Thread: Mike's Natural Soaps

Shortly after starting wet shaving, a bit over 5 years ago, I saw Mike's Natural Soaps and thought I might want to give them a try. I never did, but recently was gifted a sample of Mike's Lime at the Denver Meet. Thanks boz!

I'm actually glad that it took this long to try the soap as I think that I now have a much better idea of what I like in a soap and I don't think that I would have fully appreciated Mike's so early in my wet shaving.

I find the lather very slick with a low cushion that I find as a plus. The scent is good and the strength of the scent is perfect IMO. Strong enough for my damaged nose to appreciate without being too strong. Post shave face feel is very good. Mike's strikes me as a simpler soap compared to some of the newer bases, but stacks up fine. I like!!!!

I've been using Mike's for nearly six years. At that time he was working on his Ph.D. in chemistry, and he continued making his soaps once that was completed. His formulation hasn't changed, he's remained a one-man shop, he only rarely introduces a new scent, and only recently changed from a tin to a plastic container. Nothing flashy and no outlandish scents, and I always know that i'll get a good shave from Mike's. Many other soap makers have come and gone in the past six years, but the quality of his product is evidence of his continued popularity.

One of the best soaps, available, and Mike is a superb gentleman.

This thread is a reminder of why we have so many soapmakers and even more soap formulations. Each of us has a unique combination of beard and skin type, so our lather preferences differ.

I have never used Mike's Natural soaps and based on Vic's "low cushion" comment, I probably will avoid purchasing them. I have very sensitive skin and prefer my lather to provide a cushion between the blade and my skin to minimize irritation. However, for those who skin is less sensitive than mine, I can understand how a soap with "low cushion" might allow for a closer shave as the blade will glide closer to the surface of the skin. The only lather property some folks require is great slickness.

I have always wondered how some folks love soaps and creams that I hate, but I am starting to understand. When watching shaving videos, I now put more faith in those reviewers who skin type and beard type are similar to mine. If they love a soap, I probably will also as my preferences tend to be similar to theirs. Reviewers whose beard and skin are significantly different than mine may recommend soaps that just do not work for me.

When I post comments about soaps, I now qualify my response with my beard and skin type as it puts my comments in context. My recommendations are likely to work for people with tough beards and sensitive skin.

Love Mike's. His scents are spot on, he let's his product speak for itself and he makes it available in pucks. I like his low key sales approach to. Just announces availability and that's it.

I recently tried Mike's. I've been straight razoring for a couple of years and used whatever I could find in the stores locally (junk) plus some locally made stuff. I finally decided to bit the bullet and try what I thought would be a good soap (no one ever taught me, so...). Anyway I ordered some Mike's. The thick foam - wow! I wish someone had told me before what a difference a good soap makes. I do wish the scent lingered more as I like it, but I have been really impressed with his soaps - and his service was fast. I am going to venture out and try other soaps now that I'd discovered that it's a thing.