Current Classics?

[Leatherstockings]

In this week’s SOTD thread there was a brief discussion on reformulated shaving soaps from classic London shops. The older versions of these soaps were tallow based while the current versions are vegetarian soaps. The older versions were well regarded while the current, palm oil versions are widely considered duds. In my experience there were also classic soaps that were discontinued altogether like Domenico Caraceni.

So, what are the current classics? I feel like Castle Forbes would make this list. I’m curious to hear your opinions.

 

[Lou Mowan]

I love Castle Forbes but dont leave out Tabac

 

[Leatherstockings]

Yes, Tabac would be a classic. Out of the soaps/creams I own Castle Forbes, D. R. Harris, and Tabac make my list. I’m biased toward tallow soaps which is reflected in my list. BAUME. BE and Martin de Candre are maybe classics but they don’t perform the same as the tallow soaps for me.

Artisan soaps have never really worked for me. I’ve tried several samples of artisan soaps and was not inspired to buy a full container.

 

[aTrad]

Over the years, I only have had two soaps that I have repeatedly purchased: Razorock XXX and Haslinger. Tebac gets an honorable mention because the performance is outstanding, I’m just not crazy about the scent. I don’t hate it, I just don’t love it.

 

[Leatherstockings]

As two classic tallow sopas have been reformulated in the last year or so (Tabac, Mithcells Wool Fat) I'm wondering how many of the old classics are still the same or even produced. I'm thinking about what I need to buy before they are gone.

 

[Bakunin17]

Arko, Cella, Vitos Super, are the only classic ones I know of. But I'd research to find more.

 

[BobYourUncle]

Not soaps, but I have always considered the Trumper's creams as timeless classics.

 

[Leatherstockings]

Not soaps, but I have always considered the Trumper's creams as timeless classics.

Trumpers is a good suggestion. I think they are the only big British brand of shaving cream I have not tried. That being said, I've wondered if all of the London stores have their shaving creams made by the same company.

 

[drmoss_ca]

The three T's and a few others used to have their creams made (to their own formula) by Creighton's Ltd in Peterborough, but I don't think that is true any more. The creams have been reformulated just like the soaps, and buyers of the modern versions report they are not the same. My stock is all old stuff, and I don't expect to have to buy any more. Now there is one shining exception to this gloom: Cyril Salter. The Salter creams were always thought of as second tier, but these days they are as good as you get. The scents are not the most expensive, so they smell a bit like fake sandalwood or rose for example, but they do offer a couple that are unusual - French Vetiver and Fresh Mint. Their soap in it's current form is winning accolades as well. It used to be rebranded D.R.Harris or Taylors (I forget which for sure, but I think it was Taylors) but they get their own made now. Salter was bought by an investment outfit in 2021, so they may also get screwed up by those who care nothing for history and just wish to maximise the bottom line. Enjoy them whilst you can! Bronnley used to make the soaps for Trumper, I believe, but not after the bean counters struck.

 

[Leatherstockings]

Back when I started wet shaving I tried D. R. Harris, Truefitt & Hill, and Taylor's shaving creams. The Harris Marlborough and T & H Trafalgar made my face feel like it was on fire. This was not true of the Taylors Coconut I was using at the time nor the T & H Lime shaving cream sample I tried later.

The D. R. Harris shaving soaps in Arlington and Windsor have been excellent for me. I have extras stashed away along with my tallow-based Tabac.

 

[Bakunin17]

Now there is one shining exception to this gloom: Cyril Salter

I have a couple of Salter soaps from some years back and they are good. Also the size and shape make them excellent for use in shaving scuttles. Connaught is the only one I see selling them and they are pretty cheap. I would definitely re-buy.