The Gentleman's Refinery

JimR · Post by **JimR** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 6:26 am

Hey guys. I just got in some free samples of their products (just the fact that they sent the stuff to Japan got my respect) so I thought I'd give it a try. I put up some of my initial reactions on the ol' shaveblog.

Any of you guys tried the stuff? After my first day, I can't any of it's bad, but the only thing that made me say "wow!" was the moisturizer. We'll see how the next couple of days go, though.

The Pre Shave Oil feels good, too...

My wife and I are planning to head to Vegas next year, I wonder if they'll still be up and running?

TRBeck · Post by **TRBeck** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 11:26 am

Jim, I'm a big fan of TGR shave cream and I'm now working on samples of the moisturizer and AS balm. I bought some unscented cream and will be scenting it with some EO: vetiver for half and orange blossom/neroli for the other, I believe. In the meantime, I've used the Standard and Black Ice. I really like them both, but like you, I will have to avoid the Standard for my wife's sake (one of few scents she's found objectionable in this hobby). At any rate, I expect the company will be in operation for some time. Their products are excellent and fill a niche as top-shelf products with natural ingredients. I get great cushion from the shave cream and would recommend it to anyone. The fact that the unscented really has no scent and can be used that way or be scented to taste is a bonus, IMO.

Regards,

bernards66 · Post by **bernards66** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 1:06 pm

Jim, I thought the shave cream was good, but I like others more. It was more in what some of us call the 'new style' mode; more like T&H Ultimate Comfort. I prefer the classic style creams. The aftershave/moisturizer was also good, but I don't use products of that type. Their version was a least lighter weight then some.
Regards,
Gordon

fisherc · Post by **fisherc** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 3:01 pm

The GR line is excellent and great if you care about all natural formulations. If you visit Las Vegas you can get shave services at the Canyon Ranch Spa (in the Palazzo and Venetian Hotels) using The GR products. They also retail the entire line.

Chris

goose · Post by **goose** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 3:06 pm

Can anyone describe the scent of their standard shave cream and aftershave balm? For some reason I thought it was similar to the light lavender scent of T&H's Ultimate Comfort shave cream, but I wouldn't think of that as a scent that could offend anyone as it is pretty low key.

Thanks,
Clint

OneRand · Post by **OneRand** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 3:27 pm

The standard balm has a hint of cucumber to me. Does not last long, which I like.

fisherc · Post by **fisherc** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 3:51 pm

The shave cream is a very faint lavender and almost unscented. The A/S is also very light with just a hint of Rose. Give Perry Gastis (owner) a call or send an email and he'll likely send you a sample of each.

Chris

JimR · Post by **JimR** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 4:55 pm

Well, as far as the scent of the moisturizer/AS balm goes, to me it has a sort of mildly sour citrus/cucumber...My wife seems to have some unpleasant associations with Chinese herbal medicine, but honestly, her nose is a little off sometimes. Shhhh.

The cream is nice, very smooth and cushiony, but like I said--it's no MWF. I'll give it a couple more goes, but I doubt I'll be a big convert.

I do plan to go for a shave and a haircut when I'm in Vegas, just so I can see what a good straight shave is all about.

fisherc · Post by **fisherc** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 5:10 pm

IMO the best barber in Las Vegas is a woman (don't recall her name) at AOS in Mandalay Bay. She uses AOS products but her skills with a straight are unmatched.

Chris

hookem11 · Post by **hookem11** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 6:40 pm

Gordon,
I have seen you comment before about the new style creams like T&H UC and TGR. I know you do not care for them but would you be kind enough explain why and why you prefer the old style creams. Many of us, myself included, are not as knowlegeable as you and I would be most interested in learning more about your reasons. Thank you

bernards66 · Post by **bernards66** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 8:44 pm

Al, For me, the 'new style' creams like that don't lather as well and they have a bit too much cushion. Not surprising, as they were created clearly with the multi-blade cartridge shaver in mind. The traditional style formula that Taylors et. al. use basically goes back to when everyone was using straights or early models of safety razors, and it works better, IMO, if that is the kind of razor one uses.
Regards,
Gordon

Taffa · Post by **Taffa** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 11:45 am

Gordon,Well said

merkur07 · Post by **merkur07** » Fri Nov 14, 2008 2:14 pm

I have Standard and Black Ice. They're nice, decent creams, but not the best I've tried.