D.R. Harris vs. Prairie Creations - Thoughts?

[OldSchoolYoungin]

Hey gentlemen,

I've noticed all the hub-bub lately about the Prairie Creations soft soaps and they sound impressive to be sure. I especially love the fact that they're tallow-based, being the tallow-lover that I am.

My question is, for those that have tried both, how do you think they stack up against one another? I'm not talking about scents, but in terms of value, ease of use, lathering and efficacy.

I know that her soaps are not triple-milled, but how long do they last on average? Do they stack up in any way against D.R. Harris?

I know you guys are going to tell me to "just get both" , and I'd love to, but finances are pretty tight for the time being and I've become a minimalist when it comes to shaving products.

Thanks for everyone's opinions!

 

[richmondesi]

I've used both and I like both a lot. IMO, the Harris soaps are better overall. They're easier to lather, and the performance is a skosh better too, if I'm honest. Having said that, your shaving dollar may be better spent on the PC soaps because for the cost of Harris, you can get 2-3 of the PC soaps. They are quite good, they have many times over more options in scent, and my skin feels a great after using it. The down side is that it takes a bit more water and effort to lather than the Harris does for me, and the scents don't seem quite as sophisticated as the ones from Harris.

I have both, and I'll continue to use both. I hope this helps

 

[Aaron01]

Does DR Harris still have tallow in their soaps or were they reformulated like everyone else?

 

[richmondesi]

Does DR Harris still have tallow in their soaps or were they reformulated like everyone else?

They contain both Palm oil and tallow. It's not 100% tallow, but it's a great performer.

 

[strat1117]

They contain both Palm oil and tallow. It's not 100% tallow, but it's a great performer.

Not only is it a great performer in every way, but the Arlington has a particularly unique scent, which is absolutely wonderful (to me at least).

 

[bythbook]

I've recently acquired the Marlborough - not as scenty as the Arlington, in my opinion, but a wonderful performer. I really really like these soaps.

However - I would agree with Paul that if $$ is tight, you can get more by going with Krissy's product.

Here's something to consider: there are a number of boutique soapers vending here. All have particularly wonderful products, each special in its own way. Why not try some samples from each?

[Warning: Jon goes all "we-are-the-world" here:]
For what it's worth, I am really reluctant to recommend one B&B soap/shaving cream vendor/maker over another. They are all best value. I've bought a lot of soaps and creams from the vendors here in the last year. I have some favorites, of course, but my preferences have very little to do with the quality of the products. For example, I have Rose soaps/creams from five different boutiques doing business here. I get absolutely fine shaves from all of them. What is ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL about these - every one of them - is the subtle difference in the scents, the way each lathers, AND the fact that one is not "better" than another.

Shaving is just not a utilitarian exercise for me anymore - and I really appreciate the fact that all of this stuff is different and works differently.

It's a little easier to recommend a boutique soaper over D R Harris (or the 3 T's) because the biggies are faceless and (often) expensive. But - the little guys are our friends and colleagues. (You can't exchange PMs with D R Harris!) All of these little guys (many of whom are named "Sue") make good stuff.

You won't go wrong with any of them. Use Krissy's soaps (they are wonderful - I need to try more of them!) - but don't count out Mama's and St. Charles Shave, and My Time Bath and Body (and whoever else I'm not including here - my apologies) - and QED.

[end of screed]

I need a bigger soap closet, clearly.

 

[strat1117]

I need a bigger soap closet box, clearly.

FTFY

 

[bythbook]

...
I need a bigger soap BOX, not closet [per Strat], clearly.

FTFY

HAHAHAHHAHAHAHA

you caught the typo - thanks

HAHAHAH

I have too much time on my hands.............

 

[The National Razor]

Not only is it a great performer in every way, but the Arlington has a particularly unique scent, which is absolutely wonderful (to me at least).

It's growing on me. At first, it was all oranges and nothing else. The fern is peeking through ever so slightly now.

And as to the OP--

Go for Prairie Creations--the PC choice isn't always wrong.

 

[AJ72]

They are opposite as far as ease of lathering is concerned. DR Harris is so easy to lather (almost too easy) if that makes sense, but Prairie Creations soaps need much more water and loading time. The DR Harris soap provides a more fluffy lather (not too fluffy but more fluffy) than a tallow based soap normally provides. The Prairie Creations soap provides a super dense and the thickest lather of any soap I own (including some of the expensive soaps I own). The DR Harris will last longer because it is triple milled and needs less product. However, that is negated by the price difference. I prefer the scents of the DR Harris but the lather of the PC. The Harris soaps are nicer to use because of the wood bowls vs. the plastic tubs of the PC soaps. That's why I sent Krissy the empty AOS bowl to use as a mold. That way I can use PC soaps while holding an AOS wood bowl. It makes it feel like a more expensive product . They are both wonderful soaps and both excellent performers. You won't be disappointed either way.

Good luck,
Tony

 

[OldSchoolYoungin]

Well guys, no offense to any that recommended the Prairie Creations, but I've once again decided to go with my love, my precious D.R. Harris It ain't my fault, I was browsing QED's new website and one thing lead to this, another lead to that, yadda yadda yadda... It's all Charles's fault.

Despite the glowing reviews, I'm still going to wait and see what else people have to say about the PC. I'm especially interested in how the Old Spice turns out to smell and perform. Your comments are not in vain, I'm sure I'll pull the trigger on the PC soaps before long!

Thanks for the suggestions and keep 'em comin'

 

[bandit82ta]

I'm anxiously awaiting my PC old spice....was shipped early this week so I'll know soon .....

 

[WhosYerBob]

That's why I sent Krissy the empty AOS bowl to use as a mold. That way I can use PC soaps while holding an AOS wood bowl.

I discovered that Krissy's soap can be gouged out of the plastic container, kneaded into ball, then pressed into any soap container you care to use. I put mine into a DR Harris Arlington soap bowl for the best of *both* worlds.

I've used both DR Harris and Prairie Creations, and have to agree that DR Harris has the edge on soap longevity, more sophisticated scent, ease of lather creation and classy wooden bowl. PC has the edge on dense lubricating lather, all natural ingredients, artisan finish, accessibility and price.

I've also tried some - not all - but some of the other artisan products here and feel comfortable that PC produces the lather that I value most for my face. YMMV.