Thread: Boellis panama 1924

Originally Posted by Obie

Gentlemen,

I had heard of Boellis Panama 1924, and finally ordered it.

What a waste of money.

The soap lathers well, and provides good glide. The scent has medium strength. Yet, I found the cushion mediocre. Not only that, but the soap torched my skin. Burned it. OY! My skin burned throughout the shave, and for several hours afterwards.

With all due respect to you gentleman who are a fan of this product — and this is only my opinion — I found the Boellis experience quite unpleasant. So I split the content and divided it among some friends, hoping some would like it. I'm sure some will.

By the way, nor do I hold much regard for Cella. Again, it's only my opinion, because I know many shavers like it.

Is Boellis better than Cella, or is Cella better than Boellis? Well . . .

Obie

You know I do not have sensitive skin so my initial use of Boellis Panama 1924 caused me no burning at all. The scent is definitely better than Cella or Vitos Red that I have used. It is a typical Italian croap along the lines of Cella, Vitoes Red, Razor Rock and Vallobra tallow based croaps. After just one use I would have to say that for me the lather of all of them is similar in performance too. That may change as I use Boellis more. For me Boellis is a nicely performing tallow croap with a natural almond scent.

If my initial impression of the lather does not change I believe I would prefer a couple of the Razor Rock tallow croaps and the Vallobra Patchouli tallow croap based on scent. I am extremely happy to have been gifted a sample to try out first before purchasing though. Just goes to show that YMMV is alive and well.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

It is a typical Italian croap along the lines of Cella, Vitoes Red, Razor Rock and Vallobra tallow based croaps. After just one use I would have to say that for me the lather of all of them is similar in performance too.

Ok, now I'm definitely getting the feeling that it is overpriced compared to Cella etc.

Nothing is overpriced if you want it

Originally Posted by decraew

Ok, now I'm definitely getting the feeling that it is overpriced compared to Cella etc.

decraew,

Forgive me, but whether a product is overpriced or not depends on one's definition. What is overpriced to you might not be to the next person. Whether Boellis is overpriced compared to Cella is a moot question, as these are different soaps. I like neither soap, but other gentlemen do. If I may suggest this: Rather than becoming obsessed with which of the two is overpriced, focus on which offers the qualities in shaving soap you prefer.

Originally Posted by decraew

Ok, now I'm definitely getting the feeling that it is overpriced compared to Cella etc.

Got my second shave in and Boellis has moved up some. It is the best almond scented soap I have tried, very nice, and I gag on the scent of Cella or Vitos Red. Keep in mind I like the scent of Arko and would take it over Cella or Vitos Red. I don't get too excited over soaps as the majority I have tried work well for me so you probably will never hear me say this or that soap is the absolute pinnacle of the soap makers art. The lather may well be better than Cella or Vitos Red but for me not a huge difference. In it's favour is the fact that, over here, it is of similar cost to the new Vallobra puck soaps. I would buy the Vallobra Patchouli again over the Cella and Vitos Red. As the scent is growing on me and the performance is very good for me, on my next soap purchase order it likely will be on the list.

Bob

Originally Posted by decraew

Ok, now I'm definitely getting the feeling that it is overpriced compared to Cella etc.

Just another thought on price to performance ratios. For me based solely on performance, scent included, to price I would buy 24 Arko sticks. Then press 3 sticks into a Pyrex container and be contentedly done for quite a few years. I don't though because I like variety and have a few soaps that, imho, do not justify their price based on vastly improved performance over others. That does not mean that these are not excellent soaps, just expensive. I like to treat myself to a bit of luxury once and awhile but if I could not afford it that is no biggie either.

Bob

What to do, what to do..i will never no unless i try it. Well that's what i said to myself after Obie kicked it right in the nuts. Love the honesty by the way.
After so many other positive reviews i might have to give it a shot.
I don't personally have any problems with sensitive skin so it should be fine.

Originally Posted by Slasher

What to do, what to do..i will never no unless i try it. Well that's what i said to myself after Obie kicked it right in the nuts. Love the honesty by the way.
After so many other positive reviews i might have to give it a shot.
I don't personally have any problems with sensitive skin so it should be fine.

Personally, I think your logic is sound and believe you will enjoy the Boellis.

Bob

I have both the soap and cream in the Boelis. I find Italian Soaps in general to be lighter than others. I don't like Cela at all. The Boelis is far superior and I think the soap is better than the cream. I find the scent on both so mild (with my congested sinuses) I can't smell anything on either. I find it has great lube. I think if you want great cushion you need to look at something like the Baum be or some of the English soaps.