Just like I've settled on my top DE blades after a long evaluation period ... I think I've narrowed down my top 10 artisan shaving soaps I keep going back to. I'm not listing some tried and true that have been out there forever and might not be considered the artisan (i.e. Mitchell's Wool Fat, Haslinger, Klar, etc.)
Here are mine in order of preference. What are yours?
1. Mike's Natural Soaps:
I can NOT get a better shave than with Mike's. Period. Mike's with the Marco method is the grail thus far. The scents are always on point. The presentation could be improved. The tins rust and the labels aren't waterproof.
2. Barrister & Mann:
Always a good shave. Very balanced. Mixed bag for the scents to me, but Seville and Cheshire I keep coming back to over and over. The release schedule is not really my thing, but I understand why.
3. Cold River Soap Works:
Sort of the reverse of B&M for me. Better scents. Performance is just a tad beneath B&M for me, but still very good. Fantastic lather.
4. L & L Grooming:
Right in the mix of the top 3. Can't get enough of the Trismegistus. Just rock solid overall. Somewhat expensive, but there's a reason for that.
5. Stirling:
My first artisan and still overall "go to" in a pinch. I miss the previous version with the clay, but the new version is quite good. The scents are more consistent as well. Overall presentation has kicked it up a notch. I produce the easiest of lathers with Stirling. Always...
6. Sudsy Soapery:
Excellent stuff and looking forward to some other scents down the line.
7. Saponificio Varesino:
The only vegan soap in my top 10. Great scents and strong performance. On the expensive side, but worth it to me.
8. Mickey Lee Soapworks / Reef Point:
A tie for me. Similar performance for me. As in quite good, but just not quite to the level of the above for me. Scents are varied and interesting. Presentation is excellent.
9. Razorock / PAA:
Another tie for me. Great variety and very creative overall. Good but not great performance for me.
10. Ginger's Garden:
I only use the tallow from Ginger's and I find it to perform quite nicely. The scents are good, but I'd like them a little stronger for my taste.
Here are mine in order of preference. What are yours?
1. Mike's Natural Soaps:
I can NOT get a better shave than with Mike's. Period. Mike's with the Marco method is the grail thus far. The scents are always on point. The presentation could be improved. The tins rust and the labels aren't waterproof.
2. Barrister & Mann:
Always a good shave. Very balanced. Mixed bag for the scents to me, but Seville and Cheshire I keep coming back to over and over. The release schedule is not really my thing, but I understand why.
3. Cold River Soap Works:
Sort of the reverse of B&M for me. Better scents. Performance is just a tad beneath B&M for me, but still very good. Fantastic lather.
4. L & L Grooming:
Right in the mix of the top 3. Can't get enough of the Trismegistus. Just rock solid overall. Somewhat expensive, but there's a reason for that.
5. Stirling:
My first artisan and still overall "go to" in a pinch. I miss the previous version with the clay, but the new version is quite good. The scents are more consistent as well. Overall presentation has kicked it up a notch. I produce the easiest of lathers with Stirling. Always...
6. Sudsy Soapery:
Excellent stuff and looking forward to some other scents down the line.
7. Saponificio Varesino:
The only vegan soap in my top 10. Great scents and strong performance. On the expensive side, but worth it to me.
8. Mickey Lee Soapworks / Reef Point:
A tie for me. Similar performance for me. As in quite good, but just not quite to the level of the above for me. Scents are varied and interesting. Presentation is excellent.
9. Razorock / PAA:
Another tie for me. Great variety and very creative overall. Good but not great performance for me.
10. Ginger's Garden:
I only use the tallow from Ginger's and I find it to perform quite nicely. The scents are good, but I'd like them a little stronger for my taste.