★★★★★February 27, 2017
Replace your cologne and save your face!
I decided to upgrade my morning routine and give myself something to look forward to when I'm feeling lazy and thinking about sleeping in. I also felt like it was time to stop using an electric razor since it was leaving me with a very amateur-looking shave (lots of stray hairs that I couldn't get no matter how much I tried). I wanted to get the most out of the safety razor experience, so I did a lot of research into which products are needed and how to use them. I made all of the purchases together on Amazon and tried them out as a set. After using an electric for the past 10 years, I was pretty worried that I would get some serious razor burn, but to my surprise I had none whatsoever! I was pretty careful to not get too aggressive with the shaving, so I went WITH the grain and only made one or two passes on each area. The result was a shave that was 100X closer than an electric with no discomfort, nicks, cuts, or razor burn! Here's what I bought and why: Safety Razor: Parker 96R – Long Handle Butterfly Safety Razor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002IFFSOS/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_2 This safety razor has a great weight to it, a long handle for a comfortable grip, and a black and chrome coloring that looks great with the other items on the list. The butterfly razors seem to be the easiest to open and close for changing blades. Razor Blades: Astra Superior Premium Platinum blades https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EXPTR0W/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_4 One of the great things about safety razors is that the blades are SUPER cheap. These Astra blades are some of the most popular and highest quality blades I could find. At $0.10 each, you can clearly see the cost advantage to regular razors. I have been told that one blade should last about a week. That means that 100 is nearly 2 years’ worth! Do yourself a favor and buy the best blades you can get. There’s no reason to save a few cents to get blades that dull quickly and give you razorburn. Brush: Perfecto 100% Badger Shaving Brush - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VF1NI5M/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_40 This brush is a fraction of the cost of the higher end brushes and it felt GREAT and worked up a nice, foamy lather very quickly. I don’t see any reason to buy a more expensive brush, especially if you are just starting out and want to see if you enjoy this process before you commit to a high-dollar brush. Personally, I still wouldn’t get anything more expensive. Bowl: Schöne Stainless Steel Shaving Bowl with Lid https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OQDEL8Y/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_37 I think this is a matter of preference and taste in aesthetics. This bowl matches the other items that I bought and has a lid, which I am hoping will allow me to make my soap last longer. It seems to be well made and is a great size for working up a lather with the brush and is shaped well for holding it in your hand while you apply the lather. I think there are a lot of options for you to choose from, so pick something that matches your style if this one isn’t for you. Razor and Brush Stand: SimplyBeautiful Deluxe Razor and Brush Stand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AG92BXY/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_35 This stand looks great and is balanced well so that it holds my brush and razor without falling over. I chose black for two reasons. One: It matches the other things that I bought (razor and brush). Two: It should resist rusting better since it is coated. Pre-shave Oil: The Art of Shaving Pre-Shave Oil, Sandalwood https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FGTTTM/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_3 The Art of Shaving makes some great products, but some of them have changes in recent years, so you can’t rely on the ratings alone. I read through them and found that the pre-shave oil is still a very popular product and from my experience, it definitely helps prep your beard and skin for the shave. Applying the oil is step 1 in safety razor shaving. Shaving Soap: Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007MW2ZW/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_1 TOBS shaving soaps are the highest quality soaps I could find based off of smell, quality of lather, and consistency of the product quality. This soap is more like a cream. I scooped out some with my fingers, put it in the bowl, added some hot water, and then worked up a lather. It felt and smelled amazing! In reality, I didn’t want to wash it off because it just felt so good! After-shave Balm: Truefitt & Hill Sandalwood Aftershave Balm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004OWPW0I/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_29 This was my biggest splurge of the whole set-up and I did so for several reasons: First, using after-shave balm is said to be gentler on your skin than alcohol-based after-shaves. As I mentioned before, I switched from an electric to a safety razor with no skin irritation at all. This cream soothes the skin and makes it soft. It was the perfect way to finish my shave. Second, this stuff is rated as the absolutely best smelling after-shave balm out there and I can attest to that. It smells so great that I stopped using my cologne. Based on the small amount that is needed, this bottle should easily last for a year or more. Three, there are other “luxury” brand shaving balms that have been bought out by big brand companies and their formulas have changed significantly as a result. That means that some of the products out there have great ratings, but only because of the number ratings BEFORE they recently changed. If you look into other luxury shaving brands, then you will see what I mean. Razor Disposal Case: Feather Styling Razor Disposal Case https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DWGEY1K/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_36 Even used razors are sharp, so I bought this little case to keep stray razors off of the counter, or better yet, off of the floor. Just drop in the used razor when it’s too dull for shaving. It holds over a hundred, so you can go without emptying it for a few years. It’s pretty cheap, so maybe you can just throw it away when it’s full? Your choice. That’s my whole set up. If you want to get into safety razor shaving, then I highly recommend the products on this list. All-in-all, you will spend about the same on this list than you would on a TAOS starter kit that only has the oil, brush, soap, and balm. I’m a morning shaver, so the sandalwood scent works great for me, but evening shavers may consider the same products in lavender scent if you want a relaxing experience to help you sleep.
Michael RobinsonVerified purchaseHelpful (20)
★☆☆☆☆July 28, 2024
Dispenser is Awful - Read the other reviews before buying!
I absolutely love nearly everything about this product. The scent is wonderful and its a great aftershave. My wife loves when I wear it. However, this is the second bottle in a row that stops working well before I'm even halfway through it - making it unusable. I thought I just had bad luck with the first, but now two in a row. I see others have the same problem. Its a pressed on dispenser, not screwed, so you can't just move the contents to another container. I broke the first bottle trying to get the top off. I shouldn't have to deal with this kind of nonsense at this price point. Very disappointed.
jcraigcxVerified purchaseHelpful (7)
★★★★★January 1, 2018
... different aftershave balms and this is by far my favorite. It smells awesome and feels even better
In the last year I have tried 4 different aftershave balms and this is by far my favorite. It smells awesome and feels even better! Only con is the price, but a lot goes a long way. Will definitely purchase another bottle.
Joshua W.Verified purchaseHelpful (3)
★★★★★July 20, 2012
Best Aftershave I have ever used.
Best Aftershave I have ever used. I have used plenty and this once beats them all. Good for all skin types. Smells awesome, my Fiance cant keep her hands off me in the mornings. She says it is intoxicating!
Benjamin RodnyVerified purchaseHelpful (3)
★★★☆☆April 25, 2018
One star for the nice bottle. Two stars lost because the pump doesn't ...
One star for the scent. One star for the soothing on my face. One star for the nice bottle. Two stars lost because the pump doesn't work and I need to push, frustratingly, 20 times to get enough to cover my face. If I get any feedback from T&H I will update my review.
Michael WilsonVerified purchaseHelpful (3)
★★★★★January 30, 2021
A great way to smell and feel like a gentlement.
This is my new favorite brand and I will be buying more products from them, here is why: - The smell is wonderful - The smell lasts for quite some time after the shave, at least 3 hours. - I have very sensitive skin and it never reacted negatively - Perfect thickness - Excellent moisturizer - Easy to apply - Tackiness doesn't last long - Fantastic packaging that looks good sitting on your bathroom counter - Sharp looking container - Excellent company with great customer service
TritanVerified purchaseHelpful (2)
★★★★★April 22, 2024
The scent is amazing!
Despite the price of this balm, I decided to give it a try and I’m glad I did. The scent is wonderful and the balm is very soothing and not really greasy like others I’ve tried. A little goes a long way. I have sensitive skin so it was very worth it to me.
Gregory WellsVerified purchaseHelpful (2)
★★★★☆November 18, 2013
Great product, not worth $45, but is any balm?
This stuff is great. It smells great and is a good winter aftershave. It has a perfume that lingers a little longer than most balms. Not overpowering, but clean and nice smell. Only 4 stars due to price.
PadrigoVerified purchaseHelpful (2)
★★★★☆February 3, 2021
Sandalwood ??
I have used many Sandalwood balms in the past from different manufacturers All have had a similar scent that I describe as what a pencil smells like right after sharpening. The scent of this Truefitt & Hill balm is nothing like that. Its scent is more like a sweet perfume with no clean woodsy scent. Overall the product is smooth, non burn and does the job on my skin. 4 stars simply because it does not smell like Sandalwood to me.
Amazon CustomerVerified purchaseHelpful (2)
★★☆☆☆May 2, 2018
I love the smell of this
My husband loves this!! I love the smell of this, I think it's awesome! The only reason I'm giving it a lower star rating is because the pump on the bottle sucks!! My husband struggles every morning get it to come out. :-(. The last bottle was fine, this time not so much. Debating on if we should ever buy it again.
AmberVerified purchaseHelpful (2)
★★★★★March 2, 2019
Best soothing aftershave balm.
100% decreases irritation I have from shaving. Their shaving cream is also less irritating afterwards than Musgo Real shaving cream. However, the smell of this aftershave last way longer than most aftershaves. For me, this is great. If you like colognes, this may not be the best aftershave unless you like this sandlewood smell (which I do).
Amazon CustomerVerified purchaseHelpful (1)
★★★★★December 29, 2022
A Quality Product
You don't need much of this and if used right, can last you quite a while. This product has a very refreshing feel and it smells is wonderful. I have very sensitive skin and it can get irritated easily. So, when I use this product, I find it seals in moisture and protects me against razor burn and inflammation. Most importantly, it leaves me with a pleasing scent. I was hesitant about this purchase but I am so glad I made the leap.
Gregory HinesVerified purchaseHelpful (1)
★★★★★February 26, 2019
Great smell and lightweight
Love it. Smells great and lasts me at least a year. Watch out for TSA tho, they took my last one for being over 3oz.
Randall B LumryVerified purchaseHelpful (1)
★★★★☆March 8, 2017
Four Stars
very nice with good scent
Amazon CustomerVerified purchaseHelpful (1)
★★★★☆September 22, 2024
Great fragrance, bad delivery mechanism
I love the way this stuff smells, and it is a nice soother of my skin after shave. I HATE the pump bottle! The pump barely spurts far enough to get past the trigger, and it really only works for about 3/4 of the bottle. At that point, you end up having to continuously pivot the bottle while pumping the trigger to try to get anything out. And you still will never get more than 3/4 of it. The pump assembly is crimped onto the bottle, so you can't remove it to try to get the rest of the balm out. It would be nice if this was changed to screwed on, so you could then at least TRY to get all the balm you paid for out of the bottle.
P. WhittedHelpful (1)
★★☆☆☆October 19, 2023
Dispenser does not work
There is $20 worth lotion in the dispenser but can’t get it out because the pump stopped working.
AbiyeHelpful (1)
★☆☆☆☆September 14, 2014
Thin and watery texture.
This is very (very!) heavily perfumed and smells like powerful cheap headache inducing perfume. This is not a good "aftershave". I used it once and could not return it quickly enough. I usually use "The Art of Shaving" sandalwood aftershave and I like it very much, but I wanted to try a few other products. If you like a good moisturizing aftershave with a light, pleasant scent, do not buy this. This product is very thin and watery, and again, way over-perfumed. It has no moisturizing quality at all.
jjmb79Verified purchaseHelpful (1)
★★★★★April 8, 2020
Lotion yo my
Si good scent
Martin CadenasVerified purchase
★★★★★January 4, 2025
Perfect, & Quick Delivery!!
My sweetie loves this lotion, and it was delivered fairly quickly!
Ann
★★★★★January 21, 2022
A good sandalwood after shave is still available
I use this product as an after shave when going anywhere special, like an evening with friends or out to dinner.
Bill DavisVerified purchase
★★★★★April 21, 2021
Best sandelwood after shave balm.
This aftershave is excellent for soothing and providing a great smell after wet shaving. You might consider the West Indian Lime, which is also one of my favorites, or one of the other scents. I prefer their matching shaving soaps and crams which lather well.
Charles W HallVerified purchase
★★★★★May 13, 2024
Smells Great!
Excellent quality and smells great! Very pleased.
Jonathan GoldingVerified purchase
★★★★★November 24, 2021
Beautiful scent
Beautiful scent which lingers all day.
Korner ManVerified purchase
★★★★★April 10, 2024
Very nice moisturizer.
My son first used this product overseas and fell in love with it. It is a nice product for all purpose facial needs. He initially wanted it for his razor bumps but decided to use it all over his face and neck. Very good product. A bit pricey, but wort it.
MayaVerified purchase
★★★★★January 26, 2020
Wonderful aftershave!
I gave this as a Christmas gift and my boyfriend loved it. He says it is difficult to find a decent aftershave and loves the texture of this product. The smell is strong enough without being overpowering.
MeliGVerified purchase
★★★★★November 18, 2020
Great product
Sooths the skin after shaving. Not greasy and a great scent.
Michael P. Croce Sr.Verified purchase
★★★★★February 14, 2026
Good Stuff
Very soothing And smells great
michael wilsonVerified purchase
★★★★★February 25, 2020
👍👍
Buying your cologne next👍👍👍👍🙃
RandVerified purchase
★★★★★January 31, 2020
Truefitt and Hill Aftershave Balm, Sandalwood
I occasionally shave with a straight razor and always use an aftershave balm afterwards. Sandalwood is my favorite scent and Truefitt and Hill's Sandalwood is exceptional.
R. E.Verified purchase
★★★★★April 27, 2020
Best quality balm with sensory benefits.
Great high quality product that will sooth the skin and leave just the right amount of clean smelling essence of sandlewood.
Robert S.Verified purchase
★★★★★February 22, 2020
I’d buy it again.
Feels and smells great.
romyVerified purchase
★★★★★September 3, 2025
Excellent
Excellent
Scott MccallumVerified purchase
★★★★☆October 11, 2019
Spray balm
I like the fact your skin stays moist and smooth. Not impressed with the spray bottle. But the balm it self is great.
Chuck TaylorVerified purchase
★★★☆☆December 4, 2021
Way too much frangrence
Smell is over powering, no scent of sandlewood, just a big perfume smell. for the price I dont think i will ever buy this again. much better options out there at a fraction of the cost.
Sam ClubVerified purchase
★★☆☆☆February 10, 2025
Built In Obsolescence
The scent is great. However, as noted by several others, the pump stops working with at least 25% of the product remains. The pump cannot be removed without breaking the neck of the bottle rendering the contents inaccessible and useless. I DO NOT RECOMMEND.
Truth
★☆☆☆☆August 15, 2025
I will not buy again!!
Pump not working right and product smells bad.
David or Erin MillsteinVerified purchase
★☆☆☆☆June 3, 2021
Disappointing
Scent is plain generic and is more watery than most balms. The glass jar it comes in is difficult to handle at the sink with damp hands. Overall disappointed and certainly not worth the money.
RainydayVerified purchase
★☆☆☆☆June 13, 2026
Worst after shave balm ever
This the worst after shave balm I've seen in my life. Any $10 product from Walmart will be far superior. I bet with everyone that on a blind test you can't differentiate this from sour cream. Has no healing properties, no nice smell , nothing. Just some snobbish brand which tries to stay relevant by selling shamefully expensive products without any qualities. Believe me, better clean your face with some double boiled plum brandy or whatever alcohol you have in the house, it will heal better the cuts and definitely smell better.
Romulus PașcaVerified purchase
★☆☆☆☆February 18, 2024
No scent
There is no scent to this.
JimVerified purchase
