First Cream Recommendations

All good and valuable suggestions. Proraso is inexpensive available on line or at B&B like Marshalls or TJ Maxx. I'd 2nd the mention of Nancy Boy. I've used their products for years BUT be aware of the newest Sandalwood. Not a pleasant fragrance.

A top notch inexpensive cream that can compete with the best of the best is Godrej from India, Menthol in particular.

Had a shave with Vi-Jon cream yesterday and its another decent inexpensive cream ($2)

Arko creams are worth the $$ and dont get as much praise as the stick

Derby creams- not quite as good as the others mentioned, but inexpensive and does the job

Those who haven't tried Body Shop's MACA Root cream (new version) need to give it a go. Someone gave it to me and I was shocked how good it is. In a span of a few months, I've used 3/4 of it!

I really like Stone Cottage Soapworks creams

I must agree with Wackyp that The Body Shop's Maca Root cream is excellent in performance as well as price. There is only one scent (fresh and pleasant) so that is not a problem. Do try it.

I've used only Proraso Red and Wholly Kaw Dulce Tobacco. To me, the Proraso Red was a great transition from cartridge and canned foam shaving cream to wet shaving. It was easy for me to lather and performed decently. As I began evolving as a shaver, I started using soaps, which are better in almost all aspects in my opinion. The new Wholly Kaw levels the playing field a little more though. It has a great scent and the post shave feel is magnificent. I had trouble lathering it though. However, I think this is more of my technique than the soap. The gentlemen I've seen on YouTube can create a wonderful lather a bit easier.

I still think soaps are better, but Wholly Kaw does make a good case for using a cream.

I started with Proraso Red. It works great and is cheap, but the smell is kind of meh.

I have started using TOBS Grapefruit and really enjoy the fresh citrusy wake-me-up scent while shaving.

Frankly, I suspect ALL creams listed in this thread perform equally well, so either go cheap if you just want something that works or go with a scent you think you'll like.