Thread: Shaving soaps?

I have a friend who is a DE shaver. He is into soaps. Fortunately his recommendations have been good, because I've tried a few of them:

1- Col. Conk (Almond)
2- Synergy Soaps (Lavender Cedar)
3- Proraso (Green)
4- Tabac
5- Aged Spice (Mama Bear Soaps)

This is roughly the order I purchased in, and Col. Conk is probably the soap I've used the most, but I have a few shaves on all of the others. I use Proraso with the pre-shave and the soap. Proraso works well and it isn't very expensive, but I have to be in the mood for menthol. Tabac is very nice with a subtle sent and a nice glide.

Only recently did I try the Aged Spice, I was really surprised at how soap, blade, and skin worked together. I have no idea if this is because it is hand made and bit more expensive. I've read the library info on soaps. I've read the information on the Mama Bear site as well. There is a lot to soaps and fragrances. Right now I'm interested in good shave performance, and complimentary scents for aftershave and soaps.

The only thing I've taken away from the SRP library on soap so far is that I use very low power in the microwave to barely melt the soaps to fit my cups and bowls. Two or three on the power for 30 seconds at a time seems to just melt them without much heating. Is that hurting the soap at all? Smells and feels the same pre and post melt, but what do I know...

I think I'd like to try more handmade soaps like Mama Bear Soaps. Does anyone have recommendations for handmade soaps? Also if you pair them with a particular aftershave or splash what do you use? Last I see Mama Bear uses a sample shop, I like that, any other vendors selling samples?

Best Regards,

Ed