Thread: good soaps?

Hey all,

I'm looking into a few types of shaving soaps, so far I have come across a few I would like to try has anyoanyused theses?

The first one is Dr. John's legend of Anne bonny
The second one is maggard Orange menthol

And are there any that you would recommend?

Phoenix artisan accouterments Dapper Doc's and Cattie's Bubbles Les Piment De La Vie

2 of my all time favorites

I imagine we all have favorites and probably not too many agree, very personal thing. That said, Tabac and Mitchell's Wool Fat are my two favorites.

The adage of "YMMV" rings true here. I'm afraid I'm no help, either.

Best advice I have: when in doubt, get sample sizes! Ranging in price from less than a buck, to several dollars, they are enough for several shaves. Plus, it hurts less that way if ya really don't care for one! Not much lost, and ya aren't stuck shaving with a soap you think is "blegh! " for long.

Personally, I would first establish what exactly it is you are trying to achieve with switching products.

1. Try the effect of different core ingredients?
2. Try different scents?
3. Try variations of existing scents?
4. Try something out of the ordinary?
5. Save money?
6. Burn money?

That said, the list of "my soap is holier than thine" threads in here is endless. There simply is no definite answer.

There are some products which have been recommended for many years, for example Tabac. It is readily available, it is reasonably affordable, and it works reasonably well. Same for a lot of other industrially made soaps. Cheap, available, decent performance. Pick a scent you like, and you'll be good to go.

Then there are upstart products whose single defining characteristic seems to be hype. Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements being a prime example. The product is exactly as great as its predecessors, How To Grow A Moustache, and Petal Pusher Fancies. It is also, for all intents and purposes, made by the same quadrophenic individual whose background in special forces is as dubious as his soap making skills are limited. More bluntly put, these products are among the worst I have ever tried, and I have tried very, very many. Their scents are proletarian, their presentation is child-oriented, but worst of all, their performance is laughable. Utterly, utterly laughable. Any $3 supermarket soap will deliver better result. But for some strange reason, they have a lot of friends. On youtube, on facebook - their friends are everywhere. Given HTGAM's track record, and the rather interesting discussions with regards to his/her/its/their ethics, skills, and penchant for sailing close to the wind, this comes as a bit of a surprise to some.

However, there are a number of manufactured products which can be interesting if they fit your predator-prey system. Savonnerie du bon Berger from France, Dr K Soap Company from Ireland, Essence of Scotland and Scottish Fine Soaps, Haslinger and Esbjerg from Austria, Klar and Meißner Tremonia from Germany, Baume.be from Belgium. Thanks to the rather strict EU regulations, these shaving soaps have actually been tested for toxicology, so you can buy with confidence. Something which, unfortunately, is not the case with homebrews from other jurisdictions. Cyanide soap, anyone?

Poraso white and green is a great soap for me; also MWF is a staple as well; I also like as far as pastes are concerned is Godrej and now Musgo in lavendar; I also like Mama Bear soaps with glycerin content.

Originally Posted by Guidry

Hey all,

I'm looking into a few types of shaving soaps, so far I have come across a few I would like to try has anyoanyused theses?

The first one is Dr. John's legend of Anne bonny
The second one is maggard Orange menthol

And are there any that you would recommend?

Robin I notice you never pass on an opportunity to bash anything American, I don't know anything about the soaps your bashing , but there is a pattern to your critic, sometimes it's a little annoying. Lest you forget your country has its share of black moments, and if not for America your lifestyle would be quite different right now. Your expertise on all things shaving may be dubious in and of itself, or you are quite old to have tested all products know to man kind. But hey what do I know please keep bringing your ideas and theories and general rhetoric , it's very amusing at times too. I try to respect those who have helped me get out of the trouble I've been in, lest we never forget. But if you have tested everything known to mankind , it seems you might be able to give a judgment without the biased to German made products , or anywhere around your country. Have a wonderful day I'm sure there are more American made. Products for you to trash with without even thinking about . Tc

From trying a limited number of soaps, around 30 odd, I would have to say those were all basically "good" if you know how to make a lather. There have been none of those I couldn't get a decent shave with. There are some I like more than others but if someone else tried them they may not like them. You basically just have to try them out to find which suits you and your budget and that is where getting samples comes in as a good idea. Also. I would not let price be a major guideline as to what is good and what isn't.

Bob

Yah from reading all the comments on this I realize it will get me no were lol having only just tried one soap at this point and one cream I can atlrast say that the soap in my opinion was better so I think what I will do is buy 5-6 soap samples and see were that gets me lol

There are probably hundreds of soaps and creams out there. As a starting out point we would have to know the range you are looking for. Do you want basic stuff as in "it works" or do you want quality stuff or do you want the best? Do you prefer soap or creams? What scents do you like?