Williams Mug Soap revisited: I like it !

[wksimple]

I had used Williams years ago after Old Spice soap had been discontinued, but foolishly gave it up in favor of canned stuff (I know, I know). Then a few years ago I found Van der Hagen which became my go-to soap.

Fast forward to a few months ago. I tried Williams again but just could not get a decent lather. But last week the thought hit me: I am using my grandfather's Old Spice mug. All he ever used was Williams. If he could make it work, so can I.

I read everything I could find regarding Williams (thank you Search function). I am happy to say that I just finished my own "week of Williams" and it was fantastic! For me, the key is covering the puck with hot water for 2 or 3 minutes then working the puck with a squeezed out Tweezerman and face lathering. It really works! The lather was rich, slick, and I like the scent! It will remain in my rotation. Grandpa knew what worked for decades.

Now you can get the pitchforks and torches.

 

[Straight Arrow]

Williams is good stuff once you figure out how to use it. Sounds like you have.

 

[sandmountainslim]

Glad u like it
To me it lathers like Lemon Fresh Joy and smells like bug spray.
Wp

 

[gaseousclay]

so, is Williams a glycerin or tallow based soap? or both?

 

[michiganlover]

so, is Williams a glycerin or tallow based soap? or both?

It's a tallow based soap, but extremely difficult to lather properly. I tried for a whole week, and could never accomplish the rich, luxurious lather that I can achieve with other products.

 

[Jim]

There are so many finer choices, why waste another shave with it?

 

[Sodapopjones]

It's a tallow based soap, but extremely difficult to lather properly. I tried for a whole week, and could never accomplish the rich, luxurious lather that I can achieve with other products.

Getting a good thick lather out of it is easy, however it takes lots and lots and lots of water, and many many swirls with the brush. Once the "Suds" are gone it builds into a rich lather!

Problem is once its on your face, it dissipates into a soap scum like film very fast, and honestly you have to lather the area you're shaving while shaving.

 

[DanOK]

Way to go. Like you I find the challenge of the using the largest variety of products part of the fun I have each morning. Williams is clearly a challenge but can give a great shave once you have learned how to make it perform.

 

[_JP_]

It's a tallow based soap, but extremely difficult to lather properly. I tried for a whole week, and could never accomplish the rich, luxurious lather that I can achieve with other products.

Not "extremely" difficult. It just takes really hot water and a little bit more effort with the brush.

There are so many finer choices, why waste another shave with it?

I like the smell, so I take it up occasionally.

 

[Hanzo]

With all the forum talk about Williams lately I too decided to pick up some and the last 5 days have been about Williams.

From what I learned here on BB and what helped me with other soaps, I did 2 things. First I milled it with my trusty dollar store veggie grater into a shaving mug. 2 , I covered the milled puck with hot water and let it soak .Drained the mug and it left a mushy soft cake . Lathered with a dryish large Omega boar and shaved.

I have gotten great shaves with Williams using this process. The old caveats still apply though, lather drying on the face, having to reload the brush more frequently during or between passes etc. But my revisiting of Williams is like wksimple's , I discovered it is a good soap after all. Really enjoyed it superlathering with Ingrams as well.

Jim says what many say " Why Williams when you can have better ". For me I have always felt uncomfortable buying high priced shave soaps , as it feels over indulgent.I will buy my wife the $100 bottle of perfume but would never dream of buying one for myself, never. Also theres fun in making cheap products work well . Another thing is that Williams as any perusal of any old barbershop supply catalog shows IS apart of shaving history , it was as we know THE soap along with Colgate for generations of barbers and home shavers. Theres a certain nostalgia factor about it and respect for its history.

 

[michiganlover]

There are so many finer choices, why waste another shave with it?

That is pretty much my take on it now, especially considering I have at least a two year supply of shaving cream.

 

[kzoo1]

Once you figure it out, Williams is a fine soap. There is something to be said when a man learns to use the same tools his Grandfather used.

Once you learn how to use the soap, you find it to be an excellent addition to the den.

 

[bandit82ta]

Williams with some CO Bigelow cream is a great match... smell and lather...mmm

 

[gollum83]

Well it hasn't been around since 1840 for nothing folks. I like the stuff personally, and it does work. It just needs a lot of hot water and a little effort.

 

[wksimple]

Well it hasn't been around since 1840 for nothing folks. I like the stuff personally, and it does work. It just needs a lot of hot water and a little effort.

And a good boar brush. Williams does not like a floppy badger...

 

[gollum83]

And a good boar brush. Williams does not like a floppy badger...

Yep, that definitely helps, although any brush with a good backbone helps. I have used badger brushes with a fair amount of backbone with no problems, so it is possible.

 

[D.Irving79]

the only soap i use

 

[M. McCord]

Well I'm convinced I need to give it another go. It's on my shopping list.

 

[Topgumby]

There are so many finer choices, why waste another shave with it?

The same reason nimrods go after game with bows and muzzleloading rifles instead of the latest semi-auto belted magnums, or, dare I say it, some crazy folks shave with old fashioned razors....

 

[kzoo1]

The same reason nimrods go after game with bows and muzzleloading rifles instead of the latest semi-auto belted magnums, or, dare I say it, some crazy folks shave with old fashioned razors....

Well said, sir!