I noticed my local Longs Drugs had stopped carrying Williams mug soap and started carying a soap from Van Der Hagen. I had never heard of this company. They also carry a line of boar brushes from the same company. The picture on the front of the box had me less than enthused. Looked like just another plain old colgate/williams cake. However, cracking open the box in the store had me intrigued. I bought a box. $1.99
The soap is poured into an internal plastic container, and feels like a mix between a glycerine and a hard soap. Its almost has a very soft rubber feel to it. It had a nice smell as well. I dont even really know how to describe it. A VERY clean smell.
There is no ingredient list on the back of the box. Have a read:
There was no way my SMF or my SR8t was going to be able to whip up any lather in the plastic mould the soap came in, so I easily popped it out and it was a perfect fit for my Col. Conks shaving stand bowl.
Preparing for the shave. I used my Gillette black handled DE with this...
The Shave
I had no trouble getting this soap to immediately start lathering. The hot water from the brush instantly goes to work on the gelatin-like soap. I lathered my face up and took my first stroke.
hrmm....
To tell you the truth, something about the blade on my face didnt feel right, or at least something felt different. I cant really pinpoint it. I was able to do a perfect N-S with no nicks or razor burn. The soap lubricates well, and has a great smell to it as you shave. I think the strange feeling was just the immediate dryness of my face as the razor sheered off the whiskers. I think other soaps leave a little more residue on than this soap. I lathered up again (plenty of lather still in the brush) and my S-N was perfect and smooth. Once i touched up and patted my face dry I could feel my skin pulling taught. I applied some skin coral and what a relief. My skin relaxed and the moisture set in. I felt my face for a bit and to my surprise, I actually got a really great shave with this soap. I was as near baby-butt smooth as I ever have been. I'm normally a cream guy, however this soap will hit my rotation now.
After two passes, still plenty of lather:
Anyhow, I urge you all to drop into your local Longs and have a look to see if they are carrying this soap yet. I think it's worth a try. very affordable. Their website offers a few other soaps and brushes: Van Der Hagen
Enjoy, Todd
The soap is poured into an internal plastic container, and feels like a mix between a glycerine and a hard soap. Its almost has a very soft rubber feel to it. It had a nice smell as well. I dont even really know how to describe it. A VERY clean smell.
There is no ingredient list on the back of the box. Have a read:
There was no way my SMF or my SR8t was going to be able to whip up any lather in the plastic mould the soap came in, so I easily popped it out and it was a perfect fit for my Col. Conks shaving stand bowl.
Preparing for the shave. I used my Gillette black handled DE with this...
The Shave
I had no trouble getting this soap to immediately start lathering. The hot water from the brush instantly goes to work on the gelatin-like soap. I lathered my face up and took my first stroke.
hrmm....
To tell you the truth, something about the blade on my face didnt feel right, or at least something felt different. I cant really pinpoint it. I was able to do a perfect N-S with no nicks or razor burn. The soap lubricates well, and has a great smell to it as you shave. I think the strange feeling was just the immediate dryness of my face as the razor sheered off the whiskers. I think other soaps leave a little more residue on than this soap. I lathered up again (plenty of lather still in the brush) and my S-N was perfect and smooth. Once i touched up and patted my face dry I could feel my skin pulling taught. I applied some skin coral and what a relief. My skin relaxed and the moisture set in. I felt my face for a bit and to my surprise, I actually got a really great shave with this soap. I was as near baby-butt smooth as I ever have been. I'm normally a cream guy, however this soap will hit my rotation now.
After two passes, still plenty of lather:
Anyhow, I urge you all to drop into your local Longs and have a look to see if they are carrying this soap yet. I think it's worth a try. very affordable. Their website offers a few other soaps and brushes: Van Der Hagen
Enjoy, Todd
! I will keep my eyes open next time I'm at the store. You mentioned that the blade felt odd on your face. Did the blade skip? How would you describe the scent? Floral, cologne, etc.
