Williams Shave Soap......

[Shavegeek76]

Last night I picked up a puck of Williams for 99 cents. I figured I give it a whirl this morning. Unreal..... It was the best shave I received in a long time. Can it be?????? :confused::confused::confused::confused::confused: :confused::confused::confused::confused::confused: :confused::confused::confused::confused:

[mdunn]

ive never used it (not avaliable down here) but theres a reason its been around so long.

[Ringer]

ive never used it (not avaliable down here) but theres a reason its been around so long.

Yeah....because it's $.99! :biggrin:

[SiBurning]

What did you do with it?

[Fnord5]

I think someone put a puck of something else in there. :blink:

[studioguy]

Last night I picked up a puck of Williams for 99 cents. I figured I give it a whirl this morning. Unreal..... It was the best shave I received in a long time. Can it be?????? :confused::confused::confused::confused::confused: :confused::confused::confused::confused::confused: :confused::confused::confused::confused:

I can't get a lather out of Williams to save my life, one side of my face looks dry before I even get done with the other side.

[bearbear]

only complaint is it dries fast, at which point i just wet my face and 3 second pas with the brush. I don;t get a really thick foamy lather, but its super slick w.e it is

also works better imo with a stiff badger brush

[Leche]

If it works for you, that's cool. Try some of the other tallow soaps also.

[ctakim]

Did the formulation of this shave soap change. I have an old puck that I got in a razor lot off the Bay and it has sodium tallowate as the first ingredient. The new puck I bought at the local drug store lists potassium stearate as the first ingredient and sodium tallowate second. The lather of the new soap, in a word, sucks compared to the older soap.

When did the formulation change?:confused:

[mretzloff]

Williams really isn't that bad. Most people use it when they first start out, so their lack of lathering skills affects their judgment of their soap. If Tabac or MWF were 99 cents, I bet we'd be hearing many reports about how they stink.

[ClubmanRob]

Did the formulation of this shave soap change. I have an old puck that I got in a razor lot off the Bay and it has sodium tallowate as the first ingredient. The new puck I bought at the local drug store lists potassium stearate as the first ingredient and sodium tallowate second. The lather of the new soap, in a word, sucks compared to the older soap.

When did the formulation change?:confused:


Not that I can tell. Williams from 50 years ago performs the same as Williams of today does for me.

[Milkbone]

Ahh the great Williams! It is often much maligned, even I cursed it myself when I first started. After a bit of practice I revisited it and it worked very well, so well in fact that I had to lay in a store just in case. lol

[stitch]

Williams is easy to use.

Step 1: Pour hot water into your mug (Williams in mug of course)

Step 2: Plop your brush right into the mug

Step 3: Shower (or wait long enough for brush to soak thoroughly)

Step 4: Dump water out, give brush a shake, then build your lather right on the soap

Step 5: Face lather, then shave, repeat latherings until finished.

[instpasr]

Williams is just about #1 in my soap rotation, it's very close being my favorite. Easy to use and cheap.

[BEAR DEN]

It will always be in my rotation. I like it!!

[kzoo1]

I don't think the soap forum would be the same without a discussion of the much loved/hated Williams.

This method works great for me with Williams, it uses a lot of product, but so what when Williams is such a bargain.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIsj58fqVjY

[Schwert]

Williams face lather in the shower is near perfection.

I set my mug, Williams and bore brush in the shower corner. Add a bit of hot water while I shower, then dump most of the water out of the mug and build volumes of lather in seconds with my brush, then shave. I just got my first cake of this last weekend and it has become my favorite shower face lather soap.

[Kenrin]

I don't really use williams alone because it dries out so fast, It is SUPERB when mixed with VDH deluxe for that "superpuck" :biggrin1:

[instpasr]

I don't really use williams alone because it dries out so fast, It is SUPERB when mixed with VDH deluxe for that "superpuck" :biggrin1:
I've been known to mill Williams and MWF together.:thumbup:

[blackdog1101]

I don't really use williams alone because it dries out so fast, It is SUPERB when mixed with VDH deluxe for that "superpuck" :biggrin1:
If I may ask, how do you go about mixing the two? Do you shred the Williams into the melted VDH?

[duotone]

Williams really isn't that bad. Most people use it when they first start out, so their lack of lathering skills affects their judgment of their soap.

It sounds like you have hit the nail on the head!

I have never seen Williams soap in a store (I live in the UK) but have heard many good things about it on here. As I havent tried it, I cannot comment.

[Fairchild86]

Last night I picked up a puck of Williams for 99 cents. I figured I give it a whirl this morning. Unreal..... It was the best shave I received in a long time. Can it be?????? :confused::confused::confused::confused::confused: :confused::confused::confused::confused::confused: :confused::confused::confused::confused:
I decided to try a puck of Williams the other day too and had an awesome shave as well. All I hear are bad things about this soap, but I was surprised at how well it performed. My face was a tad dry afterword but nothing a little ASB couldn't fix. For the price Williams is great I think.

[Seraphim]

Last night I picked up a puck of Williams for 99 cents. I figured I give it a whirl this morning. Unreal..... It was the best shave I received in a long time. Can it be?????? :confused::confused::confused::confused::confused: :confused::confused::confused::confused::confused: :confused::confused::confused::confused:

Nope.


You were either dreaming, delirious, or perhaps have gone criminally insane.


Take two Tabacs and call me in the morning....
:tongue:

[kzoo1]

I was wondering how long it would be before Williams made it back to the front page!

Good show!

Yes, it is good soap, for the money you probably can't find a better performer.

Of course YMMV and all that, but it hasn't been around 160+ years for nothing!

[markb]

Great soap! I get great shaves from Williams.

[michiganlover]

Yes, it is good soap, for the money you probably can't find a better performer.


Ahem...have you met VDH? :w00t::w00t:

[kzoo1]

Ahem...have you met VDH? :w00t::w00t:

But of course! Being the cheap #$%&*@ I am, I bought a dozen pucks from Amazon! :biggrin:

[n33470]

But of course! Being the cheap #$%&*@ I am, I bought a dozen pucks from Amazon! :biggrin:


You had to order Williams through mail order? You don't have a Walgreens, Walmart, CVS, Rite Aid, or any grocery store near you? This stuff is sold all over the place around by me.

--steve

[guenron]

Williams really isn't that bad. Most people use it when they first start out, so their lack of lathering skills affects their judgment of their soap. If Tabac or MWF were 99 cents, I bet we'd be hearing many reports about how they stink.

EXCELLENT point. It is really amusing how many wet shavers invariably find fault with the tools as opposed to the technique and/or environmental elements.:ihih:.

[Seraphim]

EXCELLENT point. It is really amusing how many wet shavers invariably find fault with the tools as opposed to the technique and/or environmental elements.:ihih:.

I'm still sticking with my "Williams stinks" viewpoint.:001_tongu

I conducted an ABA experiment: I had been using Tabac and Valobra shave stick alternately as my mainstays. I then embarked on the famous Week of Wiliams (http://www.badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=72541&highlight=week+williams)

After that (and assorted weepers, and discomfort), I went back to the Tabac, and immediately had an improvement in shave quality. No weepers, nice cushion,excellent.

Now then, I shave with a straight exclusively, so perhaps for DE shaving Williams is fantastic indeed, as it does give good glide, and a close shave. But for me, with a straight, it was found lacking.

I did like the scent. And the price!

[ClubmanRob]

EXCELLENT point. It is really amusing how many wet shavers invariably find fault with the tools as opposed to the technique and/or environmental elements.:ihih:.

Exactly. I think Merkur blades get a similar rap and to a lesser extent, cartridge razors. But, everyone's face is different, so that's why we have the dreaded four letter abbreviation...

[kzoo1]

You had to order Williams through mail order? You don't have a Walgreens, Walmart, CVS, Rite Aid, or any grocery store near you? This stuff is sold all over the place around by me.

--steve

Not Williams - VDH. VDH here goes for $2 a puck, on Amazon it's $1.27 a puck delivered free!

[gollum83]

I've been known to mill Williams and MWF together.:thumbup:

Why? :confused:


I decided to try a puck of Williams the other day too and had an awesome shave as well. All I hear are bad things about this soap, but I was surprised at how well it performed. My face was a tad dry afterword but nothing a little ASB couldn't fix. For the price Williams is great I think.

Yeah, I find that Williams isn't anywhere as horrible as its detractors claim. In all honesty, I like the stuff.


I was wondering how long it would be before Williams made it back to the front page!

Yeah, it never ceases to amaze me how much hate/love a 99 cent puck of Williams will generate. :bored:


Yes, it is good soap, for the money you probably can't find a better performer.

Well the real question is this: is there any that cheap out there? I mean heck even VDH is more expensive.

[Crazy Dave]

I do think that VDH is the better soap. However, I do like the smell of Williams and when mixed with Kiss My Face, I get a DFS.

Dave

[The National Razor]

I picked up Williams a while ago when I went back to the folks house. I wasnted to use it while I was there and then donate it to my dad, who I'm trying to get involved in wetshaving. At first I couldn't get a lasting lather (despite what it said on the package!).

Later I learned I didn't have enough water--I basically had to submerge the puck to get it going. It did a fine job after that but the damage to my face was already done--red and irritated.

It's not bad but I don't plan on adding it to the rotation for the time being.

[withoutink]

Forgive the ignorance -

What is VDH, Id love to check it out...

[masonjarjar]

Forgive the ignorance -

What is VDH, Id love to check it out...

Van Der Hagen shave soap.

3 kinds

Select (White)

Glycerine (Clear Amber)

Deluxe (Pink)

Select is at Rite Aid
Deluxe is at Walgreens and Wal-mart

I've heard that some Wal-marts carry the Glycerine, but I haven't seen it in my area for a few years.

All 3 have a faint scent of Grey Flannel cologne.

[kzoo1]

excellent point. It is really amusing how many wet shavers invariably find fault with the tools as opposed to the technique and/or environmental elements.:ihih:.

x2!

[withoutink]

Mason, Thanks for the info

[kzoo1]

Used the Williams this morning with excellent results! For the performance and price, it really is hard to beat. I'm even thinking it might be better than the VDH! :001_tt2:

[ClubmanRob]

Used the Williams this morning with excellent results! For the performance and price, it really is hard to beat. I'm even thinking it might be better than the VDH! :001_tt2:

I don't think it's better than the VDH Deluxe and Glycerine, but it's much better than the Select (which would be VDH's equivalent to Williams).

[kingfisher]

Van Der Hagen shave soap.

3 kinds

Select (White)

Glycerine (Clear Amber)

Deluxe (Pink)

Select is at Rite Aid
Deluxe is at Walgreens and Wal-mart

Glycerine is NOWHERE! Not even on the interwebs!

All 3 have a faint scent of Grey Flannel cologne.

Fixed it for ya.:cool:

[studioguy]

Since my last post in this thread I tried soaking the puck over night.
Now I like it it a lot!! The lather lasts way longer and it cushions way better.

It's in my rotation now.

[40boy]

FWIW, you can still get VdH Glycerine from Amazon.
$15.35 for 12 pucks, eligible for Free Super Saver shipping too

[TinFish]

I like both Williams and VDH but I prefer the scent of Williams. Since I only use it in the shower, getting tons of thick, slick, long lasting lather has never been a problem.
That's why I've never done a Williams review...I think you can good lather in the shower with almost any soap.

[el_zorro]

After trying a number of soaps and learning proper lathering technique, I have formed the opinion that Williams is vastly underrated. Especially with a little glycerin added. My favorite it to put a dab of Cornhuskers lotion on top of my puck before I started lathering. The other thing I like about Williams is that it works well in the hardest of water. The scent is one of soap and a very light citronella.

[SiBurning]

I need to use a lot more Williams than other soaps, so it isn't as cheap as it seems. I'd actually put it in the $7 range after also factoring in the small puck size.

[kzoo1]

I need to use a lot more Williams than other soaps, so it isn't as cheap as it seems. I'd actually put it in the $7 range after also factoring in the small puck size.

Wow. You really do use a lot of Williams!

[Seraphim]

I need to use a lot more Williams than other soaps, so it isn't as cheap as it seems. I'd actually put it in the $7 range after also factoring in the small puck size.

Good point.



Listen, I have fun bashing Williams, but I do have to say that it is a decent workhorse soap. Nothing wrong with that. It does it's job, it's affordable, I enjoy the scent. When compared to many other soaps out there, I feel it is left in the dust, but hey, that's life.

I drive a '94 Ford Escort station wagon. It's a cheap little tin can that I bought like 7 years ago. I love it. Keeps on going, gets 32MPG, it's a bit small for me in headroom (I'm 6'2"), but I don't care.

To me, Williams is like that. It's appeal is in the thrifty, old codger way it performs. It's not there to pamper your face, it's there to get the job done-take it or leave it, Williams won't lose any sleep if you don't care for it, and for that matter won't care if you love it!

Williams soap would just as soon slap you, as look at you.


And I can respect that.

[SiBurning]

Wow. You really do use a lot of Williams!

Only if I try to lather it. Then I need at least 3-5 times more than most soaps, and a lot more compared to MWF. If I skip the lather, it's amazingly cheap, and works okay. There are $14 soaps that aren't all that much better. Also bear in mind that Williams is half the size of most bowl soap refills.

The bottom line for me is there's nothing it excels in aside from price, so I'll pass.

[michiganlover]

The bottom line for me is there's nothing it excels in aside from price, so I'll pass.

The low price isn't enough to get me past the wretched citronella scent. Just scent alone makes me pass on it. :eek::eek:

[ClubmanRob]

The low price isn't enough to get me past the wretched citronella scent. Just scent alone makes me pass on it. :eek::eek:

That's the best thing about Williams! :biggrin:

[gollum83]

The low price isn't enough to get me past the wretched citronella scent. Just scent alone makes me pass on it. :eek::eek:

Oh come on now! That scent is the thing to keep away them mosquitos when you go camping in the Great Lakes state! :biggrin:

[paladin252]

i love the smell of williams, i look forward to it every time im getting ready to shave. clean and refreshing.

[Seraphim]

I used it today.


But I'm suspicious about the claims of citronella scent. For the second shave in a week, an insect landed on me while shaving with Williams. I'm totally serious. Some little black bug of some sort. Last week it happened also. So, the claims of Williams effectiveness as a bug repellent have been thoroughly debunked.

[Deacon Frank]

I started reading the thread, then saw Seraphim speak badly of Williams and knew it must have been an older thread. Lo and behold, 2009!

[OldSaw]

I started reading the thread, then saw Seraphim speak badly of Williams and knew it must have been an older thread. Lo and behold, 2009!

Yes... and it still sucks. :lol:

[Deacon Frank]

Yes... and it still sucks. :lol:

Some like it, some don't. I happen to like it for the slickness it provides. It makes a great superlather with KMF creams.

[noelekal]

Revisited Williams today after scarcely using it over the past couple of months. Tried a new trick that was suggested to me.

Our tankless water heater is set at 151F. I ran hot water into the mug enough to cover the puck and submerge the boar bristle brush I use and left it for several minutes while I went away and otherwise occupied myself. Came back, washed my face and dumped off the water and gently shook the brush out. Worked up a lather without any additional water. It almost instantly provided ample lather when treated in this fashion. Carefully lathered my beard and shaved with a Gillette short-combed New and a Feather blade that's seen 4 shaves. The shave was very close and very comfortable along with being weeper-free. Williams has a mild old fashioned scent that I like fine and it does a fine job.

Previously I'd attempted to work up a lather with a couple of tablespoons of water in the mug and was only getting so-so results after much stirring. This worked much better for me.

[GreekGuy]

I think williams is the ONLY thing that is constantly talked about, yet still seems to revive multiple year old threads

[Seraphim]

I think williams is the ONLY thing that is constantly talked about, yet still seems to revive multiple year old threads

Williams: causing debates since 1840

[Disburden]

Ok one last time....

Use alot of water darnit!!!!!!!!!!!

[cryhavoc]

Williams: causing debates since 1840

:lol::lol::lol:

[Seraphim]

Ok one last time....

Use alot of water darnit!!!!!!!!!!!

Disburden: next time you're at the drugstore picking up a puck o' Williams, get a VDH brush as well. I've been getting some mind bending lathers out of Williams with it's cheapo brush counterpart. It's a one-two punch of thriftiness like no other.

[Disburden]

Disburden: next time you're at the drugstore picking up a puck o' Williams, get a VDH brush as well. I've been getting some mind bending lathers out of Williams with it's cheapo brush counterpart. It's a one-two punch of thriftiness like no other.

I already have one!! Its great!

[Shaveprentice]

I made Williams much easier to use by finely grating a puck of Williams and separately melting a puck of VDH(about 15 seconds in microwave). I then stir and mix the grated Williams into the melted VDH and let it cool. It makes a great combination that is super easy to lather and the two soaps seem to really compliment each other well. Good glide, thick rich lather that lasts and doesn't dry out my skin. It takes less than 5 minutes to make the combination and it costs around $3.00 for both pucks. The Van Der Williams in my opinion performs much better than either soap separately.

[Deltaboy]

Mill it , soak it and use it.

[Venom]

I have had no luck with Williams.

[Sled Dog]

Tried Williams for the first time today...seemed to build a nice enough lather, but it seemed to be lacking something as my new blade was really tugging at my whiskers. Added a small blob of Kiss my Face and it really made a difference...great shave.

[drocu]

I just tossed the vintage NOS Williams I had that contained tallow. Not because it didn't lather well but because it stunk like cigarette smoke from the previous owner. I couldn't get rid of the smell. Too bad because I really liked the lather.

[Disburden]

I just tossed the vintage NOS Williams I had that contained tallow. Not because it didn't lather well but because it stunk like cigarette smoke from the previous owner. I couldn't get rid of the smell. Too bad because I really liked the lather.

Damn..I would've taken it from you, I like the smell of smoke..lol.

[michiganlover]

I just tossed the vintage NOS Williams I had that contained tallow. Not because it didn't lather well but because it stunk like cigarette smoke from the previous owner. I couldn't get rid of the smell. Too bad because I really liked the lather.

I am not sue it was necessarily the cigarette smoke you were smelling. I have owned many Vintage Williams pucks, and they all have a slight musky/ old odor to them. They lost their original scent many many years ago.

[Deltaboy]

I just tossed the vintage NOS Williams I had that contained tallow. Not because it didn't lather well but because it stunk like cigarette smoke from the previous owner. I couldn't get rid of the smell. Too bad because I really liked the lather.

You should have asked. I would have told you to mill it and give it a good airing out in garage and then soak it with some aftershave and you would have been set.

[Quantrill]

The low price isn't enough to get me past the wretched citronella scent. Just scent alone makes me pass on it. :eek::eek:

+1 on the Citronella. The new Williams SUCKS!!! I've used Vintage Williams before and I love it! Pleasant smell with some seriously thick and rich lather. I hope I can keep finding unused pucks for sale!!!

[Topgumby]

I just tossed the vintage NOS Williams I had that contained tallow. Not because it didn't lather well but because it stunk like cigarette smoke from the previous owner. I couldn't get rid of the smell. Too bad because I really liked the lather.

Errr, are you sure it wasn't a puck of Tabac?

[dfigz]

Mill it , soak it and use it.

+1 ... this makes todays formula work even better

[Go West Young Man]

I just tossed the vintage NOS Williams I had that contained tallow. Not because it didn't lather well but because it stunk like cigarette smoke from the previous owner. I couldn't get rid of the smell. Too bad because I really liked the lather.

You could have easily sold it for $10+

[NexlevMM]

Picked up a puck last week and used it yesterday. Lathered up just fine for me.

[Deacon Frank]

Tried Williams for the first time today...seemed to build a nice enough lather, but it seemed to be lacking something as my new blade was really tugging at my whiskers. Added a small blob of Kiss my Face and it really made a difference...great shave.

Yes!!! Williams and KMF make a great superlather!

[Deltaboy]

I just about super lather every thing with my CO Bigelow Shaving cream.

[Mike'sWorld]

So current Williams works with a stiff VDH brush, it works if you soak it in water, it works if you grate it. Isn't everybody saying it works if you use lots of product?

[Topgumby]

So current Williams works with a stiff VDH brush, it works if you soak it in water, it works if you grate it. Isn't everybody saying it works if you use lots of product?

Winnah, winnah, chicken dinnah.

Three billion posts about Williams and this guy goes and spills the secret.

[TheClassicGentleman]

I can't get a lather out of Williams to save my life, one side of my face looks dry before I even get done with the other side.

I have never had that problem with Williams, at first I did to be honest. For Williams to work best for me, I have my brush literally dripping wet and that produces a thick, rich lather that lasts a while.

[Disburden]

I just use more water than other soaps and it works fine...that and more arm work.

[TheClassicGentleman]

I just use more water than other soaps and it works fine...that and more arm work.

Absolutely, a little more arm work, a little more patience and it pays off wonderfully!

[Mandina]

Williams works quickly, easily, wonderfully, and inexpensively for my head shaves in the shower. As others have pointed out, lots of water seems to be the key.

[Debrushman]

My method with Williams is as follows....
1. Open box of Williams
2. Place puck in garbage
3.Reach for Arko
4. Lather and shave with Arko.

[Loner16]

I've been saying that Williams is a good soap as long as I've been a member here... No one wanted to listen. I've used it for 35 years with good results. If you don't like the scent, which I do because it smells like soap, I can understand that, but don't say it doesn't work, because it clearly does..
Funny how a product goes from unuseable to a favorite if the right people say it's OK... But, that's the internet for 'ya...

[BrookR1]

I find the shave stick much easier to work with than the puck...

255735

[Venom]

I have tried to like Williams but it is like beating a bear into submission, too much work for such a otherwise pleasant task, just not worth it. Good to hear others enjoy it though!

[bcraig.waciii]

You know, I have been using Williams for the past month. I kind of like the stuff.

[Radium]

I`ve been using Williams for years and I`ve never knew there was problems with it from others until I started coming into here and reading what others have to say about Williams soap. Sometimes ignorance is a wonderful bliss:)

[luvmysuper]

If you can lather / like MWF you'll probably lather / like Williams*

And vice versa.




YMMV




*Except for the smell.

[TheClassicGentleman]

Here is a picture of the lather I got with Williams this morning
256672256673
Not the richest lather I have gotten with Williams, but still very good> It smooth out nice and thick and provides a very good shave with wonderful lubrication.

[jb4647]

Just bought me a box for $1.07 today. Gonna give this bad boy tryout and see what all the hub bub is about!

[DoubleB123]

If I may ask, how do you go about mixing the two? Do you shred the Williams into the melted VDH?I was wondering the same thing. I have both of these soaps and I would be interested in making a "superpuck" of these 2 soaps.

[Disburden]

Here is a picture of the lather I got with Williams this morning
256672256673
Not the richest lather I have gotten with Williams, but still very good> It smooth out nice and thick and provides a very good shave with wonderful lubrication.
Not enough water or time on the puck. You should get huge thick peaks on the brush.

[dreadpirate]

Just picked up a puck today. Will comment tomorrow on how it goes.

[dreadpirate]

I tried it this morning; I liked it. I got a close comfortable shave using a Gillette Old type, which I find on the aggressive side. Even so, Williams did just fine. My two immediate impressions:

1. It has a unique scent; something like pledge or end dust. Not bad, but very different.
2. The lather seemed sudsy; and maybe I just need to adjust accordingly next time I use it. But offered very good protection none the less. No burn, no weepers.

A descent soap I will use again. :thumbup:

[luvmysuper]

I tried it this morning; I liked it. I got a close comfortable shave using a Gillette Old type, which I find on the aggressive side. Even so, Williams did just fine. My two immediate impressions:

1. It has a unique scent; something like pledge or end dust. Not bad, but very different.
2. The lather seemed sudsy; and maybe I just need to adjust accordingly next time I use it. But offered very good protection none the less. No burn, no weepers.

I call that scent "Off Mosquito repellent" but I like it just fine anyway despite the many detractors this soap has.


A descent soap I will use again.

Freudian slip? :lol: :lol:

[Docd]

I think it smells similar to the regular ivory soap, but maybe a little stronger. I use it occasionally, when I first read this thread it made me commit to buying the pewter bicentennial mug...$16 shipped. I think the two will go great together, and my LE bristle 1 will be the icing on the cake.

And BTW the MWF comparison is true I think. I only use Williams and MWF now, those are the two I've settled on.

[Backswampcub]

I tried this soap tonight for the first time. I was excited to find it at a small mom and pop drug store near me. I let it soak for an hour and then went to whipping with a cheap bore brush. I was rewarded with a nice thick lather and a comfortable shave. Say what you will about this stuff but it works and the price is great.

[noelekal]

I was thinking Williams was ok, with enough work but then my son schooled me in its use. Run enough hot water into the mug to well cover it. Put the brush in with it if you like. Just let it sit for a moment or two. No swishing the brush around. Pour off the water and then work your lather. Speedy and hassle-free shaving for all.

[dreadpirate]

Williams works well for me; there are better scents out there, but I have a puck in use.

[Seraphim]

I do miss bashing it.

[Topgumby]

I do miss bashing it.


"Who knows but again the old flags, ragged and torn, snapping in the wind, may face each other and flutter, pursuing and pursued, while the cries of victory fill a summer day? And after the battle, then the slain and wounded will arise, and all will meet together under the two flags, all sound and well, and there will be talking and laughter and cheers, and all will say, Did it not seem real? Was it not as in the old days?" -Sgt Barry Benson, writing about the Civil War in 1880.

Ah, Seraphim! Just as the original owners of my vintage razors have almost all assuredly returned to the dust from whence they came, our turn in the sun will end. Perhaps, however, whenever a future wet shaver picks up a puck of Williams, and nobly triumphs or recoils in disgust, we will be there to cheer and deride, at least in spirit.

[OldSaw]

I do miss bashing it.

That is the best thing about Williams. :lol:

[Nappyfunk]

CONVERTED...After struggling with William through half a puck...
Covered puck with hot water and brush allowed to soak/soften ...throw off water and start whipping...
A Volcano of Lather!!!...Thanks B&B members...
Maybe Now I can get a decent Uber Lather with it...perhaps with some Speick....real funky

[fine wine]

Williams really isn't that bad. Most people use it when they first start out, so their lack of lathering skills affects their judgment of their soap. If Tabac or MWF were 99 cents, I bet we'd be hearing many reports about how they stink.
Couldn't have said it better myself. I haven't seen a soap yet I can't latter except something called African black soap with shea butter. Got it at Target. Before I started useing straights regular I always just used hand soap at the bathroom sink....JR

[Gingerbread]

I have no problems with Williams - the lather amount, quality, or it drying out. More product, more water!

[Christoph]

Here'a what I do with it...

I put a puck of Williams on top of my Crabtree and Evelyn soap, and on top of that I put another puck of Crabtree and Evelyn, then another Williams, then another Crabtree and Evelyn, and so on and so forth.

Williams on its own does not give a great shave. But mixed with good soaps it extends the good soap.

[Rufust445]

Great shave with Vintage Williams tonight (Cranford, NJ). Use it once or twice a week, alternating with sticks and creams.

[campence]

Tried Williams for the first time last week. I just followed others advice here and let the puck soak in hot water while I showered with my brush in their. Emptied the mug, let the brush drip dry and started whipping. It gave a lather every bit as thick and slick as my VDH Deluxe (the VDH smells a little better) and it was a great shave. For a buck I cannot complain about something that still gives me a better shave than the 6 dollar cans of goop.

[campence]

Had another great shave from Williams tonight and decided to include some pics. I really don't understand why people think this soap won't give a good lather. I used my cheap VDH boar brush with my hard water and still got this lather. I filled my mug up with hot water (with the puck inside) and let my brush sit in there while I showered. Emptied the mug, gave the brush a couple shakes, worked the brush on the soap for about 20 seconds, and whipped it up in the bowl for about a minute. Here are the results.

260162260163

[campence]

260170

[Christoph]

Williams can work but its really no where close to good shave soaps. Here's what I do, I mix it with other soaps. NOt that I actually combine the soaps. But I put a Williams puck in my mug, and then put a good soap on top, such as C&E. Then after time passes I work down towards the Williams and it is somewhat mixed with the better soap

[OldSaw]

For no apparent reason, I played with it again last night. Nothing changed. I let it soak in some hot water, then whipped up a big cloudy pile of lather, which was rather unstable as usual. Even though it was a rather nice looking lather it just didn't hold up very well. It was rather slick and the shave was OK. My curiosity has been satisfied for another 6-12 months. :yawn:

[guYom]

I like WIlliams Mug... by itself, or with a tiny bit of a cream such KMF Lime or The Real Shaving Co. shave2 cream.
It works for me. I have a puck I use as stick (just rub it in my stubbles) and a couple pucks I grated into a small Pyrex dish.