Art of Shaving

jstrykr74

jstrykr74

Joined
Mar 7, 2011
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Any opinions on AOS? My daily soaps are T&H so the cost is comparable. I only ask because they opened a store not all that far from me and I know if I go, I'll end up buying something. Just don't want to buy a puck or two of soap at $30 a clip to find out it's garbage. I know their soaps are tallow based and that seems to be the selling point. And yes, I know that a good portion of the price is straight marketing hype, as is T&H. That being said, if I enjoy the product, I don't mind the premium price.
 
Excellent product, especially the shaving cream. Pricey, but you get what you pay for. Plus, they will give you free samples....
 
jstrykr74 said:
Any opinions on AOS? My daily soaps are T&H so the cost is comparable. I only ask because they opened a store not all that far from me and I know if I go, I'll end up buying something. Just don't want to buy a puck or two of soap at $30 a clip to find out it's garbage. I know their soaps are tallow based and that seems to be the selling point. And yes, I know that a good portion of the price is straight marketing hype, as is T&H. That being said, if I enjoy the product, I don't mind the premium price.
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Unfortunately they've reformulated their shaving soaps and they no longer have tallow; now they're glycerin-based. Supposedly they have reformulated the shaving creams too (I'm in the process of getting new product so I can compare it to the older versions I have). I'd see if they will give you a sample(s) to try before plunking down the cash for a full-size product.

In any event there are a number of products that are less expensive and perform as well (or better) than AOS.
 
I know almost nothing about straight razor shaving, I was wondering around the international mall last week, and found one of their stores. I went in and they had 2 straight razors and the rest were safety razors.

I looked to my left and some guy was getting a shave from a lady. I may have to get one someday just to see how it feels.
 
I like their creams quite a bit. Pricey? I do not think so. I use so little product to get a huge amount of lather...I think I'll probably get a lot more shaves per ounce of this than other brands I have tried.
 
their creams and oils are great!..but their hardware is..well...to be avoided...a $50 ebay straight is comparable once it has been cleaned and honed and shaves just as good as a $120 razor from them....I had such a bad experience with AOS and their sales people "selling me" their overpriced razors I was actually suggested to "put away" my beautiful vintage straights and use theirs...I was so peeved at this sales gimmick..I complained to AOS....the regional store director send me $50 giftcard...she felt really bad about my experience...I told this sales guy I restore them for fun..and enjoy the people using them knowing I put my hard work into them..nothing more..geez!....:jerkit
 
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smalltank said:
their creams and oils are great!..but their hardware is..well...to be avoided...a $50 ebay straight is comparable once it has been cleaned and honed and shaves just as good as a $120 razor from them....I had such a bad experience with AOS and their sales people "selling me" their overpriced razors I was actually suggested to "put away" my beautiful vintage straights and use theirs...I was so peeved at this sales gimmick..I complained to AOS....the regional store director send me $50 giftcard...she felt really bad about my experience...I told this sales guy I restore them for fun..and enjoy the people using them knowing I put my hard work into them..nothing more..geez!....:jerkit
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I cannot speak to your situation, but it is understandable that they want to sell their wares and they don't sell vintage pieces...so it follows that they would not endorse them.

Further, I have seen more than a handful of "shave ready" vintage razors that were sold to new shavers by unscrupulous sellers. These things sometimes get brought into the local AOS for honing and based on what I have seen...I can understand a sales person formulating a negative opinion of vintage razors based on what is presented.

Remember, these people are trained salespeople, not necessarily life long razor enthusiasts.

Compound these concepts with major razor companies supplying 'shave ready' razors to AOS with instructions that any honing other than the manufacturer voids the warranty...and well....one can understand AOS selling a new razor as 'shave ready' that fails to measure up to my standards of 'shave ready'.

Additionally, each AOS may or may not employ a local honer. This guy might be great, or not. As with any service provider...results vary.

Hopefully it is clear that I am not cursing or defending AOS. I was approached recently to hone for one of their stores. I would defend my services, but obviously I cannot speak for any other location unless they employ someone to do their honing that I am quite familiar with...even then, we all make mistakes.

I would offer that when mistakes happen, you stand a great opportunity to learn about the person/company that was involved.

Sorry, you had a bad experience, but it sounds like they tried to make it right with you ($50 is pretty generous).

There can be no doubt that a person can spend very little and get a fabulous shaving vintage razor. Just don't expect someone that sells only new razors to endorse the idea...it's just not good for business;)

That said, if so inclined, you could also buy ingredients and make your own (VERY GOOD) shave cream or soap for pennies per ounce. Again, don't expect retailers of designer creams to tell you all about it;)
 
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Late to this one; AOS in my neighborhood is like a beacon that draws me downtown. Oddly enough, we have a large Nordstrom across the street that sells the product also...nothing like competition in the marketplace. Like every other place you have commisioned sales people present, and yet despite the free samples and expensive hardware (over $60 for a 34C) and shaving cream for $25 the tub, it's a place where I am recognized and they'll take the time to ask me about my shaving habits and as a result, every few months I'll go in and buy something, essentially these stores are the shaving version of a Brick 'n Mortar, to support them in my small way.

So; I like their shaving cream, the Sandalwood is excellent and my favorite when I want to splurge. The stuff lasts for a long time and my brushes are easy to clean afterwards. I also use their post-shave balm and alum block. Despite the cost of their product, it would be a shame if they closed up, because there' always the larger neighbor across the street selling AOS, but they express no interest in making anything other than another sale...!
 
AoS is a bit on the pricey side, but there is no doubt they sell a good product as far as the software goes. I've only used their creams but I was astounded by how quickly and easily they always produced a great lather, every time. Their PSO is well liked despite its price, I prefer their preshave gel myself (the oil irritates my skin) that stuff is amazing. The first time I tried it I was out of town and had been given a sample when I stopped in because I'd forgotten blades. I ended up replacing my entire prep with letting the gel sit on my face for a minute and then lathering and still got a great shave. I don't know whats in it, but they got something right with that one.
 
I like their unscented shave oil very much, it's reasonably priced compared to T&H(about 1/2 the price),and does have a light clove scent. It works for me. For soaps and razors, I use other products. Tim Zowada honed my last straight razor, and it doesn't get much better than that.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
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