Well, after a half dozen shaves under my belt with Stirling - I might have to rethink my answer. I do believe my beloved Cella has met it's equal, possibly even a new reigning champ. Stirling's soap has been incredible in terms of its slickness, protection, and quality. I haven't used an artisan soap this good in...well, forever. Amazing tallow soap!
I was exited to see it when Rod added it to his line up at the time. I ordered a couple of pucks as Clubman is one of my favorite scents. I noticed that kind of funky smell when I received them too. I think it was the clay that put off that scent.
Both Stirling and Cella proudly list beef tallow as a primary ingredient. Both are excellent soaps. I have both and use them a lot. There are others that will list "potassium tallowate", which is made from tallow. Also if you see "stearic acid" - it too comes from animal fat. Barrister and Mann list potassium tallowate and are very good soaps as well.
Some good choices: 1. Stirling, 2. Chiseled Face, 3. Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Tabac, there is no other choice unless you want to spend a lot more. Valobra comes to mind. erasmic red stick is good and protective, lathers faster then arko can.
Correction- PAA is vegan. But some other good tallow soaps are Mike's and Cold River Soap Works! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Stirling costs about $12-13. A puck of Tabac can be had for about $10. No a huge difference in cost, but with Stirling you can at least choose from a variety of fragrances. Tabac only comes in the Tabac scent...which isn't for everyone. Both make solid-performing tallow soaps.
Stirling is a damn good tallow soap with other goodies in the mix like lanolin. Price point wise, excellent. Performance, excellent. You can't go wrong.