At this point, most soaps are really detergent with some sudsing agent in them, (because people won't use them if they don't have suds.) Because they aren't soap, soap; they may not make lather like we prefer. That said, if it works, go ahead. "It's your shave. Use the soap your way." (The "It's your shave…" slogan is copyrighted by @swarden43 Ltd. Used with permission.)
I recently compared ingredients on a bar of Palmolive Classic bath soap to the Palmolive shave stick. Its about 75% the same. I tried lathering the bath soap with a brush. The lather wasn't bad...didn't feel slick though. In a pinch I wouldn't be afraid to try it with a cartridge razor.
Sure in a pinch I've done it when traveling. Just would not work for me on a regular basis. Hey I'm not insulted just my 2 cents worth. Besides. As always in this business. YMMV (and if it feels good do it). Cheers.
I usually use creams or soft soaps. Any recommendations ?. I tried van der Hagen once and it was not for me
It works Ok at least for me in a pinch. The key is to use more product. Dial is the one I've used and as long as you work it into a thick froth it'll do the job OK. Admittedly it's not Tabac but it will work.
I will not use bar soap for shaving. Way too many great shaving soaps out there. I do use bar soap in the shower though.
Mike I'm a Stirling (4) and Route 66 (1) guy. I don't have alot of soaps just stick to my tried and true.
I've used bath soap (bar soap) way back in the day. Only because I hadn't shaved at home and had to clean up before roll call.
I don't know if this thread has been posted here already (I didn't read all 6 pages of posts) but @Shaver X did some bar soap reviews a couple of years ago. http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/cvs-sensitive-skin-beauty-bar-unscented-soap-review.38550/
If you think regular bar soap worked just fine I have to ask what shave soap have you used in the past to compare it to?
What are your tried and true ? Always looking for new stuff to try. I use St James mandarin and patchouli, Speik, or Nivea , Dreadnought vanguard synthetic, and my own machined titanium safety razor of my design.
I'm not a soap connoisseur like alot of folks here. I like Stirling due to it's slicklness and will use it until gone, and then buy a replacement. I did try the Route 66 due to the hype here and really like it. I currrently use R66 Barbershop. Stirling Barbershop, Gin and Tonic, Sharp Dressed Man and Bay Rum. Sharp Dressed Man is my favorite. I will proably find a replacement for the Bay Rum when it's gone.
Ivory Soap works well, too. But, I reckon it's one of those things you have to try enough of to get it to work right. Irish Spring has a more pleasant aroma, though. Smoother than Lava, too.