I can see what Vassili is saying, in that a number of US Artisans (or otherwise) stock samples of
their own products. That is, for example, like Fox and Wickham's website having the option to purchase a sample for a fraction of the cost of the entire article. That's not to say that the ability to obtain samples here is reduced - Shavedash seem to do well for themselves and offer a substantial variety of soaps, creams, balms etc. to trial. It would be nice for artisans to stock their own products at sample size but absolutely unnecessary (in my personal opinion).
There's no denying Fox's contributions to the wet shaving community. In fact, my first tub of Wickham 1912 was a gratuity. Which I am, of course, very grateful for!
I'm also quite happy for others to make the gamble before myself. That being said, I almost solely buy second-hand so my losses are reduced (thank goodness..)