What is next soap-wise for me?

**Angry__Panda** · 08-20-2011, 10:57 AM

OK...So I have two soaps now that I really like...La Toja Manantiales and MWF. But I want some more. I currently have DR Harris Marlborough and Arlington that I am deciding on now. I have some Pre de Provence that I haven't lathered yet but smells too much like just a regular body soap. I have some Mama Bear soaps as well that I like and will be using, I got a ton of her samples mainly to smell to figure out what I wanted so I am good on the Mama Bear front for the moment as well.

So what is next to try? Anything that I can get samples of is a bonus. I LOVE Sandalwood (TOBS Sandalwood cream is probably one of my favorite things to lather if not my number one favorite). I have just been trying QCS creams as well and will probably order some of them as opposed to their soap. Any other brands or scents that you would say are a MUST try for a newbie wet shaver?

**Zoro** · 08-20-2011, 12:25 PM

Art of Shaving Sandalwood is great.

**Neep** · 08-20-2011, 12:43 PM

Every shaving enthusiast's cabinet should contain a stick of Arko soap.
Very inexpensive, extremely good.

Yup, like others I do like pretty jars and bowls, but Arko is really my favourite for great lathering.

Rod

**TheVeryIdea** · 08-20-2011, 12:49 PM

One of the first places I went to when I first started this DE wetshaving thing is Saint Charles Shave (you'll often seem them abbreviated as SCS.) I found their soaps to be very forgiving for a newbie, and I rarely failed to get a usable if not excellent lather out of their soaps. I ordered New Spice, which is a fun, aromatic scent that the lady of the house also enjoys.

I discovered the more I use one of their soaps, the more it takes on a cream-like consistency, which I think is advantageous. They also produce aftershaves and balms in case you decide you want a scent to stay with you all day.

**xillion** · 08-20-2011, 12:56 PM

Originally Posted by Zoro

Art of Shaving Sandalwood is great.

+1

Some others to consider.

Gold Dachs Sandalwood, Speick, Valobra, Tabac, Irisch Moos, and Martin De Candre.

**hairybeast** · 08-20-2011, 01:04 PM

Maybe try some italian soft soaps? I've only tried Cella so far, but it has to be experienced

**djh** · 08-20-2011, 01:10 PM

Tabac and Sir Irisch Moos are two fantastic soaps which are not overly expensive. Order both and thank me later.

**Rivguy** · 08-20-2011, 01:17 PM

Originally Posted by djh

Tabac and Sir Irisch Moos are two fantastic soaps which are not overly expensive. Order both and thank me later.

Some very good advice from David. They are excellent tallow based products that produce wonderful results.

Regards,

Doug

**AirForceMX** · 08-20-2011, 05:20 PM

Van Der Hagen Glycerin soap. Under $2 and is AMAZING!!!

**danparker77** · 08-20-2011, 05:22 PM

Just wanted to echo Tabac. Also, no matter what you decide on throw a stick of Arko in for a few bucks. You can't go wrong with it.

**Quintar** · 08-20-2011, 05:47 PM

Originally Posted by Angry__Panda

So what is next to try? Anything that I can get samples of is a bonus. I LOVE Sandalwood (TOBS Sandalwood cream is probably one of my favorite things to lather if not my number one favorite). I have just been trying QCS creams as well and will probably order some of them as opposed to their soap. Any other brands or scents that you would say are a MUST try for a newbie wet shaver?

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthr...-August-Update

**rearviewmirror** · 08-20-2011, 06:09 PM

klar kabinette if you like rose scents. its not girly rose though, its MANLY.

**Greg1911** · 08-20-2011, 07:10 PM

AOS Sandalwood soap
QCS Esquire soap/croap
Institute Karite
eShave avocado & linden (or lavender)
Speik

The Haslinger soaps are nice.
Cella or Vitos Red

There are more good soaps than you'll have time to try them.

**MarkStar** · 08-20-2011, 08:43 PM

Yet another vote for some Italian soft soap. Cella, Valobra, Vitos, or RazoRock, you choose, just don't forget that stick of Arko like everyone else said.

**BrianK** · 08-20-2011, 11:03 PM

So many fantastic soaps and most aren't very expensive.

Italian soft soaps, I've used Vitos and p.160 and they work great and for the quantity they aren't expensive, but a brick is a lot. If you don't like almond scent you'll hate them, if you like almond you'll love them. They lather like gangbusters and work great.

Arko, is a must, so is VanDerHagen.

Speick stick is great, so is Valobra de barber stick.

Slightly more expensive and I never thought I'd say this about a foo-foo scent, especially one that's fairly strong... Provence Sante. I like it and I never thought I would when smelling it through the packaging.

**Angry__Panda** · 08-20-2011, 11:07 PM

Alright Arko I will obviously order a stick of (4 dollars is kind of hard to say no to). How do the Art of Shaving soaps do milled? I didn't like their cream but have been meaning to try their soap but I would need to mill it into something?

Already tried Tabac and I am not a fan of the scent to be honest. Good soap, performs well, just not my scent. Tried Cella in the red tub (scent is the same as the soap right?). Have Razorock XXX now, going to be buying a lot of stuff when Joe gets back on the 26th. Already tried Spieck as well it was OK, just not for me for some reason...Not sure why I didn't like it as much when I tried it. I like the hand soap actually lol.

Funny, it comes to my attention I should have ordered a lot more samples from Garry when I ordered last. I notice he has a lot of these in sample form that I just didn't notice because I am blind apparently.

Thanks guys, I'll let you know how this turns out.

**Raatt** · 08-20-2011, 11:45 PM

Originally Posted by Neep

Every shaving enthusiast's cabinet should contain a stick of Arko soap.
Very inexpensive, extremely good.

Yup, like others I do like pretty jars and bowls, but Arko is really my favourite for great lathering.

Rod

+1 on the Arko...I mill mine into a tin and bowl lather...I find it very similar to MWF at a quarter the cost, plus I like the smell better.

**wimbouman** · 08-21-2011, 12:15 AM

As you already have some much great soap on trial, and Arko and Cella-ish soap are already mentioned, I suggest to try a few additions to the rage.

A classic British soap; Geo. F. Trumpers. I suggest the Limes version.
German soaps. Muhle's Buckthorn is renowned, and Calani is also excellent.

**Deacon Frank** · 08-21-2011, 12:36 AM

Originally Posted by Angry__Panda

I have some Pre de Provence that I haven't lathered yet but smells too much like just a regular body soap.

I find Pre de Provence to be an excellent soap. Once you lather it you'll find it has a light, herbal scent that some say is sage. I can also pick out the sunflower oil (a nutty component to the scent). Regardless, it's an unoffensive, clean scent. It gives a great shave and always leaves my face feeling moisturized.