Thread: Colgate Palmolive Barber Soap

Hey All,
Was doing some spring cleaning a couple of weeks ago and came across this roll of Colgate Barber Shave Soap. It's not something I had ever seen before, so I asked my Dad-in-law about it. He said it was probably his dad's or granddad's soap because they both used Colgate. I wanted to find out how old this would be if it belonged to my granddad's or great granddad's generation. Based on the research I have done it would probably be post 1950 since it says "Colgate Palmolive" on the puck. And it would be pre 1970's since there is no barcode on the packaging. Does anyone have any better thoughts on dating this? Also, would it still shave? I've found differing opinions on the usefulness of pucks this old so I'm wondering if I should use it, sale it, or trash it. Thanks!

Use it. I have used similar aged pucks of both Williams and Colgate and they performed well.

The only issue I can think of is that the fats might have gone off, but that would be immediately evident from a sniff test. So assuming it doesn't smell like decaying dead animal, go for it!

Thanks for the thoughts Gents. It has no smell. So maybe I'll try it some time... If I can bring myself to 'mess up' something vintage like this.

Originally Posted by Charlie416

Thanks for the thoughts Gents. It has no smell. So maybe I'll try it some time... If I can bring myself to 'mess up' something vintage like this.

Sometimes the smell doesn't become apparent until it's lathered.

Smooth shaving!

Originally Posted by Charlie416

Thanks for the thoughts Gents. It has no smell. So maybe I'll try it some time... If I can bring myself to 'mess up' something vintage like this.

You could always get some art foam or something, carve out the appropriate size and shape to mimic the soap, and then wrap that with the packaging and use the soap.

You'd get a nice display piece and be able to use the soap!