Thread: Institut Karite shave soap initial impression

Got to try this veggie base shaving soap out for the first time this morning. I face lathered it using an SOC 2 band badger brush and cold water. Bottom line, it allowed for a close comfortable 4 pass shave using a straight razor.

It lathered easily, was slick enough and left my face feeling fine as you would expect from a shave soap that contains shea butter. The scent is mild and clean, not the least bit offensive. I think it is a very nice shave soap.

Bob,

I agree with you on this soap. I have used it for years and find it an excellent product for any shave den. Along with you, I highly recommend the soap. It's also reasonably priced.

By the way, the Institute Karite aftershave balm is also exceptionally good.

Originally Posted by Obie

Bob,

I agree with you on this soap. I have used it for years and find it an excellent product for any shave den. Along with you, I highly recommend the soap. It's also reasonably priced.

By the way, the Institute Karite aftershave balm is also exceptionally good.

I shaved the previous morning with the same combination except that I used Arko instead and got a similar result. I would say the same of Arko minus the comments on the scent and shea butter aspect of Institut Karite. I also consider Arko a very nice soap. I'd happily use either.

I am only saying this to underline that I have a wider interpretation of what a nice shave soap is. Basically if it does not get in the way of me having a close and comfortable 4 pass shave with a straight razor it is a very nice soap. Granted some are a little nicer than others but usually not by huge margins for me.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

...I am only saying this to underline that I have a wider interpretation of what a nice shave soap is. Basically if it does not get in the way of me having a close and comfortable 4 pass shave with a straight razor it is a very nice soap. Granted some are a little nicer than others but usually not by huge margins for me.

Bob

Nice review, I like the way you think.

I've never used Institut Karite soap, but I love the scent of the AS balm. We live in a golden age of shaving soaps, so many now are so good and pass your "nice shave soap" criteria in my experience that scent has become one of the few differentiators for me.

I used to think quality of lather was another, but I've abandoned even that because I have seen guys on youtube get a-m-a-z-i-n-g lather from soaps that were average performers for me. I used to swear that tallow was the secret sauce, until I found some veg/shea soaps that outperformed it. So like a lot of other things shaving related and in life, "It's the indian, not the arrow."