Thread: Williams Shaving Soap Users

For me Williams absolutely sucked. I think if you are trying to find a good value for the buck the VanDerslaugindaugin (or whatever) can be bought at Walmart for about the same price and lathers better. Still not great but better. I still used my puck of williams just because I didn't want to throw it away. But what doesn't work for me may be a Godsend to someone else.

I have used both Williams and VDH. Both preform well for me. I like the williams because of a neutral scent. I just picked up two puck today, that should last the rest of the year

I've been using Williams for the past week... So far I can't say that I'm very impressed...

I do like the aroma, however, it seems to dry rather quickly & tends to get "pasty" on the face... This is even mixing with cream and using plenty of water...

On the other hand... Maybe I just need to take a little more time with it...

I've used modern Williams with decent success. It does dry pretty quickly though. I usually need to relather the left side of my face after I'm done shaving the right (annoying). WHat I found that works well is to grate up a puck of Williams and a puck of VDH, mix them together and press them into a mug. The combo is outstanding, a definite synergy.

Is Williams the best soap for the money? Absolutely not. I buy Williams and VDH for $1.25 a puck. That works out to 0.025 cents per ounce for Williams and 0.017 cents/oz for VDH. However this is still not the best value in soap. Arko is the best. When bought in a case each stick works out to 0.016 cents/oz. And Arko is a much superior performer to both Williams and VDH.

I believe I have tried Vintage Williams. I found a half used puck in an old spice mug at an antique store. I thought it was OS soap, but it didn't perform like the OS puck I have so now I believe it is vintage williams. It is great. Far better than modern, by a long shot. Vintage Williams is one of the best soaps I have used. I will be buying some as soon as I can find it.

Originally Posted by STEVENMITCHELL

For me Williams absolutely sucked. I think if you are trying to find a good value for the buck the VanDerslaugindaugin (or whatever) can be bought at Walmart for about the same price and lathers better. Still not great but better. I still used my puck of williams just because I didn't want to throw it away. But what doesn't work for me may be a Godsend to someone else.

AGreeeed! When I tried Williams the first dozen times I tried it it was horrible for me. Old fashioned brand doesn't mean it's made the same...

Originally Posted by cudarunner

Hi All!

While I'm new to Straight Razors, I've wet shaved most all of my 57 year old life. I've been using Williams Shaving Soap Bars for over 25 years. Not the fanciest but it works well for me. In my area all of the larger chains have discontinued it (including Wal-Mart). I went to an Independent locally owned store and found that they carried it. Retail is $1.25 per bar. I contacted the store manager about buying in quantity. They come in a three pack. I ordered 10 3 packs. My cost was 85 cents per bar. The store is supplied by the Independent Grocers Association (IGA). I'm not sure if the distributor is in all areas of the US. just thought that I'd share the info!

Have you tried Van Der Hagen soaps?

Originally Posted by thevez2

I buy Williams and VDH for $1.25 a puck. That works out to 0.025 cents per ounce for Williams and 0.017 cents/oz for VDH. However this is still not the best value in soap. Arko is the best. When bought in a case each stick works out to 0.016 cents/oz.

Hey Vez, you might want to check your math.

Originally Posted by salazch

Have you tried Van Der Hagen soaps?

That's the stuff I use. I get it from Walgreens for a little less than $3 for a puck. It seems to lather well with the old boar's hair brush my Pappy gave me, and when I use the right amount of water, it doesn't dry out before I'm finished. I also like the smell.

Originally Posted by vthomlinson

this got me wondering... why is it that i can find williams at the cvs store 2 blocks from my house.. but i can't order it from any of the online vendors?

lol, I just bought my first puck tonight at a CVS!

Thank you for the info,
I too am a fan of Williams soap, I got one bar here in Canada from Walmart around 2 months ago for $1.80 plus tax.
I actually got a fancier looking Wilkinson Sword soap, but it can't hold a candle to williams when it comes to lather.