Thread: Vintage Williams & Colgate soap pucks

Just got these today locally.









Did test palm lather each one. Both raised a rich slick thick lather easily. That is in sharp contrast to the modern Williams finicky nature. There was no original scent left only that of what I presume to be tallow. Will be test shaving with them next week.

Bob

I used an old puck of Colgate as I began straight shaving. Stuff was very good, IMO.

Originally Posted by sharptonn

I used an old puck of Colgate as I began straight shaving. Stuff was very good, IMO.

Yes, just from the test lather I'd say the vintage Colgate is a tad better than the vintage Williams. Oth who knows how they have been stored so that my make a difference too. In any event both seem good to go.

Bob

Thanks for the info! I've always wondered about the vintage Williams, have some of the modern which is 'finicky' but a good soap once you get the balance of soap & water worked out. Never tried the Colgate, have seen it but now due to BobH's post may have to give them both a shot.

Originally Posted by DoughBoy68

Thanks for the info! I've always wondered about the vintage Williams, have some of the modern which is 'finicky' but a good soap once you get the balance of soap & water worked out. Never tried the Colgate, have seen it but now due to BobH's post may have to give them both a shot.

I held the puck in my hand and loaded with a damp synthetic brush to make the lather in my palm. Quick and easy, I can't do it that easily with modern Williams.

I have tried only 3 vintage soaps so far, Yardley's puck, Williams puck and stick and Colgate's puck, and not been disappointed with their ability to make a nice slick thick lather easily. The down side is no scent left.

Bob

I've come across a couple of Colgate pucks in shaving mugs at antique stores. Passed since they had been sitting out sans packaging for who know how long. It will be pretty tempting I ever find some un-opened vintage shaving soap at a reasonable price.

Bob, I'm looking forward to hearing how the shaves go and the vintage soaps compare to modern soaps.

I've been looking around on the auction sites and am surprised with the variety of vintage soaps available. The two that have surprised me the most are English Leather soap/bowl set and the Hershey's Cocoa Butter soap in fougere.

That is interesting, the English lather I can see but Hershey's Cocoa Butter soap is a real say what.

Bob

For posterity...

Hershey's


English Leather