Quote Originally Posted by Obie View Post
Hello, Jim:

Williams and VDH are good soaps — for the money. They stand like sentries at the gate opening into the exciting wet shaving world. Many of us started with those two soaps, mostly because U.S. pharmacies offer little else, even today. What's more, with some exceptions, there is no such a thing as a shave shop in the U.S.

Many gentlemen shavers have continued using Williams and VDH. Some even swear by them. That's all right, too. Some of us have found what we think are far superior soaps and moved on. I have. At the same time I will not criticize anyone who uses Williams or VDH. No one's tastes are better than another person's. To each his own.

Those thoughts somehow reflect one's view on what a luxurious lather is compared to a modest one. I have never had any problem getting a big and luxurious lather with Mitchell's Wool Fat. I will say, however, that the amount of lather I get from, say, Martin de Candre, Provence Sante or L'Occitane turns out to be huge. There, too, "huge" is in the eye of the beholder.

Mitchell's Wool Fat gives me a delightful shave. Cushion and glide are ideal. Also, I tend to keep my lather a touch more moist with Mitchell's Wool Fat than I do with other soaps. I don't know why, but it does wonders for me. Of course, I love the soft and clean fragrance. Mitchell's Wool Fat is a superb soap, I believe, and that it should be tried at least once by every wet shaver.

My bowl of Mitchell's wool Fat is never empty.

Regards,

Obie
I started out with Williams because it's available at most drug stores in Maryland, USA. But I had some drying issues with it though. Nowadays I alternate between VDH and SRD's Essential Oil shaving soap. My lather making has gotten better and I am diligent about my pre-shave prep that I no longer use a pre-shave oil. I'm three months in this hobby and of course I am no expert, but I know what is starting to work for me.

Good luck and many great shaves to you.

Patrick