The Quintessential Shaving Soap

[Trench]

My wife is getting into soap making, which has gotten me interested in creating my own shaving soap. The problem is I have nothing to compare the quality of my soap to as I have never in my 5 years of wet shaving tried soap.

I know this a loaded question, but what soaps would serve as the best examples of what a shaving soap should be? I'd like to try one or two before I try making my own. Even though I've never used a soap, I've been toying with the idea for a couple years and have been doing my research on this forum. If I had to pick without anyone's input, I think I'd probably go with Tabac. Am I on the right road there? Are there any others I should consider?

 

[mctmatt]

I think it depends on are you going to be creating a tallow or non-tallow shave soap. For many that is probably a huge consideration as for myself I enjoy both. I would suggest trying RazoRock Fresco which has no tallow but provides a great shave lather. You might also want to try Mitchell's Wool Fat also known as MWF because it uses Lanolin. I have never tried it but it is very popular on this forum. The key is finding one that creates great lather and protection then Fragrance can be considered. Good Luck.

 

[Trench]

I think it depends on are you going to be creating a tallow or non-tallow shave soap. For many that is probably a huge consideration as for myself I enjoy both. I would suggest trying RazoRock Fresco which has no tallow but provides a great shave lather. You might also want to try Mitchell's Wool Fat also known as MWF because it uses Lanolin. I have never tried it but it is very popular on this forum. The key is finding one that creates great lather and protection then Fragrance can be considered. Good Luck.

I'm leaning towards tallow. I definitely plan to first focus on creating a great performing soap, then worrying about scent later.

 

[Gingerbread]

The best I've tried so far is the AOW tallow stuff, but they ruined that. Tabac and MWF are both things you are required to try.

 

[mblakele]

Palmolive EU should get a mention. If you can make a soap of that quality, you are doing well.

 

[Niles]

MWF for triple milled soap. Cella for soft soap.

 

[rearviewmirror]

get yourself a stick of Valobra. That, in my opinion, is the best soap out there. AoS and many others have used the Valobra company to create their soaps, and for good reason.

 

[mistercitizen]

Tabac, MWF, D.R. Harris, Mike's..... for tallow soaps.

Ben

 

[brybry642]

Considering that you're making it yourself, I'd say Mike's is one of the better artisinal soaps out there.

Trying to strive for a MWF or DR Harris soap is unrealistic, IMO.

 

[franz]

I'd second the suggestion of Valobra stick. I think of it as a benchmark soap.

If you're comparing to current artisan soap makers, you may want to check out Mike's, Mystic Waters, and QCS. I haven't tried any of their soaps personally but they are generally well regarded.

 

[TBoner]

Valobra stick and Palmolive stick are my two benchmarks for lather.

 

[AABCDS]

D.R. Harris, AoS with tallow, MWF, and C&S.