Yep, I am one of those that started wet shaving with Williams and used it for many years. When the local stores no longer stocked it, I started ordering online and would get 25 at a time to save on shipping. I am glad I did as the demise of Williams took me by surprise. I still have a dozen pucks left so I still use Williams on a regular basis. As for a replacement, I really like DR Harris. As a cheap alternative, I like Arko. The other soaps I like are from Sterling. I never had any issues or complaints with Williams. I used boar and badger brushes for years but have switched to RazoRock synthetic brushes and find they will lather any of the soaps I use with no issues. I will admit, a stiff boar is faster to make a Williams or DR Harris lather but the synthetic gets there with a bit more time. I will admit that there are many soaps as good or better than Williams. Williams always worked for me and was cheap and I really liked the sent and the performance. For me, performance wise, Arko is a great substitute for Williams as long as I use enough product and add the water a little at a time while I face lather. Too much water with Arko and you get a foaming lather that dries out too fast. I have also found Captain's Choice and Clubman to be nice non tallow soaps that work well for me. Let me be clear, I would never pay the prices they are asking for Williams now. I will miss Williams when I finish my last puck but at least for now, there are many excellent substitutes. If you like Williams and have it, enjoy it while it lasts. If you don't like Williams, no problem, we won't all like the same things and that is what makes this a great time to be a wet shaver. We have many many choices at all price ranges. Enjoy it while it lasts.