Introduced in 1959, Tabac Original by Mäurer & Wirtz has long been considered by many to be a staple in men’s grooming products. This old-school brand is a household name in Germany, similar to Old Spice in the U.S. or La Toja in Spain. Tabac is well known as a traditional masculine brand that has been used by generations of men and remains very popular today. 

From its manufacturing location in Sheffield, England, Edwin Jagger produces a wide range of contemporary as well as traditional hardware, such as brushes, razors, and stands.  Neil Jagger named the company after his grandfather, Edwin, and the family-run business prides itself on its craftsmanship and quality. Although it is a young company (est. in 1988), Edwin Jagger is a popular brand for wet shavers around the globe.  With exceptional products like the Edwin Jagger Extra Large Silvertip brush, this is no surprise. This shaving brush is -- in one word -- perfect.

In 2004 I was on a routine visit to a local cigar lounge that specializes in high-end collectables and luxury items.  The tobacconist told me about a new line of men's grooming products by The Art of Shaving that was now being offered. I went home and told my wife about the products and the benefits of wet shaving that were explained to me. For Valentine's Day, she surprised me with the lavender starter kit that comprised The Art of Shaving cream, pre-shave oil, aftershave balm, and a small pure badger shaving brush.  The Art of Shaving Lavender Shaving Cream was my first traditional shaving cream, but do I still use it today?

One of the things that love about wet shaving is the variety of quality products and accessories available. I have assembled a significant collection of shaving goods over the year, and am frequently asked which brush or razor I like best. Sometimes it is a difficult question to answer as I am always trying new things; however, there are certain products that stand out and that are worth highlighting as my favorites.