So prior to using Cella today my only other exposure to soft Italian soaps have been 3P. 3P is a sweet almond smelling soap that lathers up just beautifully but that I initially had some reservations about when it comes to the scent as it really did make me feel as if I was smearing marzipan over my face. Not a bad thing necessarily...I love marzipan...but maybe not what I'm thinking of when it comes to shaving. So, bought a tub of Cella off a member here on TSD and received it this week and was very curious how it would compare to the 3P (that I after 4-5 uses had gotten used to the scent and really just love the lather it gives). Cella in red tub: 3P: I did a quick and highly unscientific comparison this morning... Scent in bowl: Very close. They are both traditional, Italian Almost scented croaps. 3P: Sweet almond. Intensity maybe 7 out of 10. Cella: Very sweet almost and also some more elements like cherry or 'candy'. Intensity: 8 out of 10. I did some 'blind smelling to see if I could accurately distinguish between the two soaps with my eyes closes and I was able to do so 4 times out of 5. Scent lathered up: The same scent from when in their bowls. If anything the 'sweet' aspect of the Cella got even more pronounced. Initially the lathering brings out a stronger scent in both of them. Both fades in about the same time. No significant surprises. Lather: 3P: Absolutely fantastic. So easy to lather up and the lather is slick, thick and luxurious. Cella: The same as for 3P..but....it might even product an even thicker lather. I was very impressed. Verdict: You can't go wrong with either croap - they really are fantastic. I'd say they both have some differences that may - or may not - be significant enough for you to try out both (because believe me - you should try out at least one in your shaving 'career'). 3P: Slightly less 'sickeningly sweet'. Almost like a 'mature' almond scent. Cella: Scent is very candyesque. It will take some time for me to get used to but the lather is exceptional. Might just be the best performing croap - or soap - I've ever tried. Conclusion: I now need to try non-almond scented Italian soft soaps next Disclaimer: Totally YMMV
I haven't tried 3P yet. Cella is excellent, the only issue I have is that LITTLE red tub. Nice comparison.
One more question which is harder? The term "croap" confused me. Before I got the Cella I thought it would be in a state between a solid and liquid. Its defenitely solid just soft.
I'm shoving my fingers into them right now (well..not right now) and I'd say 3P feels just a tad bit more dense than Cella. If you'd open the jars and place them upside down on your shelf over night none of them would had dripped any content onto that shelf. If they were creams...the jars may well be empty that next morning
If you decide the order the 1000ml block I would be interested in a slice. I just might beat you to it though.
I am aware of it but I'm not sure it is accurate... It makes one believe it is halfway between a soap and a cream when it really is just a soap (Cella).
I used Cella this morning. I got a 125g "chunk" of a brick when The Italian Barber was slicing them and putting them in jars for $7.99. Sadly, he is no longer offering that. Great soap! Great shave!
Yeah I wonder why he stopped chopping some up and selling in tubs. One would think that would be a great way to sell to people that don't want to commit to 1kg and hence won't buy any at all.
Cella is fantastic stuff. Haven't had the chance to try 3P but I need to, as the Italian croaps are my favorite shave products.
I can barely keep my brush off of Cella LOL. Has me leery of trying 3P so I don't end up with 800g of soap I'll barely ever use!
It was so hard not to hit the add to cart button. I have to use up what I have first....... Must show restraint... Ahhhh
That's what's holding me back. I have enough soap and cream to last me until at least 2018, and with P160 coming back into production I may try to avoid 3P. Especially cause I can't get it from a Canadian retailer.
