Keune's 1922 Superior Shaving Cream Review: A Stylist's Honest Take on a Classic Grooming Staple

There's something about a clean shave that sets the tone for your whole day. It's like walking out of the salon after a fresh cut; you just feel sharper. I'm Michael, and I've been doing men's cuts and color at The Warehouse Salon (Studio 360 Salon) in Chatham Township for over twenty years. In September, my client Desmond came in asking about shaving cream for his sensitive neck. I'd been testing the 1922 by J.M. Keune Superior Shaving Cream for three weeks, so I had real experience with it.

We brought in the Keune 1922 line four months ago, and I've rotated it into my grooming services since. Before that, I used Proraso for hot towel prep and straight razor neck cleanups. It ran about twelve dollars per tube. While many guys liked the menthol cooling, others said it stung too much. I needed something gentler that would perform well on different skin types.

First Impressions

Right out of the tube, the scent caught my attention. It has a clean, woody aroma that feels masculine without being overbearing. Some shaving products hit you like a wall of cologne, but this one doesn't. It's subtle and classic, like that moment after a haircut when you still smell good but don't feel like you're trying too hard.

The texture is creamy and smooth. It spreads easily, and a small amount goes a long way. I bought my first tube online for around seventeen dollars, which felt fair. I'm on my second tube now, and each has lasted about two months of regular use both on myself and during client services.

At seventeen dollars versus Proraso's twelve, you're paying five dollars more. But that extra money gets you a gentler formula that works on sensitive skin without the menthol sting. For guys like Desmond who were getting razor burn from cheaper products, that five dollars is worth it. It's not luxury-priced, but it performs like it could be.

Testing It on Myself First

Before I recommend anything to clients, I test it myself. I tried it on both my face and head, starting with a few days of growth. The lathering ability impressed me most. It whipped up fast with a slightly damp brush and produced enough lather for a full shave plus extra. If you like rich, cushiony foam that feels professional, this delivers.

As far as slickness goes, it's good but not perfect. The razor glided smoothly during the first pass, but it didn't leave much residual slip once the cream was gone. If you like going over the same area twice without reapplying, keep the brush handy. Still, the shave was close, clean, and comfortable.

I got one small nick on my chin during first use, but nothing major. A quick touch of alum took care of it. No irritation, no razor burn, and my skin felt surprisingly soft afterward. That's a good sign the product is balanced and not too drying.

Using It on Client Services

Over the past three months, I've used this on about fifteen clients during straight razor neck cleanups and beard trims. It works well for guys who come in every two to three weeks and need professional cleanup around their hairline, sideburns, and neckline.

Desmond was my first real test case. He came in for a trim and mentioned he'd been dealing with razor burn on his neck for years. I'd been testing the Keune for three weeks at that point, so I told him to grab a tube and try it at home. He texted me four days later: "No razor burn for the first time in years. This stuff is legit."

When he came back two weeks later, he kept touching his neck during the cut. "I can't believe the difference," he said. "I was about to give up shaving altogether." That's the kind of feedback that tells you a product actually works.

My client Garrett has fairly sensitive skin and usually reacts to anything with heavy fragrance. I used the Keune during his service, and he didn't have any issues. He said the shave felt smooth and didn't leave his neck feeling tight or irritated afterward. The relief on his face was visible. He's been using it at home for two months now and hasn't had a single reaction.

But it's not perfect for everyone. My client Hector has very coarse, wiry beard hair, the kind that dulls razors fast. He tried the cream at home and came back frustrated. "It just doesn't have enough slip," he said. "I'm tugging more than shaving." That's when I figured out the oil layering technique. During his next appointment, I added a few drops of pre-shave oil under the cream. The difference was immediate. Smoother glide, no pulling. He said it felt like a completely different product. Now I automatically recommend oil to anyone with really thick facial hair.

Another client, Leonidas, said he preferred unscented products and found the woody aroma too noticeable for his taste. He's back to using his old cream. That's fine. Not every product works for everyone, and I'd rather be honest about that than oversell something.

Who It's Best For

This cream is perfect for guys who enjoy a traditional wet shave but don't want a product that's heavy or overly scented. It works especially well if you're shaving every few days rather than daily. If you have normal to sensitive skin and you've struggled with razor burn from mentholated products, this is mild enough to keep things calm without sacrificing performance.

In our New Jersey climate, especially during the colder months, it holds up well. Some creams get thick or lose glide when the air is dry, but this one keeps a consistent texture. That makes it reliable year-round, whether you're shaving in January or July.

If you're someone who likes to finish your shave with a splash of aftershave or balm, it pairs nicely with most products. The scent doesn't clash, and it leaves a clean finish that doesn't compete with cologne or other grooming products.

A Stylist's Perspective

After twenty-plus years in this business, I've learned consistency matters more than flashy claims. Whether it's a color formula or grooming product, you want something that performs the same way every time. The 1922 by J.M. Keune Superior Shaving Cream does exactly that. It's steady, easy to use, and doesn't surprise you in a bad way.

Clients often ask what makes professional products different from drugstore brands. The biggest thing is balance. Keune clearly designed this with the right ratio of protection and comfort. It's not flashy, but it does the job very well. You're paying a few extra dollars for consistency and quality control, which matters when you're putting a blade to your face every morning.

One thing I appreciate as a stylist is that it doesn't leave residue on my tools. Some shaving creams are a pain to clean off straight razors. This one rinses clean, which saves time between clients and keeps my equipment in better shape.

What Could Be Better

The residual slip issue is real. If you're someone who does multiple passes without reapplying product, you'll notice it. The cream does its job on the first pass, but once the lather is gone, there's not much left on the skin to protect you during a second or third pass.

This became obvious when my client Adrian tried it. He's a perfectionist who does three passes every shave. He came back saying he had to reapply constantly. I explained that's just how this formula works. It's designed for single or double pass shaving, not multiple refinement passes. Keep your brush handy to add a bit more as needed.

For guys with very coarse or thick facial hair, it might not provide enough glide on its own. That's where pre-shave oil becomes important. I've found that layering it over a light oil gives the best results for those clients.

The scent, while subtle to me, might not appeal to everyone. If you prefer completely unscented products or you're particular about fragrance, this might not be your first choice.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for a shaving cream that feels classic, performs reliably, and doesn't irritate your skin, this one's worth trying. It's not the slickest cream out there, but it checks most other boxes. For seventeen dollars, you'll get a professional-level shave without the razor burn or fragrance overload.

We carry it at The Warehouse Salon (Studio 360 Salon), and it's available for purchase during your appointment if you want to take one home. If you'd rather let one of us handle your grooming, book a men's haircut or beard trim. We'll help you find the right products and techniques for your skin and hair type.

The Warehouse Salon (Studio 360 Salon)
650 Shunpike Rd, Chatham Township, NJ 07928
Call us at (973) 360-0900 or book online