A while back I picked up a NOS Old Spice Shaving Soap. As you can see, it was really dried out and if there was ever an Old Spice scent, it had long disappeared. I have shaved with it twice and honestly, I had higher expectations from this tallow-based soap. So, this evening, as I was choosing tomorrow's shave set-up, it came to me. Why not use the same technique that I used with my Vintage Williams. http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/the-vintage-williams-project.45842/ Courtesy of @GDCarrington Here it is, step by step. Using my kitchen grater, I grated up the soap. I placed it in a bowl and weighed it (important) 86 grams I added 8 grams of my vintage Old Spice AS and 78 grams of boiling water. (Totaling the same weight as the dry soap, 86g) Mixed it together and poured it into the OS mug. I then covered the mug lightly (optional) And placed it on my shave shelf, where it will set-up. Now, all I have to do is wait for it to firm up (I'll give it at least 10-14 days) Your time may vary, depending upon the ambient humidity in your bathroom. Oh, did I mention that this soap smells OUTSTANDING!!! (I am keeping my fingers crossed that a goodly proportion of scent remains. I used my Vintage Williams this morning and this technique really improves the performance of these older soaps decidedly. I debated using some of my OS Burley, but in the end decided to stay with the original scent. Thanks for reading.
This morning, I took my espresso tamper and pressed the still-soft soap gently downwards, removing the air-pockets.
To help it dry out, you might just cover it with something breathable, like an old piece of cloth, or an old shirt.
I think I'll try that with one of my old, scent less Yardley soaps. I have some of both Yardley aftershave and cologne.
Hope the soap retains the scent. It is fun to experiment and think of new things. Curious to see if the A/S effects the lather or not.
I gave the OS soap a shot today and these are my findings: 1) Lather tended to dissipate... 2) Had to go back to the puck for each pass. Third pass actually had the best lather in terms of stability. 3) OS scent discernible, but not strong. Better than before, which was nil. 4) Slickness was excellent. 5) Cushion was acceptable. 6) Post-shave was remarkable. 7) I think that I can conquer this soap using my synthetic. Will give it a go tomorrow. Opinion regarding this project: The OS puck was a dried-out; rock-like substance, which needed a thorough hydration anyway. Comparing the results with my vintage Williams, the Williams was terrific immediately. This is still a work in progress. Final thoughts: I always enjoy these types of projects, so I am not disappointed. I didn't make it worse and in the end, probably helped this old puck have a new lease on life. Thanks for reading.
some of the old soaps have a chemical reaction that leaves that nice crusty skin on them, grinding them up mixes it all through and through. Also, some soaps were never intended to lather like arko does today. Thin and runny is a sign it was meant for barber work in my opinion, slick and easy to see through when you have to shave a cranky customer..
The Project was a bust...soap won't create a stable lather and I don't have the patience to fight with it so...I am showering with it. Oh well. Back to the drawing board.
well don't fret. Went through my messages and it is OSP that has the original shulton old spice scent. had a sample sent in to the british government for testing early this year. No further knowledge of it.
Maybe a bit too much water in the original remix, so it just needs an extra week or two of redrying time? Why not leave it to air for a couple more weeks and then revisit shaving with it before demoting it to the shower?
And there she goes, the Old Spice clipper ship, masts slowly sinking below the drain horizon in the shower...
Wickhams did an excellent Old Spice tribute soap. Really nailed the scent and the performance was excellent. It was called Spice Trade, not sure if it's still available.
