Perhaps the best way to distinguish between soaps would be old school vs new school. When I first got into DE razors and wet shaving in the mid 2000's the go-to soaps were what your mentioned (although I'd also add Truefitt & Hill, and I don't know where to find TOBS or GFT for $8 in the US).
These soaps were and are solid performers that basically don't change much from year to year. It's kind of like buying a Coke or Big Mac. It's always going to be the same no matter when or where you purchase it.
Newer soap makers (the artisans) are constantly changing their formulas and scents. If you have a two year old soap that you'd like to replace, it most likely isn't possible. Either the formula changed or the scent isn't available any longer.
It's like going to a food truck and eating the burger of the week and it's the best burger you've ever had. But you go back two weeks later and it's no longer available.
I'm sure there are massive gaps in my analogy that will be pointed out, but, just trying to help define the difference between artisan and non-artisan from my perspective.
