Did I just ruin my Speick Shave Stick?

[ShavingSrgn]

I just received a new Specik Shave stick. I'm a scuttle user and don't care to use soaps as a "stick." Rather than grating the shave stick into a smaller bowel, I warmed it in the microwave to "mold" it into the small soap bowl (two 10 second bursts). The shave stick did warm, but sort of "crumbled" into the bowl. Does anyone have any experience with Speick, either heating it or grating it? It wasn't expensive, but I hate the thought that I may have affected it's performance. I love my Speick aftershave, and was really looking forward to using the shave soap. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[cb91710]

Yup.

Tallow based soaps can not be heated and formed in the microwave.
You might be able to restore it by milling it and blending in a little glycerine and water, but I would not be optimistic.

 

[ShavingSrgn]

Yikes!!! I as afraid of that. I didn't "heat it up too much," so hopefully it will still be a good performer.
Thanks.

 

[StuMcB]

I once grated a Speik stick with an Erasmic stick. It formed up ok and worked as a Fraken stick. I did have to use a little water though when shaping.

 

[Attila]

Be careful using it though. Overheating a tallow based soap like Tabac in a microwave can destroy its abilities completely. Always safer to grate it and form it into a bowl with some warm or hot water.

 

[shyrlock]

Yes, I'm afraid that the microwave killed it. Tallow soaps and microwaves are not compatible at all.
You may be able to salvage it for use as a bath bar.

 

[oc_in_fw]

As others have said, it is ruined. When you buy another, and you should because Specik has great performance for the price, use it as a stick for a week or two and face lather. You may find that you like face lathering (it is all I do now, regardless of soap). If you don't, grate it up and press into a container. Just my two cents.

 

[ShavingSrgn]

Thanks for the input guys. I used it yesterday, and it was a SOLID performer. Did three passes with a 1850 8/8 W&B chopper which resulted in a BBS with no irritation. I did just order a new stick, but I'm very happy with the Speick I have now. I was very careful not to "over heat" the stick (less than 10 secs), so hopefully, I didn't "nuke" it. I will grate the next stick for sure!