The Obie Memorial First Tier Soaps and Creams Thread.

I often don't agree with soap reviews and have a large box of soaps that were lathered once and will never be lathered again to prove it. However, the above reviews of Oleo's soaps are spot on, and they are marvelous soaps and are easily Tier 3. Oleo's soaps are so easy to lather, they are nearly fool proof, and provide a rich, slick lather with plenty of cushion and a terrific post shave slickness. I've been enjoying Very Cherry and Old Orchard Cider, and have New City and Irving Park on order, and I'm tempted to order all of them, as they are that good. Oleo's balms are as nice as his soaps, and come in a very generous container and at a reasonable price.

Will someone please explain/define what is meant by "cushion?" "Rich & Slick" I understand but am I too insensitive to grasp "Cushion?"

Take a little lather between your thumb and forefinger and lightly squeeze it.
The more it pushes back, the denser it is, hence more cushion. Kinda like squeezing a mini marshmallow.
Some soap has lots, and some has little. It's like having padding between the blade and your face. That's why most guys want all the cushion that they can get.

Pete <:-}

Thank you, Pete. I love taking on more knowledge and skills.

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Originally Posted by petercp4e

Take a little lather between your thumb and forefinger and lightly squeeze it.
The more it pushes back, the denser it is, hence more cushion. Kinda like squeezing a mini marshmallow.
Some soap has lots, and some has little. It's like having padding between the blade and your face. That's why most guys want all the cushion that they can get.

Pete <:-}

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Very nice explanation, Pete. I generally think that cushion is something that is difficult to describe, but is something you know when you have it while shaving.

So all in all "cushion" s merely how dense you can make a soap's/cream's lather. That may or may not be a property of the soap/cream but possibly also the person trying to produce the lather. Then it becomes which one fails, the product or the person trying to make the lather.

Bob

Windsor is THE soap for me. I have a cabinet full thanks to this thread, but that is one I can go back to after a month and alway remember why its on top. The Windsor splash is excellent as well.

TOBS Sandalwood is like this for me as also, love it. don't care for the splash tho.

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Originally Posted by AKmik

Windsor is THE soap for me. I have a cabinet full thanks to this thread, but that is one I can go back to after a month and alway remember why its on top. The Windsor splash is excellent as well.

TOBS Sandalwood is like this for me as also, love it. don't care for the splash tho.

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It's nice to have a go-to soap. For the past four years mine have been Mike's Barbershop and C&S No. 88, I use them weekly, never tire of them, and are what I compare other soaps to. However, I also have fun trying a variety of soaps and scents, and occasionally find one that can hold it's own with my favorites. I'll have to give Windsor a try.

I'll take a swing at my favorites...

Anything by Grooming Dept.

Yes, that is my list.

It is far and away the best I've ever used. And I've used many over the years.

I'm particularly fond of the vegan soaps they have. Not because I'm vegan by any means. I've always favored tallow soaps. But there is something special to their vegan soaps. Their tallow soaps are also very good.

If it were possible, this would be higher than 1st tier. It is super slick and protective. But what sets it miles apart is the after the shave feel. Never have I experienced a soap that makes my face feel so good. It easily lasts till the next day.

It is all I've used since I bought it.

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Originally Posted by Learner

Will someone please explain/define what is meant by "cushion?" "Rich & Slick" I understand but am I too insensitive to grasp "Cushion?"

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Learner,

In essence, cushion is the protection that the lather provides for your skin. That is the general definition of "cushion," at least in my opinion — skin protection. After all, we have sharp steel scraping the skin, and that skin needs to be protected. That is what the lather should do. Obviously, some soaps and creams provide better protection than others.