Quote Originally Posted by flteng View Post
Is there really a difference in shaving soaps? I use a mug and brush and a soap available at the local store. I can tell the difference in commercially available shave creams and gels but what about cake soap.
Yes....

Shave soaps differ a lot.

There are two types. Those that melt
and those that do not.

The glycerin soaps tend to be clear as well
as melt. They are easy to make and will
come in all possible fragrances. The fragrance
free hypoallergenic versions get used a lot here.

The hard milled soaps do not melt
and are harder to manufacture in
all possible fragrances. The old brand
names are well balanced and do not irritate my
skin.

Fragrances matter to some of us. I have
allergies and react to a lot of fragrances.
I have found that the old names and
old style hard milled soaps with subtle scents
work for me. The glycerin soaps with
big blasts of fragrance do not.

Glycerine soaps like creams seem to lather better
for beginners and are less temperamental.

Hard milled old brand name soaps give me
a better shave when I take the time
to build a good lather. If I am lazy or
in a hurry I add a pea size bit of Proraso or
Erasmic to the top of the wet puck.

Two hints for beginners.

1) Grab a puck of old school
Williams shave soap and a cheep boar brush.
Learn to lather with that and the big double
doors of lathering open for you.

Tinker, too much water, too little, too hot
too cold, this way that way... wear out
half a puck of Williams tinkering, it can be
the best $10 you spend... and the brush
will last for a decade+.

2) buy the refill puck of a soap and try it.
The fancy wood or ceramic bowl can double
or triple the price if you just wish to try a
puck of soap. If you like it a lot get the
fancy bowl of soap when you run low.

--
There are a lot of good ones out there...
Have fun.
Tom