Thread: MWF -vs- TABAC

Ok the easiest way to make this decision is what can you afford. Tabac is far cheaper, comes in a nice jar with excellent fit. The MWF fit in the jar is terrible in my opinion. Tabac smell is not that great but does not offend me (I smell far worse at times). Tabac lathers up great with boar or badger brush, NWF takes a little more work. I can use a badger brush on either one, just hold the bristles to stiffen them up.

So what can you afford. I recommend just cough up the cash, they will not go to waste.


Crom

Originally Posted by Obie

My dear Scipio:

I have used both Mitchell's Wool Fat and Tabac, and like both. I no longer have Tabac; I think I tired of it. Here are some random thoughts on how they perform for me, knowing they might be different for other gentlemen:

1. Tabac always gave me more luxurious lather that also spread with a smoother surface. Mitchell's Wool Fat I don't think matches the richness in Tabac's lather. Also MWF lacks the smoothness of the lather and tends to create little puffs of rich lather. I would compare the smoothness of the lather between the two soaps to asphalt and little hills. Tabac is asphalt and MWF little hills. Both will take you to the same place, though....

I was going to say this, and expected to be the only one. Tabacs lather really is very nice.

Really, you can't go wrong with either one, it really boils down to odor, or at least it does for me. MWF has none that I can smell, and tabac has what I consider to be a brash/crass smell. The fact that I still keep it around and use it at all is pretty much a testament to how well it works, but I do use the MWF much more often.

Just received a puck of MWF. Rapid postage by sheep lover, or sheep delight on ebay!

This definately has a floral scent to it that I have noted just by sniffing the puck. I havent yet tried it, waiting for tonight's shave. Will keep you posted.

i have both both nice soaps. i love the mitchells soap bowl. they both lather up fine. i prefer mitchell's. why it just seems better on my skin. I also like taylors soap. i will stick with mitchells and taylors .

Tabac wins.


Mwf is hard to lather and can fade on your face way too easily, imo. Plus tabac refills are about ten dollars.

Tabac lathered nicely for me but caused a strange reaction on my face. MWF takes the cake for me, pun intended.

Both Tabac and MWF are (so far) my 2 regular soaps.
I've tried TOBS and find it to irritate my skin a little.
Both Tabac and MWF suit my skin for some reason and provide me with a good lather. I don't have any problems getting a good creamy lather with MWF like some have experienced.
In fact, I'd say it lathers up faster than the Tabac does, but that could have a lot to do with the soft water we have here in Manchester.
Here's a pdf link for UK members who might like to know what the water is like in their area. Guide to UK Water Hardness

Love both of these soaps, but if I had to choose between the two, then I'd keep the MWF.

Thanks for all your replies. It seems MWF is the winner, as all except for one prefer it. That doesn't mean I am ignoring the one, far from it, but I have already received and used the MWF.

I can tell this puck is the type that lasts ages. Well over a year by impression upon first use.

Scent wise it is very soapy, with floral hints to it, although these become less apparent once the lather has settled and the shave is in progression.

I had no problem achieving a lather, despite the recent stories that have almost rendered MWF infamous for being difficult to lather, but this is not surprising as I am in the north of England near to where the soap was designed and produced.

I achieved a lather, but will work on it next time as I believe it could have been better. The moisturising was great, but the particular blade I was using could do with visiting the Escher.

All in all it is good soap, but I prefer a stronger scent and better cushion, the latter preference likely to be a result of inexperience with MWF rather than a criticism to its capability.

I can see why people mix this with creams. I think Castle Forbes lime would go very well, or Penhalligon's Blenheim Bouquet

Since i purchased a new denser brush(thater) I have not had any problems with MWF. I think the hardess of the puck is what throws people off it.

Anymore I use either MWF or Alraz's cream. I very rarely use anything else and have been slowly getting rid of other items.

Both Tabac and MWF are excellent soaps to shave with. Tabac is slightly more forgiving if you should add just a little to much water when making your lather. If you add too much water with MWF, your lather will be all but ruined. Nothing that adding a little more soap would cure, but with a litle experience, you get the knack of adding just the right amount of water. If that is accomplished, IMHO, the shave experience with MWF is just a little more satisfying than Tabac. Don't get me wrong, Tabac has a great, unique fragrance. Much more masculine of a scent, but MWF's softer fragrance seems to make the shave more relaxing.