First time to use MWF

After reading several threads about Mitchell's Wool Fat, I decided to break down and buy a puck. I'll admit I was a little apprehensive because some people seem to indicate that it could be a little finicky about lathering. Maybe my water is just right, or maybe the stars were properly aligned, but it performed outstandingly. I normally ublerlather but decided to see what MWF would do on it's own with bowl lathering. After about 3 minutes of whipping, it exploded and was threatening to fly out of the bowl. It built up a rich, creamy lather. I love the subtle fragrance and the glide/cushion was fantastic. It is definitely worth the expense to me.

I can't say it has replaced Martin de Candre as my top soap, but it's not far behind.

I've heard nothing but good things about MWF. Just that its a bit hard and requires a bit of backbone in the brush but lathers wonderfully. Some guys lather up with it just to wash their face, since it moisturizes beautifully. Not sure if it would ever replace MdC, but a much more viable option for those not wanting to spring for a soap over the $70 range. I've heard of alot of guys buying it without the glass jar to cut down on the cost, too. Larry at whippeddog sells 'bouts' of it for cheap, too.

MWF was the first soap I used when I started shaving with a straight almost three years ago. I still use it and love it. I find it lathers easier and better if you grate it and press it into a mug.

It grows on you.. First time. I used it i wasn't impressed for the price. But when you learn how to use it correctly, it becomes the go to creme. Plus it lasts forever.

Gentlemen: I find Mitchell's Wool Fat superb in every way. It has all the essential requirements for a first-tier shave soap: lather, glide, cushion, and silk — the silk is the blanket it leaves on the face after the shave. I have used the soap regularly for a number of years. There's only one problem: With a stack of Mitchell's Wool Fat tucked away in the shave den closet, what if the world comes to an end? Maybe I should round up a few more pucks, eh?

MWF is a top 3 soap for me (alongside MdC and AOS). I've never had issues lathering it either, but maybe my water is just right. I always make sure to load a lot of product with all my soaps though, so that I never have an issue of an under loaded brush.

In terms of moisturizing - it is the best hands down. Try out their bath soap as well as I find it fantastic.

I do not understand why people think MWF is expensive. Surely one must look at these things on a cost-per-shave basis to make cost comparisons?

Perhaps Lee (hoglahoo) can correct my memory if I am off here, but he sent me one cake of MWF around 18 months ago I think. Since then I have used no other soap or cream product, and have shaved on average once per day - assuming I am right about when Lee sent the soap, that's about 550 shaves so far (there is still some of the soap left).

So, based on the initial cost of the soap, and dividing by 550 shaves, it has cost me 0.00 per shave. Well, I got the soap for free - you guys need to do some harder math. :p

I am seriously not joking about the longevity of this soap. I swear it must be 18 months.
James.

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Originally Posted by Jimbo

I do not understand why people think MWF is expensive.

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The same reason a straight looks expensive. Most people no longer budget or make money decisions based on length of investment. If they did the mortgage backed securities that went kerflooey a few years back never would have happened.
And especially to the new wet shaver who has recently thrown what feels like a large chunk of change at shaving, a 20-50 (depending if you get the puck or fancy bowl with it) seems crazy when you can get VDH and Williams for under $3. Or mama bear or bigelow for $10.
I haven't yet had the opportunity to yet mwf because SWMBO saw the price tag of the stuff in the fancy holder and thought I had gone more insane than usual.

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Originally Posted by Obie

Gentlemen: I find Mitchell's Wool Fat superb in every way. It has all the essential requirements for a first-tier shave soap: lather, glide, cushion, and silk — the silk is the blanket it leaves on the face after the shave. I have used the soap regularly for a number of years. There's only one problem: With a stack of Mitchell's Wool Fat tucked away in the shave den closet, what if the world comes to an end? Maybe I should round up a few more pucks, eh?

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Note to self: He may not be speaking ex cathedra, but if Obie likes it this much, I need some.

We have very hard water here. My MWF makes lather like crazy, even with cold water. Great stuff. A must have.

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Originally Posted by GeauxLSU

MWF was the first soap I used when I started shaving with a straight almost three years ago. I still use it and love it. I find it lathers easier and better if you grate it and press it into a mug.

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Milling always enhances the performance of soaps.. It's a great way to really amplify the qualities...

Actually MWF is only expensive if you order it stateside... there are plenty of online sops in england you can order from and it's not half as bad..

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Originally Posted by Jimbo

I am right

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Yes you are. In fact, research has shown that you have a greater chance of being struck by lightning than you do of using up a puck of MWF in less than 18 months.

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Originally Posted by LinacMan

Maybe my water is just right, or maybe the stars were properly aligned

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My water must be perfect and the stars aligned too, Greg :) The bang for the buck was great for me; I know it isn't the same for everyone so I hope nobody mistakenly reads any undue hype into my enthusiasm and undying praise for this particular product. However, Greg, when your martin defancyword runs out, you will be faced with a tough decision. I don't know whether the wool fat actually delivers a "sweet and unctuous cream" as martin's promises (unction? what is that, one of the holy sacrements?), but it will make your face baby bum soft before you even start shaving with it. Yes, that is how moisturizing it is

Enjoy your buttery smooth skin for at least the next 18 months. I know your wife will. (She loves mine - just kidding - or am I?)

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Originally Posted by hoglahoo

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Enjoy your buttery smooth skin for at least the next 18 months. I know your wife will. (She loves mine - just kidding - or am I?)

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There you go. Irrefutable proof.

When your shaves are sucking deeply
And you don't know what to do
Grab a puck of all that's sheep-ly
"It'll last you months!" says Hoglahoo! (C) Jimbo Poetry Corporation, 2011

James.

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Originally Posted by LinacMan

After reading several threads about Mitchell's Wool Fat, I decided to break down and buy a puck. I'll admit I was a little apprehensive because some people seem to indicate that it could be a little finicky about lathering. Maybe my water is just right, or maybe the stars were properly aligned, but it performed outstandingly.

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This account could very well have been me 2 years ago. I wasn't sure what to expect at first, but I was getting good lather right out of the gate. I've since developed my own tricks to get the best lather from this soap, so the stories of it being a 'difficult soap' aren't really my experience at all. I do find that it benefits from extra brush loading time, and it is a water hog so don't be shy with the H2O.

BTW - Like I said above, my puck is over 2 years old now and (though it's part of my rotation) the thing is barely dished. So speaking from an economy standpoint that puck will be with me for some time.....

forget the quality of the soap, the ceramic dish alone is worth the cost :)

Heheheh believe it or not it doesn't take much lanolin at all to make a puck of soap super moisturizing.. It is actually great stuff all around.. if you can get your hands on the pure Lanolin (as they have proven that the non refined lanolin actually can cause allergies).. just put a dab on a cotton ball and give your face a POST SHAVE coating.. very thin (it's thick stuff) just before you jump into a shower, THEN turn around and shave with some MWF.. As a Soaper I always have the stuff, and we use Lanolin on all kinds of skin issues.. even when my son had Diaper rash and the standard A&D didn't work.. I was experimenting with post shave oils like Jojoba and lanolin.. Then top it off with MWF?... Heh my face was SMOOOOOOOTH for days.. and I have that Post Salty I was out to sea too much skin too..

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Originally Posted by DerekC

I've heard of alot of guys buying it without the glass jar to cut down on the cost, too.

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Although I think the jar is cool, I skipped it because SWMBO has been taking pottery classes and is eager to keep me supplied in shaving soap containers. For $20, she can make a bunch of cool containers, albeit without the old-fashioned MWF script on top.

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Originally Posted by Obie

...what if the world comes to an end? Maybe I should round up a few more pucks, eh?

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Obie, I too share in this paranoia. That's why I bought another MdC with the group buy a few weeks back. At the rate I'm using the jar I bought in Paris, I should finish it off a day or two before I shuffle off this mortal coil. But then, who knows, science may find the key to aging, and then where would I be? What if MdC goes out of business????? All sorts of horrors are imaginable. I'd better start hoarding MWF too - time to make another order!

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Originally Posted by Jimbo

I do not understand why people think MWF is expensive. Surely one must look at these things on a cost-per-shave basis to make cost comparisons?

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James,

Yes, the cost-per-shave basis is the best way to make financial comparisons. How can I argue with you? You're Mr. Fancypants University Statistician:). However, my I be so bold as to point out that statistics, cost analysis, and the like are highly logical disciplines. Many of the gentlemen in this straight shaving community have to deal with their SWMBO's, and, well, quite frankly, as we all know, in these situations logic simply doesn't apply. (Of course, dear, I'm not talking about you if you're reading this. I'm talking about OTHER women!)

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Originally Posted by Jimbo

Perhaps Lee (hoglahoo) can correct my memory if I am off here
James.

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James, we all know you're "off", but that's another topic for another thread...:p

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Originally Posted by hoglahoo

However, Greg, when your martin defancyword runs out, you will be faced with a tough decision.

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See above. I'm already beginning the hoarding process. When MdC and/or Mitchell's go out of business, you'll be glad that Obie and I like you:)

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Originally Posted by hoglahoo

Enjoy your buttery smooth skin for at least the next 18 months. I know your wife will. (She loves mine - just kidding - or am I?)

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I wondered why she's been smelling like MWF lately. Consider this "Strike One". Two more, and you're off the Post-Apocalypse MdC & MWF I'm-Sharing-With-My-Best-Buddies list.

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Originally Posted by Jimbo

(C) Jimbo Poetry Corporation, 2011

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I'd keep that day job if I were you, mate;)

I am a late comer to this thread; I have read nothing but accolades about MWF so I followed the vox populi and bought a puck two years ago; guys this is great stuff! and it last a loooong time, I still have a half a puck left. HOG

MWF is awesome. I am a creams guy, and keep a puck of MWF around because it is so great. It's only expensive if you get the dish. I have mine in a mug. You can get the "refill" puck for $13 at West Coast Shaving.