No problem, Bryan. I hope we can figure out how to get the soap working for you. I can't take much credit for the fragrances. I don't make most of them.
Reporting back--complete and total success So, I melted my sample down, and loaded it up with a slightly wetter brush than usual... The results? Let me just gush for a moment like a tween school girl: the lather was freakin' awesome. Rich, dense, incredibly moisture-laden meringue. And my face? Feels wonderful--great shave, great feel and look going on 12 hours later. I totally understand the love for TSD soaps now. I'm committed to winnowing my stock a bit, but I'll be placing an order with you JoAnna, in the not-too-distant future! Thanks for your patience & help!
I had problems generating lather with this soap when first starting to use it, too. My problem was probably related to my hard water and I wasn't properly loading my brush to start. I figured it out by experimenting with distilled water and hand lathering (the best way IMO to figure out a new soap). I was use to spending about 10-15 seconds picking up soap with Tabac or Proraso. It takes a little longer with TSD in my experience. I now produce a terrific lather using hot tap water. It takes a little more work, but it's worth the effort. This soap has excellent lubricating properties.
