The next soap

[Archer808]

Being a new wet shaver and after extensive reading here, I decided to make my first soap purchase Mama Bear's sandalwood vanilla. Staying true to the recommendations of several veteran wet shavers, I will continue using the same razor / blade type / soap for the first month and work on technique before making many changes. After the induction period, I'd like to start expanding my experience and I'm wondering what soap to buy next. I know the obvious answer would be "Try them all!" but I'm trying to keep the R.A.D. from kicking into turbo mode (have exactly two DE shaves under my belt, already ordered a second razor, about 100 different blades, proraso pre/post, alum block, and have already emailed Larry at WhippedDog about my first straight).

I'm considering:

Mitchell's wool fat
Queen Charlotte soaps
RazoRock

Not absolutely adamant that it' has to be one of those three, but I have read a lot of positive comments about them. Any advice? Thanks,

 

[Jcabbage]

Tabac is very nice but I'm sure you have read the scent isn't for everyone.

 

[elsmooth]

I'd recommmend anything from the RazoRock line or D.R. Harris. Both are extremely high quality lines at very fair price points (provided you buy the Harris soap w/o the bowl).

 

[Galengwath]

I second D.R. Harris, as it is an excellent performer. Personally I would steer away from MWF at this point, not because it's a bad soap, but because it can be a bit temperamental and difficult to lather on occasion. RazoRock and QCS are both strong soaps, from what I understand, and Mikes Natural Soaps would be another decent contender. Any of those three or Harris will be an easily latherable soap that will provide excellent shaves. Of course I'm sure someone will be along shortly to reccomend another dozen great soaps. You could always just write your top picks down and draw them out of a hat.

 

[cryhavoc]

Go with Arko, great soap and lathers easily

 

[dashmaverick]

If you're trying to keep your AD to a minimum, have you considered samples? Going this route you can try soaps that peak your interest while feeding your AD a little, then purchase the soap you know you will enjoy.

 

[PugslyCat]

Here is a list of soaps and creams that I think anybody in this as a hobby needs to try just to see what the fuss is about. I haven't tried most of these myself, but hope to in the next year or so:

• Arko - Has it's own cult. Supposedly borrows the scent from a urinal puck, but the guys seem to get over that or fall in love with it quickly enough. Seems to be a good first shaving stick for most folks. I haven't tried it, but supposedly fool proof to lather.
• Tabac - Not to say it's a long lasting soap, but you should consider leaving it to the parrot in your will. Known for it's classic scent. Possible cult status for this one as well.
• Cella - If you really like it you can refill the tubs from a 1 KG block.
• MWF - As mentioned above, might be tough to get a good lather.
• QCS - Gets lots of love here.
• Razorock - Another one that gets lots of love here.
• Mama Bear - A personal favorite. Lots of variety and made by an artisan here in the Midwest. Many scents that pair up well with common aftershaves.
• Van Der Hagen - A good one to get to know just because of its wide availability. A good soap for the price. Several variants of this are widely available including the Deluxe and Luxury products. The Deluxe is probably the soap you are most likely to encounter in a retail shop.
• Williams - Tough to get good lather with until you learn how. Another one you need to know just because it is so widely available. Probably the least expensive soap on the market in the United States.
• Proraso/ C. O. Bigelow - Actually a cream, but again, one you should try just because it is ubiquitous.

 

[cryhavoc]

Also check out Mike's, great inexpensive soaps http://www.mikesnaturalsoaps.com/Mikes_Natural_Soaps/Shaving_Soaps.html

 

[Predict]

Of those you listed, I would go with queen Charlotte next

 

[celestino]

Mystic Water and Mike's Natural Soaps!

 

[OldGreyGuy]

Not forgetting DR Harris in:
- Arlington (Citrus and fern)
- Marlborough (Cedar)
- Windsor (I'm waiting on this one, but I believe Orange citrus)