Just placed an order for 2 soaps: Floris JF and DR Harris Arlington. Any thoughts?

**lostinwv** · 08-20-2008, 04:39 PM

I am a fan of Mama Bear soaps, but recently decided to give one of the more "premium" soaps a try.

After much deliberation, I just placed an order for Floris JF and DR Harris Arlington soaps. I researched about a million posts on various soaps, and initially narrowed my choices down to:

Tabac
DR Harris (Arlington vs. Marlborough)
T&H Luxury
Floris JF
AOS Lemon
Trumpers Coconut

Really, all of these seem like they'd be good bets. Despite lots of positive comments about MWF, I never seriously considered it- maybe I couldn't get past the concept (sheep)!

I was having little luck in making a solid decision when something happened that made the decision-making process much easier: I stumbled upon the VintageBlades website and saw the very low closeout prices on the Floris JF soap, and I could not resist the urge to buy some given the great deal. While I was at it, I figured I'd go ahead and get the DR Harris Arlington as well.

In both cases, I went with the refills to save $$.

I'm excited to get these and I'll be milling them into a mug or tupperware or something. I'll be sure to post my thoughts on each soap when I have formed opinions on them.

I really had a lot of trouble deciding between the Arlington vs. Marlborough in the DRH soap- hope I made the right choice with the Arlington.

I still want the other soaps I listed and maybe I'll get more soon! Probably Tabac next, although I am concerned that the scent will be too much for me.

Happy shaving to all...

**OldSchoolYoungin** · 08-20-2008, 05:19 PM

No way in hell that you'll be disappointed.

Arlington is a great soap. It's a citrus-fern concoction that is subdued in soap form but smells bright and clean.

Floris JF is also great stuff.

Go for the Tabac next.

**elveeskee** · 08-20-2008, 05:27 PM

Thoughts? Only one...

Did he have the Floris JF shipped to my house?

**ScottS** · 08-20-2008, 05:31 PM

It wounds me to think of you shredding your nice soaps. Find a dish they'll sit in nicely.

**htownmmm** · 08-20-2008, 09:58 PM

You will love Floris JF!

marty

**Mr. Igg** · 08-20-2008, 10:08 PM

Originally Posted by OldSchoolYoungin

No way in hell that you'll be disappointed.

Arlington is a great soap. It's a citrus-fern concoction that is subdued in soap form but smells bright and clean.

<snip>

Go for the Tabac next.

He's wrong about Harris. You'll hate it. Send it to me before you use it and save yourself the agony of disappointment.

(And Tabac's a great next choice, too...)

**burningdarkness** · 08-20-2008, 11:12 PM

Those are good choices. I'd definitely recommend Tabac next.

**Crhis** · 08-21-2008, 12:18 PM

Those were my first two soaps!

Excellent taste my good man.

**petr** · 08-21-2008, 06:17 PM

welcome aboard. fine choices. love Floris. only 50 soaps more!

make AOS next!

**n33470** · 08-21-2008, 06:21 PM

I put my Harris Arlington directly in medium sized coffee mug. It fits absolutely perfect. You should probably just look in the cupboard, you may have something that will fit nicely without milling the soap. Try out Goodwill, or another local thrift shop for other options as well.

--steve

**desmoface** · 08-21-2008, 06:36 PM

I've had JF, Arlington, and currently use Tabac almost exclusively. I just sold off the Arlington after one use as it lit my face up pretty good. I don't blame the soap, it's just that my face is very sensitive. JF did the same thing, but man did I love the stuff. I suspect it has something to do with the fragrance.

The Harris soaps ooze quality and I was very impressed with the presentation (packaging, wood bowl, etc.)

The JF and Arlington both lather with the best of em, but again, as much as I was hoping to be able to use them, it was just not to be.

Strangely, tabac, which is heavily scented, does not irritate my face - I guess I should be thankful considering the prices. So, definitely try the Tabac, it's almost a no-brainer considering the price. Good luck and let us know how they work for you.

Steve

**NeckShaver** · 08-22-2008, 10:38 AM

I have a couple thoughts... jealousy and envy

**jeffb** · 08-22-2008, 10:52 AM

D.R. Harris Arlington is one of, if not my favorite soaps! I ordered Floris JF and loved the smell, it just burned my face like no other soap I'd ever used so I had to sell it.

**lostinwv** · 08-22-2008, 08:50 PM

Originally Posted by ScottS

It wounds me to think of you shredding your nice soaps. Find a dish they'll sit in nicely.

Originally Posted by n33470

I put my Harris Arlington directly in medium sized coffee mug. It fits absolutely perfect. You should probably just look in the cupboard, you may have something that will fit nicely without milling the soap. Try out Goodwill, or another local thrift shop for other options as well.

--steve

Maybe you guys are right. I think I'll follow your advice. Still waiting for the soaps- should be here Monday.

**ScottS** · 08-24-2008, 09:53 AM

Originally Posted by lostinwv

Maybe you guys are right. I think I'll follow your advice. Still waiting for the soaps- should be here Monday.

Good call. You can always shred them up, but its hard to glue all those pieces back together.

**Oldhope** · 08-24-2008, 02:32 PM

Originally Posted by n33470

I put my Harris Arlington directly in medium sized coffee mug. It fits absolutely perfect. You should probably just look in the cupboard, you may have something that will fit nicely without milling the soap. Try out Goodwill, or another local thrift shop for other options as well.

--steve

A Ziplock (or other brand) disposable storage bowl might fit well too.