Thread: The Soap Rotation

Originally Posted by RayClem

I have enough soaps for a two-month rotation. I have a variety including top artisans like WK, DG, Noble Otter, A&E. I have some of the old standards like PdP, DRH, TOBS, GFT. I have some inexpensive soaps and creams like VDH, Williams, and Cremo. I do not follow a strict rotation be use whichever strikes my fancy on a given day. The only time I use the soap several days in a row is when I am trying a new soap base and have difficulty dialing in the lather.

I keep a database of my soaps with date last used as well as scent and performance information. Every time I shave I reevaluate the scent and performance of the soap, updating the database if necessary. The reason I do this is that i find my perception of a scent may change over time or with the season. Also performance ratings can change. Many of the artisans have really upped their game over the past couple of years. As I have added some of these new improved soaps to my den, my criteria for an elite soap have changed.

Man, I would love to read over your evaluations... I bet others would too. And yes, without a doubt, some soaps are more seasonal. Some scents are universal... I'm kind of hunting for those now. I find for me, that's a soapy scent if that makes sense. But it's kind of like a blue baser and grey pants. Every man should have one lol. The Yellow golf jacket comes later.

I have only three soaps in the rotation. I use a different one each shave. But I do use the same razor and brush for a month. I agree that using the same tools for a while helps me better understand their differences.

I have my soaps in two groups. One group are soaps actively being used and I use them on a random basis. The other are pretty much in storage. Every month or so I take one of the storage soaps and put it in the active group and retire the previous transplant back to storage.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I have my soaps in two groups. One group are soaps actively being used and I use them on a random basis. The other are pretty much in storage. Every month or so I take one of the storage soaps and put it in the active group and retire the previous transplant back to storage.

That’s an idea. You must have a lot of soaps lol!

I buy a soap and if it is acceptable I use it until it is gone. If I think I can do better I will change then.

My last purchase was a kilo of Cella. Even after giving half away I have been using that for a while!

Originally Posted by 32t

I buy a soap and if it is acceptable I use it until it is gone. If I think I can do better I will change then.

My last purchase was a kilo of Cella. Even after giving half away I have been using that for a while!

Wow!! So you are that guy they make that kilo bar for!!

I have a few that I know I really like and a bunch that I keep trying to like, but can’t quite get there. Unfortunately, I’m not as organized as some and usually remember I didn’t really like the scent or the glide or the after shave feel until I lather it up. I’m beginning to think I should just keep the ones I really enjoy and leave the rest at the pay it forward table at a meet up.

And then I read about a soap, cream or croap I haven’t tried and start to obsess about trying it out just in case ... I don’t think I have SAD, but I could easily develop it.

Life is to short to use poor soap.

Toss the stuff or use it in the shower.

Just because it has gotten good reviews if you don't like it toss it.

It is easy to get on the SAD train, bringing on the need to buy/try every soap that has good feedback from others (ask me how I know). This does give a nice field of view and a better understanding of what is out there. It also helps dial in what pushes your buttons.

That said, I agree that there is no reason to use something which is average in anything which you find important. To me, performance is part of it, I also really enjoy the fragrance and the post shave I get from a soap/cream.

As far as how I rotate between my many, and growing, options, it is solely what speaks to me that day. No need to use one for X # of times to "learn" it. No one, two, three, etc. and next. For me, it is completely random how to make the daily choice.

Originally Posted by DZEC

I have a few that I know I really like and a bunch that I keep trying to like, but can’t quite get there. Unfortunately, I’m not as organized as some and usually remember I didn’t really like the scent or the glide or the after shave feel until I lather it up. I’m beginning to think I should just keep the ones I really enjoy and leave the rest at the pay it forward table at a meet up.

And then I read about a soap, cream or croap I haven’t tried and start to obsess about trying it out just in case ... I don’t think I have SAD, but I could easily develop it.

I go through bursts where I just can’t hold back. But I think from now on I’m going to stop buying things that are just good deals, or today’s flavor of the day. I’ve prepared a list of soaps I want, and I’m going to try to stick to it.

Oh and, I’ve given quite a few soaps away - it’s a good idea!

Originally Posted by 32t

Life is to short to use poor soap.

Toss the stuff or use it in the shower.

Just because it has gotten good reviews if you don't like it toss it.

I’ve never thought of using a soap as a... soap. Maybe I’ll try it.