My first tallow, triple-milled soap...Thinking Tabac? Thoughts/suggestions Please!

[JonnyO]

I recently read through the Tallow-Based Soap Compendium and am thinking want to get my first triple-milled soap. I am really new to wetshaving and am currently using Ogallala Bay Rum, which I like, but would like to try something else - something with more protection and a different scent.

Reading through the review section, I think I might go with Tabac since it received good reviews, it is a bit more economically priced than its competitors, and the scent sounds great now that Fall is here.

I just wanted to post this thread to get some feedback from the Badger & Blade community before making a final decision. Any thought or suggestions regarding which product to buy or where to buy will be greatly appreciated.

Edit: And gentlemen, yes, I am aware that I am taking the first steps leading to a long and serious case of SSAD...

 

[honed]

You made the right choice.

 

[Catalin]

You cannot go wrong with Tabac. Everybody agrees on the performance; although controversial I love its smell. I give it a sniff every time I pass it in the bathroom...

 

[SliceOfLife]

Buy Tabac and then don't bother trying to find a better performer. From that point on you are only buying other soaps in order to get some variety.

 

[HoosierTrooper]

Everyone should try the legendary Tabac.

 

[inkcoffee]

Buy Tabac and then don't bother trying to find a better performer. From that point on you are only buying other soaps in order to get some variety.

This +1

 

[VT_Hokie]

Tabac is a good starting point as it's performance is very good, and is super easy to lather.

You may not like the scent, but you know you'll want to try it eventually anyways.

There ARE better performers out there, but Tabac is one of the "building blocks" of SSAD so go for it.

 

[Saturn]

Tabac's one of my favorites, but you can't really go wrong with anything on the compendium. Palmolive stick, Valobra stick, Speick stick, MWF, Harris, and AOS all have huge fan followings. You might look into Cella, too, though it's not triple-milled. Great lather, easy to whip up, and a pleasant almond scent to round it all out.

You're going to end up trying them all sooner or later, anyway.

 

[hdorne]

Buy Tabac and then don't bother trying to find a better performer. From that point on you are only buying other soaps in order to get some variety.

This has been my experience as well. I keep a few other soaps around for scent variation. They are all equal to Tabac in terms of performance, but none are better.

 

[mblakele]

Buy Tabac and then don't bother trying to find a better performer. From that point on you are only buying other soaps in order to get some variety.

Ian's advice is good, and Tabac is certainly worth trying. But it may not be the best performer for everyone. For myself I prefer MWF. During Tabactober I have found that if I use Tabac every day, my skin dries out and becomes more sensitive.

 

[xillion]

Tabac is good, but if you want the same great soap with a different scent try Irisch Moos.

Valobra, Speick, and Mitchell's Wool Fat, are also great choices.

 

[SkipH]

Mitchell's Wool Fat!

 

[justinp]

Tabac is really great stuff, I'd go for it.

 

[Mike Schutz]

What is unique about this thread is that almost everyone is in agreement.

Tabac rocks!

 

[Marco]

Tabac is good, but if you want the same great soap with a different scent try Irisch Moos.

Valobra, Speick, and Mitchell's Wool Fat, are also great choices.

Yep!

 

[filedog]

Well, if you ever make it Albuquerque, Model Pharmacy has Tabac, and you can give it a whiff. I bought a puck there, I SWEAR it was $12. I went back last week, and they wanted $18! MWF is my favorite, these guys have a good price, and are nearly as quick to deliver as many US vendors:http://www.shaving.ie/categories/Shaving-Products/Shaving-Soap/ No Tabac, but they do have Irisch Moos and Valobra (reputed to be the same as AOS) sticks.

Edit: I have erred, MWF is NOT triple Milled. So, based on your post, I would recommend:
AOS SOAP, NOT the stick is triple milled. I have tried it, it's excellent.
Tabac: I may re-visit this one, easy to make great lather, smells vaguely like Dr. Pepper to me.
Dr. Harris: never tried their soaps, the cream is first rate.

 

[guitarslinger]

I would like to be part of the Tabac club, but it burns my face. BIG time.

 

[filedog]

FTFY

It's pretty darn good, isn't it? I just wish the PRICE was a little better

 

[DFrancis]

Tabac is a safe purchase, if you don't like the smell you can leave it unwrapped to air out. If you like the smell you're set.

 

[Doc4]

Tabac is great, but the scent is not for everyone. Maybe you love it, tolerate it or hate it. But if you think you have a high tolerance level and can put up with a stinky great performer (in case you dislike the scent), then go for Tabac.

I have heard great things about AOS but it is expensive.

DR Harris is great, on par with Tabac, but the scents are much more approachable.


MWF ... this is a terrible recommendation for an introductory soap (setting aside the tripple milled or not question) as it lathers terribly and might turn you off the whole subject if you can't get it right.