Van Der Hagen Premium Shave Set (Soap, Bowl, Brush)

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...Read more

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...Read more

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...Read more