don’t believe Arko has a very overpowering scent, in fact I really don’t smell anything other than a fresh generic soap smell. But, this soap is a beast in the fact that it will give you a super lather unlike any other soap out there. And for the price this is perfect for the wet shaver who happens to find themselves on a tight budget.
Considering each tube should last you at least four months, you are going to save some serious money!
It Pays to Use the Best
You can have the best safety razor, best shaving brush however if you don’t have the best shaving soap for men, you just aren’t going to get that distinctive shave you have been searching for.
With a shaving soap, you have so much more control, than you do with shaving cream. And it is so much more economical in the long run, one puck is going to last you quite a while. So if you have not switched over or tried shaving soap, give it a go today!
