Novice traditional shaving enthusiasts often want to explore their new “surroundings,” but do so inexpensively. And many also want to experience that life-altering, zen-inducing, height-of-sophistication shave. The two ideas may seem like polar opposites but in fact it can be done! The key lies in samples. For example, high-end shaving companies like eShave, Truefitt and Hill and Trumpers offer sample kits to give you a taste of what they offer for a very reasonable price (and remember, in the case of Truefitt and Hill, a Sharpologist advertiser, you can take 15% off a web order just by using the coupon code manticsblog at checkout)! In the case of shaving cream samples there are usually several different varieties with each sample having enough for two or three shaves. Cologne samples may be enough for quite a while, depending on how often you use cologne (I should note that, although Penhaligons doesn’t offer shaving cream samples, they do have a very nice cologne scent sampler).
Some artisan shaving soap or cream makers will offer a samples as well. Here are a few I know about:
The Shave Den
Mama Bear Soaps
Queen Charlotte Soaps
Kell’s Original
Nanny’s Silly Soap (UK)
Some artisan soap and cream makers will send you a sample if you ask nicely (especially if you have an allergy or are concerned about a particular ingredient or scent).
Finally, Garry, an enterprising soul, has opened a web “sample shop” where it is possible to purchase small amounts of select products: http://sampleshop.blogspot.com/ .
Tried the promo code at Truefitt and Hill – did not work.
I will check on this right away.
The promo code should be working now.
I just tried it, and it is not working.
Strange, it works for me. Try emailing [email protected]
Yeah, it is rather strange.
Just to make sure I entered it right, I tried “manticsblog” and “manticblog”; both failed.
It tells me “The promotion/coupon code you entered is not valid.”
I will email them about it.
Kiss My Face has 1 oz. sample sizes but good luck finding them (you should be able to find a 3.4oz bottle without too much trouble). I’ve found 1.5 oz. sample sizes of Alba’s brushless shaving gel in local stores. C. O. Bigelow (a.k.a. Proraso) comes in a 1.7 oz. tube from Bath & Body Works (not sure if they still do). Burt’s Bees and Dr. Bronner’s only come in 6 oz. and 7 oz. tubes.
It kind of defeats the purpose of saving money, when vendors charge extra for certain samples. It seems certain scents get charged extra…and for what? Because they’re more popular? And you still get the same small amount.
1/4 oz is really small. You’ll get 2 shaves out of that small batch, unless you use your fingers to rub it on. My advice is, just buy the whole thing, if you don’t like it, sell it on The Shave Den forums.
Gary’s sample shop is a great way to try various soaps and creams. I only wish I would have had the idea first!
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