Herban Cowboy and Proaso

[msellan]

I realize as a newbie, I'm hardly quailfied to do a product review. So think of this as a first experience story instead, perhaps.

I was in Whole Foods this past Friday buying some bulk trailmix for a Saturday hike and decided to check the "shaving" section to see their offerings. Usually I buy the Kiss My Face Lime shave cream. But I'e got plenty so I'm supposed to be looking. Also, my next and last errand after work on Friday is supposed to be across the street at Target to buy the Poraso brush.

So I notice in Whole Foods they carry a brand called Herban Cowboy. They had a small wooden handle shave brush, cream, and hard shave soap. The brush was 4.99 and the soap was 3.99. So I bought 'em both.

Here's what they look like:

http://www.herbancowboy.com/displayprod ... bcatid=111
http://www.herbancowboy.com/displayprod ... bcatid=110

After I checked out at WF I drove across the street to Target and *worked* very hard to find the Proraso brush. I realize after checking back here that you need the secret decoder ring password to get a Target employee to tell you where the Proraso products are: The word is SPA. When I used the words "shaving brush" to the young guy stocking shelves in the shaving section, he was not sure that we both speak the same language. Anyway I wondered around and sure enough spotted them in a section labled "Spa."

Keep in mind this is still me using my hideous Mach 3 but taking my first steps with a brush and soap.

The Herban Cowboy brush is just as cheap as its price. Bristles were coming out of it on my face the whole time. I like its size though. It is pretty small but seems to work well for my face. The Proraso brush didn't lose any bristles but seemed too big for me. The Herban cowboy brush was also stiffer than the Proraso and did not create or hold as much lather as the Proraso.

So I'm going to put the little Herban Cowboy brush with my camping gear. When I'm camping more than overnight I still shave and this'll be a good brush for that. The Proraso, I may simply return. I want a smaller brush that performs as well as the Proraso but that has a smaller handle and bristles.

-mark

[Bob]

My wife bought me the Herban Cowboy brush, shave soap, and shower gel. The shower gel was fine, so long as you like the strong sandalwood aroma. I didn't think much of either the brush or the soap, though. As you say, Mark, the brush sheds bristles like an angry porcupine. I didn't care for the lather of the soap, either.

Too bad, as I was hoping to like them (partially due to the fact that they seem to be made here in America, and are generally available).

--Bob--

[msellan]

Yeah that was part of the draw....it's being made here in the US. It's too bad the products aren't so good. I guess you do get what you pay for sometimes....

[rahul325]

ur better off investing in a badger brush, i think u can get one as cheap as $35. this brush will last u at least a few years.

few of the good brushes !!!

http://store.crabtree-evelyn.com/acc130147.html

go to www.qedusa.com and click on Savile Row brushes on main page. the cheapest brush is $28

[Laney1566]

http://www.col-conk.com/brushes.htm
Great price for the long wood handle. I love mine. Works great on deep/Large mugs and bowls. Don' let the price fool you. There is a ton of bristles on this one. Mine has flaired out greatly. holds tons of lather.