Informal Poll: What soap should I buy?

Hello all. As I have said before, I've found much greater success with creams than soaps. However, I have an Amazon gift card that I received as a Christmas gift, and I would like to use it to get a nice soap to experiment with. The card is for $15. So, if you had $15 (maybe up to $20) to spend on a soap, what would you get? I would prefer the soap I choose to come in a bowl with a lid...but I could always get a refill or something and grate it into a lidded bowl. So that's not a big issue.

For the record, my current cream stable includes Bigelow's, Real Shaving Co. and Derby. I've tried 2 or 3 soap samples, but it didn't go too well. I think I'd do better with a bowled soap that makes it easier to load on the brush as opposed to a few tiny slivers.

At the moment, I'm leaning toward Mitchell's Wool Fat or Taylor's Sandlewood soaps...but I really want to know what you guys think first.

The wool fat would be my choice.
That is, IMO, one of the finest soaps out there, regardless of price.

My opinion would be to get a tub of Proraso and anArko shave stick.

I'll disagree on Poraso. It is a fine soap, but you already have Bigelow (which is rebranded poraso creme), and the soap is *VERY* similar. Likewise I'll disagree on MWF (which is also a great soap), as it is one of the hardest soaps to lather, and it'd be a shame to be disappointed in your soap.

I'd suggest Cella or Tabac, and throwing in an Arko stick never is a bad thing. Cella is one of my favorite soaps, and is relatively easy to lather. I haven't gotten around to trying Tabac, but it, too has very few complaints about the lather. I will admit, however, that both have some complaints about the scent ( but that is true of all scents, because they are so personal.) I haven't used their soaps yet ( just their cremes), but TOBS lavender soap has a pretty good rep and is in your price range as well.

Another vote for Tabac. If you like the scent that soap will perform as well as your CO Bigelow, if not better.

Arko - great lather and very inexpensive. However, some people don't like the scent.

Tabac or MFW (if you can find it for less than $15 USD). Can't go wrong with either choice.

Mithchell's Wool Fat refills fit perfectly into an empty Mama Bear tub which she will send you for free if you ask.

Tabac has been a great soap for me, I also like Pre de Provence. Both will remain in my soap lineup for a long time!

My vote is for Mitchell's. But I'm a cheapo economist type.

Tabac for me too. Best soap I've tried so far ( I don't use creams ).

Tabac seems to be a popular choice on here. I have a jar of it but the scent seems very overpowering so I haven't used it yet, does it tone itself down in actual use?

Tabac is a blast on the senses on initial use but on me it mellows nicely not long after. I still get the odd subtle waft now and then if I use the aftershave splash but I'm one of those that can't get enough of the scent! Just try it and see what you think, it's one of those marmite moments I guess...

Will be my soap of choice tomorrow then :)

20$ you can buy a whole kilo Cella for that money.

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Originally Posted by Sargon

I'll disagree on Poraso. It is a fine soap, but you already have Bigelow (which is rebranded poraso creme), and the soap is *VERY* similar. Likewise I'll disagree on MWF (which is also a great soap), as it is one of the hardest soaps to lather, and it'd be a shame to be disappointed in your soap.

I'd suggest Cella or Tabac, and throwing in an Arko stick never is a bad thing. Cella is one of my favorite soaps, and is relatively easy to lather. I haven't gotten around to trying Tabac, but it, too has very few complaints about the lather. I will admit, however, that both have some complaints about the scent ( but that is true of all scents, because they are so personal.) I haven't used their soaps yet ( just their cremes), but TOBS lavender soap has a pretty good rep and is in your price range as well.

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+ 1 ... and if you live in a hard water area, I would really not recommend MWF. Tabac's a blast, if you're ok with the scent. Arko or Palmolive stick would be great soaps too ... Cella is more of a semi hard soap, but it's great stuff (and Proraso/Omega too).

Cella would be my first choice for a very good shaving soap $20.00 or less.

Unfortunately, if you purchase the Mitchell's Wool Fat or the Tabac in a bowl w/ lid, it will be approx. 2x or more than what you have to spend.

I would opt for a shave stick--either Arko, LaToya, Tabac or Irisch Moos.

Even the D. R. Harris shave sticks (Arlington, Marlborough and Lavender) cost less than $20.00. And since they are compact, you can use them for travel.

I also like Pre de Provence and I find razorock one of the easiest one to lather, it is a soft soap.

I would go with one of the English milled soaps like Trumpers or Harris. If you avoid the container they cost about what you are looking to spend. They give a first rate lather.

I agree that Wool Fat can be finicky depending on the water conditions that you have. I have found the Ogallala soaps to be VERY good soaps. And for $15 you can get 3 pucks in 3 different scents!

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Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I would go with one of the English milled soaps like Trumpers or Harris. If you avoid the container they cost about what you are looking to spend. They give a first rate lather.

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Excellent suggestion!!!

My vote is for Mitchell's Wool Fat or Tabac. Another option is Crabtree & Evelyn Nomad.

Regards

Tabac and Arko get my vote!