Thread: Next Soap Suggestions?

Your patience with another newbie is appreciated. I am finishing my first puck of shave soap, VDH Deluxe. I am very satisfied with it but would like to try something else next. I am not looking at the high end, "I just won the lottery", soaps. Some contenders I am looking at are: Proraso White or one of the artisan soaps like Kell's, or Ogallala?

Suggestions appreciated..........

Bob

There are so many fine possibilities out there, so many that I will never be able to try most of them given how long lasting that they are in use.

Why not try one of the classics such as Mitchell's Wool Fat, Tabac, Cella, ProRaso? They can usually be gotten for less than $ 20. I use all of them. Of course there is always the ever controversial Williams available almost everywhere for about $ 1.00. If you need a classic right away, Bath and Body Works carries C.O. Bigelow cream (ProRaso green) in $ 5 and $ 10 tubes. Strongly scented soaps and creams can be irritating to some people. I have never had an irritation issue with MWF, Tabac, and Cella.

Mama Bear's makes glycerine based soaps many of which have pronounced long lasting scents from the puck. The ones that I have tried cost well under $ 20/puck. So far, I like her Almond scented soap the best. My granddaughter also likes her Almond scented soap telling me that she has noticed a skin improvement on her legs after switching away from the canned products found in supermarkets and pharmacies.

I often make uberlather. Try dribbling lather from a mug with puck into a bowl containing 6 drops of glycerine and a small tooth brush sized dollop of cream, then whip them together into a lather slowly adding as much water as needed (dip brush tips in water). I often use a scuttle to keep my lather warm, but a bowl will also work. I do it cold in humid weather (no hot water in the scuttle) and warm in cool seasons. Do not be afraid to add more water to your lather if it is starting to get thick and dry. Also rehydrate your lathered face using water or more lather as often as necessary to keep it and your face hairs moist.

HTH

my favorit under 5$ is La Toja stick. i grind it down in a bowl and then press is with my fingers so its like a hardsoap in a bowl, abit easier to load the brush in it.. it gives a rich lather and i like the simple smell. one of those soaps that smells soap.

Maybe try a cream like The Body Shops Maca Root shave cream.

Bob

Originally Posted by sheajohnw

Why not try one of the classics such as Mitchell's Wool Fat, Tabac, Cella, ProRaso?

+1, though I often see D.R. Harris appended to that list as well.


But don't discount Ogallala either. Good stuff - just be sure to use a little bit extra water, and lather a little longer, to get a good thick consistency.

I would say any fine English soap like harris or trumpers. I think they are reasonably priced and are of very high quality. With them you need never go higher knowing you have a true class soap.

All of the previous suggestions are excellent. Tabac is a great choice imho.

I just got a puck of Ogallala Bay Rum shaving soap and fell in love with it. I've never tried Kells, but have used Proraso Green. I prefer Proraso as a shaving cream, not a soap.

If you don't want to break the bank, try one or more of the Mama Bear's brand shaving soaps. They are a great value for the money.

Handmade Shaving Soaps, Mama Bears Soaps

John excellent suggestions very well written. I couldn't say this any better than you already have.
Tom

Thanks y'all! I really appreciate the input! Keep 'em coming...........

You're a Texan -- buy American! From my seven years of hands-on wet-shaving experience, I highly recommend any of the offerings from QED -- either one of their shave sticks, or tubs (I own and use multiple items from both product lines).

QED shaving soaps contain only Essential Oils -- never synthetic, Fragrance Oils -- and lather, lubricate, and moisturize "like a champ".