The Obie Memorial First Tier Soaps and Creams Thread.

[ultrasoundguy2003]

This has been some great reading - I have spent a lot of effort in looking at the soaps in the last few weeks and like many others - only wish it was read some time ago. I have little experience in the intensity of how I approach using my soaps and I clearly haven't explored the depths of this part of the shaving process.

This will definitely point me in the right direction. Thank you for your efforts Obie - in both producing and keeping up to date.
Now - just what to do with the tier 3's and unmentioned items.

Monthly Give Away. Send them to Bill the giveaway dude.

[Druid]

This has been some great reading - I have spent a lot of effort in looking at the soaps in the last few weeks and like many others - only wish it was read some time ago. I have little experience in the intensity of how I approach using my soaps and I clearly haven't explored the depths of this part of the shaving process.

This will definitely point me in the right direction. Thank you for your efforts Obie - in both producing and keeping up to date.
Now - just what to do with the tier 3's and unmentioned items.

I made up two parcels and donated about 5 soaps each to gents new to the game. I paid shipping also.

Many kindnesses were shown to me when I started out, and the variety opened up a whole new world for me ... I hope it does the same for others.

[OCDshaver]

This has been some great reading - I have spent a lot of effort in looking at the soaps in the last few weeks and like many others - only wish it was read some time ago. I have little experience in the intensity of how I approach using my soaps and I clearly haven't explored the depths of this part of the shaving process.

This will definitely point me in the right direction. Thank you for your efforts Obie - in both producing and keeping up to date.
Now - just what to do with the tier 3's and unmentioned items.

When evaluating soaps I say forget the name. Forget the packaging. Forget the price. Forget hype. And forget the scent. Focus on the lather. All of the soaps mentioned will get you a lather. But look at the quality of the lather and take notice of what soaps are consistently associated with comfortable shaves. For me, I've found that doing all of this has helped me weed out the soaps that were ok and zero in on the ones that were really good. And they weren't the ones I thought I'd like the most. Obviously if the scent makes you gag, pass on that one. But by focusing closely on the quality of the lather, you can rip through a lot of samples and dismiss A LOT of them quickly.

[Badgister]

I used to have a larger rotation of soaps and creams going on, now it consists of two soaps, Martin de Candre original and Penhaligon's Bayolea.

Both produce a fantastic luxurious lather, although MDC has got to be the fattiest vegetal shaving soap I have ever tried.


Call me boring, but I may eventually just stick to one soap I like most.

On a side note, how does Martin de Candre compare to Klar in a tin?

[Druid]

I used to have a larger rotation of soaps and creams going on, now it consists of two soaps, Martin de Candre original and Penhaligon's Bayolea.

Both produce a fantastic luxurious lather, although MDC has got to be the fattiest vegetal shaving soap I have ever tried.


Call me boring, but I may eventually just stick to one soap I like most.

On a side note, how does Martin de Candre compare to Klar in a tin?

This is the direction I'm headed also!

I had alot and gave away alot. I now feel the need to pare down further so I can just use my most favored selections.

[Obie]

Badgister and Druid,

I, too, am slowly reducing my soap and cream rotation. Many will not be renewed. For instance, Tabac, Mitchell's Wool Fat, Green Mountain, Lea, Mondial, Saponificio Varesino, Le Pere Lucien (this one's starting to burn my skin, for some reason), Baum.Be, among others. Castle Forbes, Xpec, Santa Maria Novella, Esbjerg, D.R. Harris Arlington, Czech & Speak, Klar Seifen and Martin de Candre will remain. In the end, some of these might go, too.

Badgister, Martin de Candre and Klar Seifen are different in their respective way, although both are superb soaps. Klar has a pleasing floral fragrance, and it lathers beautifully. The Fragrances in Martin de Candre are more earthy. Klar Seifen's after the shave feel is a wee bit more comfortable. Martin de Candre has a tendency to leave the skin slightly dry after the shave. At least it does mine. Klar Seifen is a winner of a soap all around, although I must re-evaluate the aftershave properties. I dare say, though, Czech & Speak is on the same level as these two.

[Phrank]

Badgister and Druid,

I, too, am slowly reducing my soap and cream rotation. Many will not be renewed. For instance, Tabac, Mitchell's Wool Fat, Green Mountain, Lea, Mondial, Saponificio Varesino, Le Pere Lucien (this one's starting to burn my skin, for some reason), Baum.Be, among others. Castle Forbes, Xpec, Santa Maria Novella, Esbjerg, D.R. Harris Arlington, Czech & Speak, Klar Seifen and Martin de Candre will remain. In the end, some of these might go, too.

Badgister, Martin de Candre and Klar Seifen are different in their respective way, although both are superb soaps. Klar has a pleasing floral fragrance, and it lathers beautifully. The Fragrances in Martin de Candre are more earthy. Klar Seifen's after the shave feel is a wee bit more comfortable. Martin de Candre has a tendency to leave the skin slightly dry after the shave. At least it does mine. Klar Seifen is a winner of a soap all around, although I must re-evaluate the aftershave properties. I dare say, though, Czech & Speak is on the same level as these two.

Ahhh, so another one to add after expecting my Endymion to arrive tomorrow.

So this Klar Seifen shaving soap in a tin, are we speaking of the Classic, the sport, or the sandalwood?

I'll wait before I place my order...

[Obie]

Ahhh, so another one to add after expecting my Endymion to arrive tomorrow.

So this Klar Seifen shaving soap in a tin, are we speaking of the Classic, the sport, or the sandalwood?

I'll wait before I place my order...

Phrank,
It is the Classic. I have not tried the other ones. The Classic is exceptional.
By the way, I still like Klar Kabinett, which is no longer made. This is a rose scented barber soap that is a delight. I think I have it in the Second Tier.
But Klar Seifen Classic is exceptional. Good stuff.

[Phrank]

Phrank,
It is the Classic. I have not tried the other ones. The Classic is exceptional.
By the way, I still like Klar Kabinett, which is no longer made. This is a rose scented barber soap that is a delight. I think I have it in the Second Tier.
But Klar Seifen Classic is exceptional. Good stuff.

Thank-you Obie...the Klar Seifen Classic it is.

And Fendrihan Canada thanks you as well....

[lloydw]

I made up two parcels and donated about 5 soaps each to gents new to the game. I paid shipping also.

Many kindnesses were shown to me when I started out, and the variety opened up a whole new world for me ... I hope it does the same for others.

Good idea - was thinking about these ideas of monthly giveaways or donations. I only really have soaps slightly used and I see the monthly giveaway wants these new. I will contact bill and see if I can work something out or find someone in the forum.
Thanks again