 Its fine, don't be a snob. |
| Review Date: October 5, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Alex Nennig, New London, WI |
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. |
For the price, quite nice
|
| Review Date: November 18, 2009 |
| Reviewer: J. Hetherington, St. Louis |
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. |
Great start to brush shaving
|
| Review Date: July 1, 2009 |
| Reviewer: C. Schimanski, NJ USA |
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. |
Cheap, but effective
|
| Review Date: November 3, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Kevin Harrison, Pikeville, KY United States |
After getting tired of paying tons of money for triple-blade razors every month, I decided to try doing it the old-fashioned way. I bought a Merkur Classic Safety Razor, Straight - #178 - Made In Germany and this kit.
The kit itself is not bad for the price. The ceramic bowl, while not stylish, does the job just fine. The soap is a bit thin. It doesn't lather terribly well, and tends to evaporate off the skin rather quickly.
I can only give the kit three stars because of the brush. The bristles are comfortable and do a good job, but the cheap plastic handle is... well, cheap. After using this setup for a couple months, the base of the bristles snapped off from the handle this morning. It's just a plastic base for the bristles glued onto the plastic handle; the glue apparently became brittle and broke under normal use.
If you want a cheap introduction to shaving, this is a decent start. I'm going to invest in a nicer brush though (and better soap once this runs out). |
Works, but get the Tweezerman brush
|
| Review Date: December 16, 2009 |
| Reviewer: John R. Moser, |
The boar brush in this kit is basically like a broom. It takes longer to make lather, doesn't hold as much water, and then tears up my face to the point that I can have moderate "razor burn" just by working the soap on with the brush and then washing it off without shaving.
That being said, the bowl's decent and the soap is decent. You can do it with a $1 mug but I find having a decent shave bowl makes things more pleasant. There's better soap, like Saint Charle's Shave, but VDH isn't exactly bad; soap is a pretty personal preference anyway.
The main thing I'd recommend with this is to spend the $12 for a Tweezerman brush and abandon that boar brush. Unless your skin is as sensitive as a brick, scrubbing your face with what amounts to a stiff toothbrush is going to hurt. It's like having a sandpaper, cotton, or silk handkerchief; you definitely want cotton, unless you're going to throw the $100 for a 10 inch square of silk (and the $120 for a Shavemac brush, which I personally would but not as my first brush). |
Great Starter Kit
|
| Review Date: June 29, 2009 |
| Reviewer: A. Perez, San Diego, CA |
| For the price the brush gets the job done, not $50 quality but not cheap. The bowl doesn't need a handle because it's made to fit in your palm. The shave soap doesn't dry my skin and applys nicely with low scent. I saw the kit at Wal-Mart for $8 and the soap cost less than $2. Would recommend, I have no problems at all with this kit. |
Good for beginners.
|
| Review Date: July 5, 2010 |
| Reviewer: D. Porter, Chicago |
To begin with, I have some criticisms of this product.
First of all; the brush. The brush is cheaply made. Saying that, though, does not make me a snob as some other reviewers might suggest. The truth is that it frays easily and the hairs start falling out of the handle after only a few uses. Don't expect the brush to last more than a month or so, even if you take care of it properly and store it upside down. Also, this brush is made from Boar hair, rather than Badger hair. Boar hair is more scratchy and prickly on the face, and doesn't hold water as well as Badger hair.
Secondly, the soap. The soap is not bad, it makes for a smooth shave and has a nice, very subtle scent to it. The only negative I have to say about it is that it would be better if the kit came with a glycerin soap. Van Der Hagen does make a glycerin soap, but apparently not as part of a kit.
The bowl is fine, it has a nice weight and I really have nothing bad to say about it.
Despite my criticisms this product is still great for guys who are new to the wet shaving technique and want to try it without spending too much money. Even with the somewhat mediocre brush, this will still give you a closer and smoother shave than normal shaving cream. If you use a safety razor as well it's even better. Try this kit and if you like it after a few weeks upgrade to a real badger brush, there are some available on here for less than $20.
Wet shaving isn't for everyone though, so if you try it and decide to go back to shaving cream you haven't wasted much money. At a price this low there is really no reason to hesitate to try it. |
Just OK
|
| Review Date: May 4, 2010 |
| Reviewer: ScottABQ, Albuquerque, NM USA |
| I used to shave with straight razors and safety razors, and of course I used a brush and soap. I then went for speed and used the multiple blade outfits and canned foam. I just can't justify the price of the latter method and recently went back to old school shaving. I bought the Van Der Hagen shave set at Wal-Mart for a fair price, but as with many things, you get what you pay for. The brush is stiff and loses hairs often. The cup lacks a handle and can easily slip when things get soapy. The soap itself works, but it is not a fine product. I am not a "shave snob" but I will be shopping Amazon for a better shave set, especially one with a softer brush. |
Doesn't last
|
| Review Date: December 31, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Mitch, Mission Viejo, CA |
| Worked great for about a month (using it 2-3 times per week), then the glue that held the bristles in place failed causing chunks of the hairs to fall out of the handle. Not worth the aggravation. Going to pay double for a better quality brush. |
Maybe I was unlucky
|
| Review Date: December 29, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Nikodem Leszek Blach, Charlotte, NC |
Purchased at Wal-Mart, fantastic value for someone taking their first dip into wet shaving, but unfortunately after only the second shave I began having problems. Well, one problem, the brush is already leaving loose hairs on my face as I use it. As in, the brush hairs are falling out. It's frustrating because they come out as I lather, they're hard to pick out, and obviously this shouldn't be happening so soon. I will be purchasing a new brush, likely not the same one from this kit, but that's it.
I have incredibly sensitive skin and was going to buy the glycerin version of the soap in this pack but honestly my skin hardly reacted to the one included. This is a huge plus. The soap lathers well and the smell isn't rough.
The bowl is a bowl but I'm sure it's a very efficient bowl.
So, i recommend it and simply hope the brush that comes in your box is better suited than the one I received. |
Quality at an affordable price
|
| Review Date: October 26, 2009 |
| Reviewer: G. Salyers, |
| This was much much better than expected.Seeing the prices of some of the other brushes and soaps I figured this could not possibly be very good.Was i wrong!The soap is very good with great lather,and as for the brush it is top quality that has a very good feel on your face.Do not be afaid to buy this product. |
Not a bad deal for less than a sawbuck.
|
| Review Date: September 30, 2009 |
| Reviewer: A. L. Kern, Far side of darkness |
Just saw this kit at my local RITE AID pharmacy for $9..99, a savings of $2.00 compared to online price, go figure.
As others point out, this would make a nice starter kit for someone. I looked it over and thought the soap bowl would be nice if it had a finger hole or handle. I see the bowl slipping out of wet hands and breaking on bathroom ceramic tile floor . I myself use a wide mouth coffee mug that I've had for 30 plus years that does have a finger hole. |
Solid product
|
| Review Date: December 28, 2009 |
| Reviewer: C. Ikenouye, Ft. Collins, CO |
It's a good product that I would recommend to someone who wants to try a safety razor/brush shave for the first time.
This is my first time using a brush and I have an average face. I did not have my safety razor yet as I ordered it after my wife got me this from walmart. So the only option I had was a USED disposable razor (not a cartridge razor but a plastic bic that had probably been used 2-3 times). I was expecting a face melting shave but I lathered up and, to my surprise, the shave was pretty good. I didn't even need to use aftershave and I got closer than expected.
Only thing I don't like is the bowl. Yes it works but I would really like to see an handle. (I'll use an old coffee mug next time)
Don't listen to the bad reviews! If they moved from a $15 brush and $5 soap to this $8 set than that is their own mistake. If you want to try wet shaving for the first time and don't want to break the bank this is the set to buy. |
Shave set
|
| Review Date: July 3, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Kenneth J. Rimer, St. Mary's,Pa. |
| Fast service. Item arrived as advertised. Does not lather that well. Bristles fall out of the shaving brush. OK product. |
Good Set...Starting Out or Otherwise
|
| Review Date: July 1, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Rich Miller, SUMMERVILLE, SC, US |
This is a good set either as an introduction to shaving or as a keeper. I've always been a wet shaver and used canned lather and cartridges in the past. Now I use this exact set except when travelling from overseas where I work. I've actually used the soap from the plastic packaging when I travelled because I didn't want to further risk breaking the bowl. For the record, I've been using it for about a year and a half so the set brush is plenty durable with any basic care. Yes the brush loses a hair every once in a while but that's why you have a replacement on hand right? The plastic handle is fine unless the snob factor comes in to play. Just store it hanging from the knob with the bristles down. The bowl is a good height in which to work up your lather (coffee mug is too tall) but a handle might be a good idea. Lathering up is easy...just wet the brush under the hot running water and don't shake out too much of the excess...work the brush around the bowl until you obtain the lather of your desired consistency. The soap is fine unless again, the snob factor emerges. Next up for me is an old fashioned safety razor instead of these WAY TOO EXPENSIVE cartidges and a decent shaving stand that will actually ship out to me. Overall, if I could give 4 1/2 stars I would but...not 5...nothing ever gets a perfect score huh.
Addendum dated July 15th - been using this set with my Merkur Saftey Razor and a variety of DE blades for about two weeks. I've used Merkur, Derby and Wilkinson blades to date with Feathers upcoming. I can say that the entire routine of shaving oil, brushed lather and a good DE safety razor shave is a weclome part to shaving and a nice way to start the day. This set works fine. The bowl is a good size and fits my hand well, the brush also fits my hand well and the soap has a pleasant yet not overpowering scent. The brush isn't prickly at all in my opinion. I've had no problem other than the brush doesn't fit the stand I have (like the Colonel Conk), even at the base of the knot but I read about that anyway. I have an improvised stand that I use to hang-dry the brush and I use the stand to stage my other brush leaning it against the prongs and the cap nut on top. I rotate between the two-use one this day the next one the next day and back between the two again. The only soap that I have used is the "regular" soap but I may try a different VDH version. I see no need to "upgrade" as this set works well enough for me. Hope this helps. Happy Shaves. |
VDH Premium Shave Set
|
| Review Date: June 19, 2010 |
| Reviewer: evret campton, US |
| Decided to try shaving with a DE razor after deciding the Mach 3 blades were simply not cost effective nor did they give a particularly good shave. Purchased the Retrorazor and the the VDH set from Amazon and began my quest for a good shave at a fair price. Must say that the VDH set is a pretty good deal, all things considered. The soap has a pleasant aroma and makes decent lather with the brush. In fact the lather is far superior IMHO to anything that you will get in a can or tube from the corner drugstore or super market. The bowl is easy to hold and has a nice weight. The brush does a good job of applying the lather and it didn't loose too many bristles when I washed it prior to my initial use, For the money you will be hard pressed to find a better set. |
What's All the Fuss About?
|
| Review Date: June 10, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Anthony M. Gonzales, Santa Barbara, CA |
Firstly, I've been shaving since I was a sophomore in high school. I've hated shaving ever since. Razor burn, cut zits, and the sting of embarrassingly enflamed face were all aspects of shaving I dreaded. It literally got to the point where I simply grew a beard in frustration. However, in the past two years I have had to hold decent jobs at my college and now face life as a graduate. I've been using single disposable razors because they are cheap, but they do not get the close shave to look truly respectable (the stubble makes me look like I should find work as a cowboy, not a office worker). Well, I wasn't going to blow a load of cash over the next few years on the Mach 3's cartridges and I want to feel like a real man, you know, like my great-grandfather.
I gave this product a shot as my first old-school style of shaving. I don't know what people are complaining about! The boar bristles aren't that harsh (unless I truly do have a face like sandpaper) and the soap smells amazing! It's a great starter set. Yes, I will probably purchase a Tweezerman badger brush after the glue has popped the top off. So far, i am pleased with the trendy bowl, brush, and soap to go with my Lord razor and Derby blades. I totally recommend this product to anyone going to start shaving with an classic safety razor or the modern razors today. |
Your face and wallet will thank you.
|
| Review Date: May 23, 2010 |
| Reviewer: B. Godwin, New River Valley, Virginia |
I think this shave set will make a GREAT addition to your shaving routine. For yourself or as a gift, you couldn't go wrong either way. If you've just discovered the old/new world of wet-shaving or you're an old hand at it, this 3 piece set WILL find some good use.
The brush is your typical 100% natural boar brush. It's inexpensive and does the job without frills. It might not soak up as much water or feel better on your face than a badger brush but it does what it was intended to do. When you absolutely can't have anything synthetic touching your face, you'll be happy to know that it even comes with that wonderful wet animal smell in the beginning. A few hairs will fall out, the handle is plastic and if you drop it or lose it....who cares!?
I have found the Van der Hagen soap provides a better and closer shave than some Italian imports. I can best describe the smell of this soap as having a very slight baby powder fragrance. The smell quickly dissipates and it is not overpowering. This soap lathers up better than my $9.00 Omega Menthol and Glycerin soap. It's also slicker and doesn't dry out as quick. For guys with sensitive skin, if you haven't tried VDH soap, give your wallet and face a break by trying this stuff.
The ceramic bowl looks nice and appears well made. Based on the picture here, I was expecting the brush and bowl to be black but the dark color is actually navy blue. Still it looks very good. I no longer see this set sold locally. If you purchase through here, you should feel confident knowing that it should arrive in perfect condition as it was WELL packed with bubble wrap.
For only a little money, you can get a nice bowl that will last forever, an excellent soap everyone should try and a good brush. If you absolutely have to have a badger hair brush to shave, this brush makes a great utility brush as well...think computer keyboard and computer tower, car console etc... |
Soap is nice, brush is average and bowl should have a handle.
|
| Review Date: May 17, 2010 |
| Reviewer: L. Autry, St. Louis, MO |
The brush sheds a bit at first. Not in clumps, though. Initially, several bristles fell out. The brush is quite thick though and losing a few won't hurt. The problem does diminish after a few shaves. To get rid of the loose bristles I ran the brush under hot water and moved the bristles back and forth. That helped a lot. Now only one or two bristles comes out per shave and sometimes none. It doesn't chafe my face like someone else mentioned. On its own, I give the brush three stars.
The bowl is okay if you like a bowl. I knew it didn't have a handle when I bought it and it's not fair to give it fewer stars for making my choice. However, as the soap lather spills over, it gets a bit slippery and loosens my grip. As someone else mentioned, I think I'll switch to an ordinary mug lying around the kitchen.
**Edit: I tried a mug but it's too tall and interferes with the back and forth action of the brush while attempting to make a good lather. It still possible but annoying. I immediately went back to using the bowl but I am looking around for a short mug with a wider brim than its base. They have them here on Amazon but if I can find one at a garage sale all the better.
I read more than one review that claimed the soap did not lather. It makes an extremely nice lather and has a pleasant fragrance without being overly scented. When I lather up the soap, I put hot water on the brush and shake off the excess. I use vigorous back and forth strokes kind of like making whipped cream (and it looks like it, too) but I don't have to work as hard. For me, the soap is the star of this kit. It lubricates extremely well and I get almost no friction from my shaver. It's better than any gel or foam I've every used. By the way, my shaver is a Gillette Power Fusion.
|
soap up and shave
|
| Review Date: May 2, 2010 |
| Reviewer: HSM, los angeles |
used this product for a week now and no complaints, brush works up a lather, apply to face, and shave... pretty simple. the brush will lose a few hairs but not a knock by anymeans and it kinda stinks at the first. i washed mine with shampoo a few times to get rid of the smell. bowl is good but a handle would be nice.. and soap is decent and not overbearing.. smells clean...
nice shave with both a mach 3 and with my DE razor. you can spend more and you are welcome to, but in my humble opinion, a shave is a shave, get over it and get to work.
btw. thick full beard, shave daily, not by choice so i make the most of it. |
Great kit.
|
| Review Date: April 15, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Jon, |
| Brush leaves something to be desired but since its badger and not boar hair it is sufficient. |
OK starter set
|
| Review Date: April 10, 2010 |
| Reviewer: M. Selha, |
| This is an ok set for someone starting to use a safety razor. The soap and bowl are nice. The brush, however, leaves something to be desired. It is boar bristle and you can expected to loose 2-3 bristles per shave. |
Great start into wet shaving
|
| Review Date: March 10, 2010 |
| Reviewer: , |
This was my first set for wet shaving. I plunked down my $7.58 at Walmart for the set and was surprised at how much better the shave was. The shave got better as I went on since, I learned better brush technique. It may take you some time to get the right technique for rich lather. I live near San Antonio, TX which has the hardest water in the country (harder to make lather). So, don't blame the products you just need to learn the best combination of water and hard to lighter pressure.
Go on try the High end soaps $8.00 to $30.00 then learn every once in while you can get some great stuff with out all the hype. That's what I did since, I just thought the VDH set was just to get in to wet shaving. On the boar brush I re lather for each side of my face, not a big deal for the price. I now have a silvertip badger brush and yes, it holds the lather on through out three shaves but it cost 15 times more. As for the soaps I still find the VDH is the best. When I get an expensive nice smelling soap the doesn't match up I just melt the soap and add a VDH glycerin to it to get a nice smelling great shave.
My wife agrees and she has a better test she has two legs one soap per leg. She doesn't get that plucked chicken feel after like she did with those 3 blade ladies razors
We both use Merkur barber pole razors and have come back to the Persona blades for myself and Sword blades for her(just like soaps we have tried most of the other brands)we both hate Gillete 7o'clock dull.
|
Great for Shaving
|
| Review Date: February 17, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Erik Lares, Anaheim, California USA |
| Recently, I've decided to try old fashioned shaving, just straight razor and shave soap. I picked this shave set up at wal-mart, more or less on a whim, and I haven't seen it there since. The soap taht comes with this set is wonderful. I have very sensitive skin, and it actually made my skin feel better after shaving. Occasionally, some of the bristles will fall out, but that's sort of to be expected, especially with natural boar bristles, but usually, it only loses about 5 a week, so it'll last a while, not to mention, it feels great when you brush on the soap for the very first time. |
Good Starter Set
|
| Review Date: January 24, 2010 |
| Reviewer: G. Krupp, |
| The included soap cake is of good quality with mild scent. There are obviously better soaps available. The brush works nicely but it is only temporary, for it sheds a decent amount of bristles. A replacement will be required at some point. The ceramic bowl is good. This is something worth keeping around, although it should be noted that it is made in China. All-in-all, it's a worthwhile kit to start with and see if you want to continue brush shaving, albeit an easy decision to make. |
Definitely not worth it
|
| Review Date: January 8, 2010 |
| Reviewer: M. Weiss, |
| I figured I could use this set until I got around to ordering a badger hair brush. The very first time I used it, hairs fell out, forcing me to pick them off of my face. The soap doesn't lather well, and left my face feeling a bit dry. The bowl does it's job, I suppose. I got mine at walmart, because its the only think around that I could pick up from a store. I plan on returning it as soon as I can. |
It works
|
| Review Date: January 8, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Elizabeth Gilmore, Jonesboro, AR USA |
| The brush is "finest" (lower quality) boar bristle which are slightly rough and tends to smell like a pig. Has a cheap looking plastic handle, but hasn't lost many bristles though. The bowl is actually nice. It's just like a tea cup without the handle. The soap foams and shaves moderately well. We bought this in town because it was the only set available. I would hardly call it premium quality or gift quality, but it will help get you shaved. |
It is a Great Set for a Frugal person
|
| Review Date: January 7, 2010 |
| Reviewer: R. Flusche, Fort Worth, TX |
Nice cerimic Bowl, nice bristle brush, and Great smelling Shaving Cream. I bought it because im fed up wasting half of my shaving lotion. With this no waste, and not much mess.
During the second use, at least 10 bristles fell out of the brush, at this rate, I will have to buy a new brush in about 2 months. If I had paid more for this set, I ould only give it 3 stars, but for the price it is a good deal.
Supper Savor Shipping was a few days fast. |
Brush is lacking
|
| Review Date: April 1, 2010 |
| Reviewer: M. Hendry, midwest |
| Bought this set to try it out and it is cheap which is fine but the brush bristles are rough and continue to fall out of the brush and being so rough they really do a number on my razor. Had no issue with the soap or bowl the soap didn't make a very thick lather but it did the trick. I'm on to buy a nicer brush. |
Cheap starter set.
|
| Review Date: September 19, 2009 |
| Reviewer: J. Turner, Houston, Texas United States |
I purchased the set primarily for the bowl -- I use the bowl and a badger brush to generate lather for shaving. You simply cannot find a shaving bowl for double this price.
The brush is a stiff, cheap boar hair brush. I always had trouble making a lather with boar brushes, and this one was no different.
The soap is adequate for shaving. Some people swear by it, others don't. I fall into the last camp and use it in the shower.
|
Good soap but the brush is very poorly made
|
| Review Date: September 5, 2010 |
| Reviewer: R. S. Clark, Atlanta, GA |
I started using this set about five months ago. I really do like the soap and will continue to use it. I have sensitive skin and a tough beard and this does a great job of softening the hair and lubricating the path of the razor. It lathers easily and neither dries the face nor leaves a nasty film. That is worth four stars.
The bowl is a bowl. The soap fits it well enough and it's deep enough not to spill but not so deep that it is awkward to make a lather with your brush. I am not considering it in the number of stars for this review, though, as it is as good as any mug I had lying around that I would have otherwise used for this purpose and if you were to buy the soap and brush separately it would probably cost the same as this set.
The brush, though, is what brings my review for this set down to two stars. It makes and applies lather well enough, and did it not fall apart then I'd probably consider it decent. However, for the past five months it never stopped shedding hairs. It was horrible at first, shedding like a cat, but even five months later it was shedding at least one hair per use. Finally, a few days ago, the knot came out of the handle. I certainly did not use it in a rough manner so I have to assume that it was shoddy construction. What's worse, looking into the part of the handle in which the knot sat I could see a number of flaws, holes and irregularities and whatnot, in the plastic that definitely imply poor manufacturing.
As a set, this isn't very good and, while I do recommend the soap, I have to suggest that anyone in need to buy the soap and then pick up a different brush separately. A person certainly doesn't need an expensive badger hair brush just to prepare and apply the soap, but one that actually holds up is certainly preferable. |
Great Stuff!
|
| Review Date: August 24, 2010 |
| Reviewer: L. Fesenden, PA United States |
| As a relatively new straight razor shaver, I may not have a lot to compare this set to, but let me tell you my thoughts. I have uber sensitive skin and I was a little hesitant when my wife picked this *very* inexpensive set up for me. It works fantastic! Looks to be decent construction. The brush works well and is not at all scratchy or anything. The soap has a very clean smell - not stinky or flowery fragrant and lathers great. The lather easily lasts throughout the shave. What I can really tell you is that when I run out of soap or if I break something in the set. I am getting more of this. 'Nuff said. |
Great price, great soap, great set.
|
| Review Date: July 19, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Otherside Oftheplanet, |
| I bought this set for my skeptical husband. Well, he should listen to his wife more often because he LOVES it. The soap is wonderful, and he has sensitive skin. He even stated that I'd better not steal his soap to use for my legs! The brush is holding together just fine and it has been used for more than three months now. I don't know what other people are doing to the brush to make it fall apart, but it only gets used for a few moments every day. The bowl works perfectly. I think I will buy one for my "green" son-in-law who is jealousy eying the set. Here is a case where going green is cheaper and BETTER! |
Great starter kit
|
| Review Date: July 13, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Walt Garcia, |
I got this starter kit when I bought my first safety razor to begin on my trip through wet shaving. I have had it for at least three months, and I can say that this has been a great starter kit.
Pros: Has everything that you need besides the safety razor and replacement blades. Comes with it's own bowl, shave soap, and brush. The soap is nice and mild, and reminds me of a barber shop. The bowl is perfectly sized to fit in my hand. The brush, despite having a plastic handle, still has plenty stiff bristles, which is the way I like my brushes.
Cons: The bowl, despite the finish, can still be slippery in a wet hand. Would have liked for the finish to be a bit tackier or have a handle. The brush still sheds, despite months of use, and the plastic handle feels flimsy and cheap.
Final thoughts: So far I believe that the kit has been a great introduction to wet shaving. However, I would recommend that when you receive the kit, before you use the brush, that you soak it a bit in hot water to soften it up a little bit. Then, you should probably melt the soap into the bowl, since otherwise it will slip and slide around when trying to use it with the brush. Just keep an eye on it when you do, since it will bubble. When the time comes for me to buy new soap, I will be buying a new brush as well. Not because it is necessary, but because I am tired of the shedding. Also, I recommend that first time wet shavers you go to youtube and look up the user mantic59. He has an excellent series on the basics of wet shaving and how to get started. |
Perfect soap and bowl. Worst brush ever.
|
| Review Date: July 9, 2010 |
| Reviewer: weirdalfaniam, Phoenix, AZ |
EDIT 8/24 - A hunk that consisted of 1/3 of the hair left in the brush fell out this morning while I shaved. I'm dropping one star from my review.
Bowl- Great, it's a bowl. What more can I say?
Soap- Great, it's soap. It smells nice and makes a nice lather.
Brush- SHEDS LIKE CRAZY.
I got this set because it was cheaper than the badger hair sets (this one is boar's hair I think) and I'm new at this method of shaving, so I didn't think I would notice a difference. The hair is stiff (but so might be better brushes, I'm new at this) which isn't that bad, you just kind of slather it all over your face. Produces a good lather, but when you put the brush against your skin, without fail you will get brush hairs stuck to your face. Maybe this is normal, but it stands to reason that they could do something in the manufacturing process to A) remove any loose bristles or B) just attach them so they don't fall out EVERY TIME. Go with a better more expensive brush set, it will cost twice as much (or more) but at least it won't ADD HAIR when you're trying to shave! |
Works just fine.
|
| Review Date: July 7, 2010 |
| Reviewer: hydromatt, |
| Just received my kit and used it for the first time with my new safety razor. This is a fine quality set that works plenty well. I suppose if you could convince someone to buy you a fancy expensive brush, go for it; the brush in this kit is of good quality. Experiment with soaps if you like and seriously a bowl is a bowl. For the "everyman" this is a fine quality set. I recommend this product. |
Itchy, rough, and weak lather!
|
| Review Date: July 6, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Singh, |
| The brush is very hard, it pokes your skin. The soap is very weak and does not provide a rich lather. My hand soap works better. But comes with a very nice bowl! |
Better than creams/gels
|
| Review Date: July 3, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Michael Garst, key west, fl |
I've used creams and gels, but now that I've tried shaving soap, nothing compares. My face is no longer raw when I'm done and the soap leaves it moisturized when I'm done. The kit is fine. Looks good on my counter.
4stars because the hairs on the brush frequently come out and get stuck in the razor. |
no brush hanger
|
| Review Date: June 14, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Clifton Lowrey, oregon |
| I use these shaving kit and one thing you NEED to know is after cleaning the brush shaken off the water you Hang it upside down, you have to get a kit with a razor and brush hanger or it will be worthy less in a month. |
Bowl is fragile otherwise an ok product
|
| Review Date: May 24, 2010 |
| Reviewer: M. Snow, |
I would rate this higher if it wasn't for the bowl. The first time I used it I was going to set it down on the counter and when I was about 2 inches away it slipped. I wouldn't expect much damage from such a short distance to fall but the thing nearly cracked in half.
The brush itself is good and the soap is also fine. If you have a replacement you can use for the bowl then this will get the job done. |
Van Der Hagen Shave Set
|
| Review Date: May 20, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Sub Nuke, |
Very good product!! The brush feels good on the skin, the soap lathers well and smells nice without being perfumy. The bowl is the perfect size, large enough to stay put on the counter and small enough to fit in the hand. I've tried both ways and both work. I use mine with my Parker Razors, nice smooth shave and I'm not throwing away a can or using any propellant.
Wish it came in choice of color. |
Very Good Shave...
|
| Review Date: March 27, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Sundowner, Alabama, USA |
| I bought this product as my first foray into more traditional shaving techniques. Overall, I am very pleased with the set and I actually enjoy shaving now! It seems that the brush helps clean your face and the soap offers more resistance to nicks and cuts than typical shaving gels. It lathers up well and washes away clean. I will be using this product or ones like it from now on in my shaving routine. |
creamy smooth
|
| Review Date: March 12, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Alicia F. Butko, Spring City, PA USA |
| it works well and it smells amazing, the person i bought it for thinks its the coolest thing ever. |
Great value for the price.
|
| Review Date: January 12, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Samuel C. Boshears, Cookeville, TN |
| I'm 23 years old and I bought this as a "starter" for wet-shaving. All-in-all, I was fairly pleased with the product, but it does have its caveats. The brush, for instance, is of a good quality, but it does lose a few hairs with every lather (I don't know whether this is true for all shaving brushes, however). The bowl is, well, just a simple bowl - no real complaints there. The shaving soap seems to be a good quality as well. My only major beef with the product, having been using it every day for about a month now, is the difficulty with which a good lather is created. I've yet to discover if it is the soap, the brush, or a combination of both - whatever it is, you need to be a patient man to work up a good, thick lather. It could be my lack of technique, but after all the tutorial videos and articles I've consulted about it - I think not. Whatever the case may be, I think it's an excellent starter kit and it definitely met my expectations (for the price). I would definitely recommend it to a friend getting started in wet-shaving. |
Alex is right
|
| Review Date: February 25, 2010 |
| Reviewer: D. Borrego, Michigan |
I have to say I agree with Alex, the guy talking about the snobs, 100% At first it's hard to believe that there could be a community of "elite shavers" but after looking them up online he was not exaggerating one bit! It's crazy, I know, that there are people who'd be snobs about shaving, of all things, but if you don't believe be go ahead and look them up. IT IS EXACTLY the way he said it was: "this is the only soap that works, and you should only use that brush, and this one after shave is the only one worth it of our faces, and if you pay less than X for this razor blade then your face will rot, etc..."
It's hard to say anything original after someone said something you agree with 100% (Alex, not the snobs) so let me be brief.
The bowl: It's a bowl, looks good, holds the soap, nice size, sturdy. Again, it's a bowl.
The soap: It's soap, nothing fancy, no complex electronic equipment inside, no secret formula, it's soap. Does what it's supposed to do, does it well, lasts a while, it is available everywhere (both locally and online) and it is priced like a soap. The scent is very very mild and soapy, which is fine with me since I don't need to smell like a million bucks in the shower.
The brush: It's a brush, it works. I would not buy another brush because it does fall apart quickly. For the same price I could get a Burma Shave Brush and it lasts a little longer.
- If you are a normal guy who wants to shave this is for you.
- If you are a normal guy and want to try the whole old style shaving thing then this is for you.
- If you like a good product at a reasonable price then this is for you.
This is NOT for you if:
- You are a tool
- You think soap should only come from another country
- You are too good to try something cheap
- You spend countless hours online discussing the important matters of the shaving world
- You can only use a brush properly if the handle is made of ivory, incrusted with diamonds, and the hairs are of an extinct animal. |
This set will suffice - don't be a snob
|
| Review Date: January 27, 2010 |
| Reviewer: e-Sparty, |
As said by others, this set of brush, bowl, and soap will meet all shaving needs adequately. Are there better soaps out there? Undoubtedly. Brushes? I'm pretty sure. Bowls? I must take exception to my own question. No, a bowl is a bowl is a bowl. It holds a cake of soap, you hold it in your hand and don't think too much about it. It's perfectly sized to hold a standard shaving soap.
The soap - nice fragrance, does not result in an allergic reaction when lathered on to the face, and spreads well.
The brush - nice handle, the bristles hold their form (albeit, it has only been a week since I received this set). Unlike plastic bristles, which score the face, the soft bristles on this brush have a very gentle action.
The bowl - it's green. It's a bowl.
The price is the most attractive feature of this product. For this price, I would recommend this product to all and sundry. A good soap and brush are must-haves for those venturing in to the exciting world of straight and/or safety razor shaving. |
Costs only $12 for a reason
|
| Review Date: June 9, 2009 |
| Reviewer: W. Taylor, Burlington, VT |
I picked this up at the drug store a few weeks ago. The brush is made of boar hair with a plastic handle. The bowl is glazed ceramic with no handle. The soap is just soap.
The Brush
Aside from the cheap plastic handle, it is really no better or worse than any other inexpensive boar hair brush. This is the best part of the set. If you really want this brush, just buy it on its own.
The Bowl
Just a bowl. Too big to fit in my medicine cabinet and close the door completely. No handle. Just use a coffee mug or invest in a better shave mug/bowl. Not worth buying the set for.
The Soap
You're better off shaving with a bar of Ivory. Doesn't have a very nice scent. Dries out my skin. Doesn't lubricate very well which causes nicks when combined with my safety razor and would probably massacre your face when used with a straight razor. Makes a very thin later that absorbs/evaporates quickly. Spend the $4 on Colonel Conk instead.
In Summary
Why bother? The word Premium does not belong attached to this set. For about the same price, you can get a better boar hair brush and a much better soap. Throw the soap in an old coffee mug and you're good to go or spend a little extra on a nice shave mug/bowl. |
Brush too coarse, bristles falling out when opened package.
|
| Review Date: June 25, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Nathan Willet, SUNNYVALE, CA, US |
I like the soap.
I don't like the brush.
The cup is ok.
Get what you pay for. |
An unexpensive kit that worths more than it costs
|
| Review Date: December 31, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Hector Ivan Corea, Tegucigalpa, FM Honduras |
As you can see in the picture, this kit has 3 parts:
- The soap
- The bowl
- The brush
The soap:
This is a cheap soap that gives you an excellent lather. The scent is very mild and (in my opinion) is very nice. If you use correctly, it can last for 2 months and a nice thing about it is that since it's a glycerin soap, you can melt it in the bowl (or another bowl) or even mix it with another soap or anything you can think of to change its scent.. but the important thing is the lather, I already said it is an excellent lather and It never fails to give a comfortable and smooth shave.
The bowl:
It's made of ceramic, dark navy blue in the outside and green in the inside. Slightly bigger than the soap (In diameter) and about 1 inch taller than it. It easily fits in your hand and is really cute (My sister told me "awwww I want it" of course I said no) I melted the soap inside this little bowl in the microwave and it didn't suffered any damage. 8 secs and 8 secs in "hi" sill do it.
The Brush:
Well, this is a boar brush. It is stiff by default but it softens with the use, The smell is a bit weird at first but what I did was to wash it with shampoo and let it rest for one day. It didn't soften it but when I shaved for the first time with it the smell was almost gone. Being a boar brush, it holds less water but it grabs more soap (IMHO) so you don't need to swirl too much. Also if you need water just soak the tip of the brush in water and continue swirling.
The brush is stiff only at the very beginning of the process, I feel it gentle on my face when building lather directly on it and also I feel it gentle when applying lather from the bowl to my face.
Last but not least, the handle. You'll see people complaining about it being cheap plastic, well is not. It is solid and not slippery, I find it trusty and I'm not afraid to drop it. Not that I will do it but I feel there is no danger.
All in all a trusty brush.
As someone said, don't be a snob. This set is trusty and nice. The price is awesome. 5 stars without a doubt. |
You get what you pay for
|
| Review Date: July 29, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Tony, |
| Don't waste your money. Very little lather regardless of what type of brush you use. |
|
No video reviews found for this product.
