SHAVING SOAP

timn8er

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Will somebody steer me in the right direction? I don't have experience with a lot of brands, just the stuff that came with my cheap little kit. I would like to find some soap that really builds a nice foam...any suggestions will be appreciated!
 
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After having tried several pricey options, regular vs. glycerin, and some of the soap sticks I went right back to what came in my cheap little starter kit.

Amazon.com: Van Der Hagen Deluxe Shave Soap, 2.5-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 12): Health & Personal Care@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51AlGf69J1L.@@AMEPARAM@@51AlGf69J1L

And this is the kit I started with:

Amazon.com: Van Der Hagen Premium Shave Set (2.5 oz. Soap, Bowl, Brush): Health & Personal Care@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41QdwMw3ztL.@@AMEPARAM@@41QdwMw3ztL

The soaps are the Deluxe version and there is a Select but I didn't see a difference really. The only thing I've not tried yet is a genuine silver tip badger hair brush. I have several cheap bore's hair brushes to go through. They last well enough and are dirt cheap so I may never dish out the premium money.
 
I've used a wonderful glycerin soap for the past 30 years made by a little mom & pop shop out of Arcata, California. I came across them when I was living up in Northern California....close to the Oregon border, up in the Redwoods. The stuff lathers real well, doesn't irritate your face, and is very reasonably priced when compared to other shaving soaps. (Less than two bucks for a 3-ounce cake compared to $15 for the same size of some of the other brands mentioned in this thread.) It also comes in a wide variety of scents, e.g. Musk, Lavender, Redwood Moss, Rain, Sandalwood, or even unscented.

Since we moved away some time back, I call them every several months and order a dozen cakes. Yep...I haven't found anything that I like better (and believe me, I've tried lots of different kinds...but always come back.):) See link below.
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Essential Oils, Soap, Lotion, Oils, Hair, Relaxation, Health and Bath Products - Bubbles : Arcata, California
 
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I hear ya, I've been looking for over 40 years for some good shaving soap.


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Just bought a tube of Cream-o. Blue and white tube at Wally World.
Michael Savage says it is good stuff and he is one smart guy.
 
After my Grandpa died, my folks gave me his shaving mug and brush. I liked the hot soapy lather better as it gave me a closer shave than the canned foam. I used soap for years getting the bars at our local drug store.

Since the big national chains drove all the local indies out, I haven't been able to find any. It's been so many years since I've had soap, I don't even know where the brush and mug are now!

I remember searching for several years for shaving soap, but that was pre-net and priorities change. Now I've gotta find Grandpa's stuff and start over again.
 
The main thing you want to look for when buying shaving soap is that you purchase one that is triple milled. The rest is a matter of scent preference. As to the scent preference...that is best left up to your wife, girlfriend and/or significant other. And here's to the hope that they never meet!!!!!
 
Or you can see these guys. A shaving forum with knowledgeable folks..

Plus 1 on Badger and Blade. I stumbled upon the site about ten years ago. They really helped me get over the learning curve of blade razor shaving. Also got some good deals on old DE razors from members there.

One tip I like to share is for an easy way to get hot lather. I purchased one of those small electric coffee cup warmers. I set a small bowl with just a little water on it several minutes before shaving. I find the lather works up much fuller and the warmth feels great on the skin.
 
my wife gave me a jar of The Art of Shaving soap. It's a good soap but cost a bit more then I want to spend. I have been using Van Der Hagen soap; it's good soap also. I just invested in a badger brush from Duluth Trading. I really like this brush it's soft but works a good lather. I shave in the shower so my whiskers are soft and I heat up the brush under the shower. I get a nice close shave. I looked into making my own shaving soap. I looked easy but the cost of the oils and the amount of soap you end up with 5 lbs.
 
I use shaving cream, that comes in a tube, instead of shaving soap. You work it up with a brush until you have a good lather, just like soap. Both work well, but using the tube I don't have a messy shaving mug sitting on the edge of the sink. I've been using Pasaro brand for several years now, and I'm very happy with it. I order a 3 -4 tubes from Amazon yearly.
 
I will second the above recommendation for Mitchell Wool Fat. I but it mail order from Bullgoose since it is not available locally.

My second favorites are the glycerin based soaps made by Mama Bear. She makes both scented and unscented soaps. I bought directly from her via her website although I understand that she now sells via Amazon.
 
I use either the Van Der Hagen cake soap or C. O. Bigelow shaving cream from Bath and Body Works. I'm very satisfied with both.

The key I've found is a good brush. I've discovered the $5 Omega shave brush to be a great value. I'm currently using a Vulfix Super Badger brush my dad got me for Christmas this year.

If you're using a double edge razor, quality blades make a huge difference as well. I'm currently using Feather blades and find them vastly superior to the ones I've found in drug stores.


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The BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK is Col. Conk's Shaving Soap. It comes in a few different scents (I prefer the Bay Rum) and two sizes. The 2 1/4 oz. size is $3.49 and the 3 3/4 oz. size is $5.50. They do last for a long time and they give you lots of slick lather. I buy mine at:

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I believe if you spend $80 Bucks or more the freight is free so I order enough of them to get to this amount and don't have to order them very often. When ever my son stops by I seem to be missing a few cakes, but he always smiles and says, "Hey Dad, I'll get the next batch". YEA........
 
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