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I was just curious because I didn't see any threads discussing this.
I use to make my own body soap and it was better than any thing from the store. It was made from coconut oil, avocado oil, and a little olive oil. Plus what ever essence oil you like. I would also use sheep's milk and sometimes oatmeal. All of the oils would probably be a good pre/post shave balm if you added a little Shea butter and bees wax. Any way, It may be worth a try after I find a good one to emulate.
Matt
Try a search in the soap forum here. I'm sure some guys make their own and are willing to share recipes. Lately I've been making soap concoctions to use up all the leftover crap I have in my shave cabinet. About the only thing I haven't used is Lava or Go-Jo. For me, if it makes a lather, it goes on my face to shave.
I toyed with the idea but with so many great choices out there already I didn't think that I could improve on anything. I figured that it would be expensive trial and error just to find a formula that even works.
That's a good point. When I make my soap I get 24 8oz bars. It would take me a life time if I made the same amount of shave soap.
I recently started dealing with a soap maker, called "Love my skin" I really like the soaps, and the lathers but speaking of making your own soaps, I noticed an interested ingredient here:
Kaolin Clay!
At first I thought nothing of it, but I remember correctly, part of the reason cutting cardboard with my pocket knives dull the edge is because the cardboard has silica, and clay in it. So its basically like cutting through a mild abrasive. So running your razor on your face with kaolin clay in your soap would be very similar would it not?
From what little I know about soapmaking (especially that of shaving soap), the clay is an integral part of the mixture. I cannot remember whether it helps you produce a nice thick lather or makes it slicker, but it is important.Quote:
Originally Posted by glytch5
The clay is used to help the razor glide over the face. I would think it would dull the razor but no more than your facial hair does.
hmmm okay... I found that interesting though. Hope your right, because i'm loving this soaps with this clay in them.
Are you planning on a melt and pour soap or starting from scratch with lye and fatty acids?
I would do a hot process from scratch. Although, I guess I could melt some soap I made already and as the clay.
There's now another thread on the topic. You'll just have to come up with a good recipe. Keep in mind that most shave soap has a higher amount of KOH than bar soap to make it softer, a better beard softener and to lather better. I'm not sure what you're using to create your soap recipes, but soapcalc might be useful if you're going to give it a whirl. There's probably some shaving soap artisans around here somewhere on this forum.
Thanks uzi. I may still give it a try. I don't really make liquid soap so I don't have any KOH. I was planning an super fating the recipe. I should, in theory I have never done it, make a softer bar. It should also leave the skin with enough extra oil to keep it soft, but again it is only my theory.