Thread: Col Conk

I searched the forum and found a handful of posts about Col Conk soaps but not nearly as much talk as for some others. I found a small local shop that carries some supplies but only one brand of soap and it's Col Conk.

I want to get a brush and some soap to start practicing lathering and wanted to get an idea of what to expect.

From my searches, it seems like it's a middle ground soap that is a little tougher to get good lather with but still offers a decent shave. But those opinions mostly seem to come from folks who still use it. What about those who don't use it anymore after trying it?

I actually enjoy Col Conk soap. May not be the best but its affordable, smells good and can be heated and poured into any container you want (significant other likes it in nice looking bowls on the sink).

I've tried it and didn't think much of it. The Amber smells nice.

At one time Conk was a well known line of shave supplies. These days it's just a name. it comes from a town just 20 miles south of me. Its run out of someones house.

I've went through more than afew pucks of Col Conk in my time, mostly Amber. I ran out over a year ago and haven't gotten any more. Not because it doesn't work or isn't a good soap. It's just that around that time I discovered SRP and learned that there are a hell of a lot of soaps and creams out there that I hadn't tried or even heard of. Maybe one of these days I'll pick up another puck, but right now I'm having a lot of fun trying new things.

Because I'd read something about Col Conk in a recent thread, I got out a puck that's been neglected for a long time and gave it a go today. Since the first time I used it, I've learned a lot more about what a good lather should look like when it's ready to shave, and how a good lather should perform. Yes, it does take quite a lot more work to whip it into a well-performing lather. Because of that, I wouldn't recommend it as a learning soap. I made it work nicely for me today, but only because I knew what to expect of it and how to tweak the process.

If there's a Bath and Body Works near you, their Maca Root Shave Cream has been well reviewed by folks here, and the cream is quite a bit easier to make into a nice lather than soap off a puck. I find that I usually mix it too strong and it irritates my face, and since I have other lathers to play with I haven't concentrated on tuning it up.

Your best bet would probably be to contact one of the advertisers on this page (SRP is always popular), tell them your budget, and have them recommend a good starter soap. Don't be shocked to spend $20.00 for something nice.

What is your budget, anyway? That'll help us think of things for you to try.

Budget is not a big concern for soap. When it comes to buying a razor and other stuff, it will. But I am okay with a $20 soap. Maybe a little more. Just depends.

I have visited a few of the advertiser websites already scoping things out. Probably get my first straight and strop from whippeddog, but that will be some time off yet. I want to take care of the soap and brush soon. I have way too many mugs I can choose from so I have that taken care of

I've got a puck of Col Conk Bay Rum, I use for traveling mostly. I find if you put about a 1/4 in of hot water in the container, cover and let sit while your showering. Then drain and whip up the lather, works much better then starting from dry.

All in all I think it's a good product for the price. If I'm using it at home I'll put a few drops of glycerine in the bowl for some extra glide.

What is the best way to melt it? I would like to add it to a small bowl.

Put the small bowl in a pot of simmering water and let it slowly melt is the best/safest way..
Glycerin soap melts at about 150 degrees so not too hot.. I was told many years back on this forum by one of the really good soap makers that microwaving the soap can wreck some of the EO and FO in the soap so I have used the double boiler method since


to the OP I have and still use the Amber, I actually bought a 2nd puck of it, not bad at all, and not the best either, you hit the nail on the head with "Middle of the Road"