Shaving soaps are a key weapon in the wet shaver’s arsenal. They come in many different sizes, shapes, fragrances and styles, not to mention varying levels of performance. We stock the best shaving soaps from around the world — from old classics to adventurous artisan offerings, we’ve got enough variety to keep your shave den stocked for years to come! Read our blog on choosing the best shaving soap, check out some of the popular offerings from D R Harris, Tabac, Abbate y la Mantia, Edwin Jagger, and Haslinger or browse the full selection below.
Shaving soap usually describes a hard soap that is whipped into a lather using a shaving brush. Typically, they come in the form of a round puck that can be inserted into a shaving bowl or scuttle. Sometimes, they come in the form of a shaving stick which can be applied directly to the face before lathering with a wet brush. Shaving sticks are popular for travel due to their compact size and ease of use.
Shaving soaps sometimes take a slightly softer form in the Italian ‘croap’ style – somewhere between a hard cream and a soft soap. Despite the different consistency, these shaving soaps are used in exactly the same way.
One of the main advantages of shaving soaps over canned aerosol foams is the additional hydrating properties. The shaving soap and brush helps remove the natural oils of the face and beard, allowing water to penetrate the whiskers. This allows the facial hairs to be cut more easily, resulting in a smoother shave and less irritation.
Over time, shaving soaps are often the most cost-effective form of shaving lubricant. If you need to purchase a new bowl or brush to get started then the initial outlay can be higher, but the reasonable cost of soap refills and long life span of the products mean you can achieve a superior result at a lower cost-per-shave in the long run.
Whatever shaving soap you choose, you’ll need a top-quality, long-lasting shaving brush to go with it.
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