Tried Cella for the first time

[loco95]

As the title says, had my first run with Cella (the tub version) today. Growth was about three days, with the following setup.
Razor: Karve Bison (aluminium)
Brush: Razorock Bruce 24mm Plissoft
Blade: Derby Extra (0)

Scooped out less than half a teaspoon then smeared it into my small shaving cup, as I prefer to load the bowl for several shaves. The Cella itself was a bit more soft than expected, with a very enjoyable marzipan smell.
Loading the soap onto the brush was extremely easy, maybe one of the easiest soaps I've worked with.
Facelathering was a breeze, after one dip into the water, Cella generated a thick and smooth lather which easily could be managed and built upon.
The shave itself was average, placing the blame on the Derby blades, grabbed a discounted 100-pack with the Cella and a SS-handle. With a decent blade the average Bison shave is as good as it gets, Astras, Nacets, Vokshods etc.

Postshave feel can be described adequately moisturized but not oily. Final thoughts about Cella is that this italian classic is a fun soap to work with, look forward to using it, as a alternative to my regular Arko/Haslinger/ La Toja frankensoap mixture.

 

[demaro]

If I only had to shave with Cella for the rest of my life , I’d be very happy, I’m on my fifth kilo of it , excellent soap !!

 

[NorthernSoul]

You will dial Cella soap in over time, I wouldn't judge it too soon.

Another blade sounds like a good idea.

 

[SaguaroSmart]

You will dial Cella soap in over time, I wouldn't judge it too soon.

Another blade sounds like a good idea.

+1 with a bit more experience with it, you will get even more out of the soap and as you've said the blade is probably not a great fit.

Blades are very subjective and unfortunately you really have to try each of them to see if they work for you. I'm sure Derby work for some but to me they are unusable, they feel like I'm depilating instead of shaving, very very uncomfortable and it would not matter what soap I use. So once you dial in with a blade that works great for you, I'm sure you will get great shaves. I do like Nacets.

 

[VerbaVolant]

If I only had to shave with Cella for the rest of my life , I’d be very happy, I’m on my fifth kilo of it , excellent soap !!

Thanks for posting. I am curious how do you store it between refills? How many shaves do you get out of, let's say, 1/6th of it?
I purchased a brick and intend to start 2025 on Cella.

 

[demaro]

Thanks for posting. I am curious how do you store it between refills? How many shaves do you get out of, let's say, 1/6th of it?
I purchased a brick and intend to start 2025 on Cella.

I put a few chunks in vacum sealed bags in the freezer ,I keep theses sealed chunks in a small cardboard box so no light hits it when the freezer door opens, I keep one chunk of it that I use in an airtight Tupperware container, I find it works best with a boar brush , I have been using the same Semogue 2000 brush with it for the past fifteen years. When I get a kilo I cut it into five or six chunks .

 

[ajkel64]

Cella Red is a great soap/croap. I enjoy using it and I use the tub on average once a week. I have never tried the brick. I will always have a tub in bathroom.

 

[ajkel64]

Your post inspired me to use my old tub of Cella for this morning’s shave. Thanks for the inspiration.

 

[Phil Harmonica]

A 1kg brick of Cella lasts me about two years, using it around four days per week. I find that the original tub is a bit too small in diameter for loading a brush, so I cut off chunks and press it into a larger empty tub. The remainder I reseal in the original packaging and store in the fidge. Never had it go off. If this was my only soap, I could survive!

 

[Marco]

I must try it one day, maybe when I become a more advanced wet shaver and figure out how to properly create a good lather.

 

[Blood donor]

My one tub lives at home with my mum, along with an array of “b” material wet shave stuff I’m happy to do without most of the time. As I’m home for Xmas, I’ll break it out tomorrow!

 

[borwish]

I must try it one day, maybe when I become a more advanced wet shaver and figure out how to properly create a good lather.

Sir, may I suggest that you give Proraso a try? With a tube of Proraso there's no need to learn how to create a good lather---it creates itself and you will experience the blessing of its presence. TCheon Fung Sing is another fine soap I'd recommend. You really should try all three one day.

Your humble paige,
Borwish

 

[Marco]

Sir, may I suggest that you give Proraso a try? With a tube of Proraso there's no need to learn how to create a good lather---it creates itself and you will experience the blessing of its presence. TCheon Fung Sing is another fine soap I'd recommend. You really should try all three one day.

Your humble paige,
Borwish

Mr Borwish, I really desire to thank you for your valuable post and suggestions. I am new to this site, but fine Gentlemen like you really do make me feel like at home.

 

[ackvil]

I must try it one day, maybe when I become a more advanced wet shaver and figure out how to properly create a good lather.

Marco, my friend, you must try the Cella, a fine Italian soap. You may also want to try this soap. I have it on good authority it is an excellent soap, too.

 

[Marco]

Marco, my friend, you must try the Cella, a fine Italian soap. You may also want to try this soap. I have it on good authority it is an excellent soap, too.
View attachment 1966256

Dear Jim, I'll most definitely take your advice. And yes, there is an Italian member who wrote glowing reviews on this Tcheon Fung Sing Ciotola Rossa. I'd be truly honored to meet this fine Italian Gentleman one day.

 

[BigJ]

Cella is a ‘classic’ for the good reason that it works!!

 

[DownSouthShaver]

 

[ackvil]

Dear Jim, I'll most definitely take your advice. And yes, there is an Italian member who wrote glowing reviews on this Tcheon Fung Sing Ciotola Rossa. I'd be truly honored to meet this fine Italian Gentleman one day.

So would I, my friend.

 

[Marco]

So would I, my friend.

This message brought a tear to my eye. Thank you kindly, Jim.

 

[Orlandez]

A 1kg brick of Cella lasts me about two years, using it around four days per week. I find that the original tub is a bit too small in diameter for loading a brush, so I cut off chunks and press it into a larger empty tub. The remainder I reseal in the original packaging and store in the fidge. Never had it go off. If this was my only soap, I could survive!

I did the same; don’t know why they continue using that small tub.
I said this on a famous Italian forum and the Cella fanboys all told me to get a brush with a smaller knot ..
Ah .. I said .. true .. why didn’t I think about doing this? Brushes are generally bought in order to fit the tubs soaps are stored in