Thread: Taking this hobby to a new level

I'm just starting off on this path paved in carbon steel and I want to see which turns I'll take and what path to make my own. Ok ok, I have a lot to learn in this little hobby I'm embarking on, so far so good. I see straight shaver can be many things, vintage restorers, honers?, cabinet makers, potters, collectors, diy aficionados, experimenters (soaps, creams, razors, safty, brushes) and who knows what else. I also know you can take the high road or low and make this a very expensive hobby or very cheap. This hobby has many facets, but one thing that could be an aspect which I would think would appeal to most and is supprisingly not talked about (at least I haven't seen it, even with a search) is soap making.

It seems to me that with a plethora of sents and infinitely many recipes that can be conceived, that this would be a natural extention of this hobby which rest very much on the quality of ones soap. Recipes can be shared and discussed in the search for the elusive perfect shave.

I've never tried it myself, but I've seen videos of making normal soap and its very easy. Maybe making shaving soap is hard? Does anyone have any knowledge on how its done, is it easy, worth it.........

There are actually quite a few soap and cream makers around. It is just that hones, strops, and razors tend to get the most play here. Do a search on Alraz and da bomb, for example, and you will find some threads on home made soap and cream. It is not anything that has ever interested me to be honest, so I cannot tell you whether it is easy or worth it, but I know it can be done and done well.

James.

There's an active thread right now about soapmaking, but not really about techniques. Search the site and you may find more activity than most of us are aware of.

Funny you should mention this.
I was reading this in the wiki earlier
Redneck Shaving Soap (melt & pour) - Straight Razor Place Wiki

There is also Ugli soap made by one of our members. I have some and like it a lot.

I've really enjoyed some Bairlea Farms soap, also by one of our members.

Originally Posted by MrP

Funny you should mention this.
I was reading this in the wiki earlier
Redneck Shaving Soap (melt & pour) - Straight Razor Place Wiki

I have made this soap and can tell u, its super easy to do , and with the shea butter in it , it really is a fabulous soap. I still use some in my rotation.

Making your own soap for yourself could be rather gratifying. There are many easy melt and pour recipes for glycerin based soaps that you could try.
Making tallow based shaving soap can be more difficult and getting the right combination to reach a great lathering soap could lead to many trial batches. I actually thought about it and determined it was not the path I wanted to go and tried many shave soaps and came to find what I liked the most.
I always say to try something, for without the attempt you will not know firsthand if it is for you or not. Have fun!