After using tallow-based soaps and creams, I finally tried out a glycerin soap: Conk's Bay Rum. I don't want to like it, because I spent lots of money (for me) on my tabac and speick, and the scents of those two are something else. The Conk's has a very weak fragrance, and from what I CAN smell of it, it's not very pleasing. That said, I'm amazed at what a difference this soap makes in the quality of my shave. The lubrication is outstanding - even when the lather is visibly gone, there's still a layer left over that lets the blade just glide right along. With this stuff, I'm finally able to get my whole neck nice and smooth. I've even tried daily shaving with it, (which has been an absolute no-no before), and am getting BBS shaves with no irritation. So now onto my query. I've seen that there are a number of online vendors selling glycerin pucks. Any recommendations for soaps that perform as well as conk's but offer a lot more in the fragrance department?
I would recommend adding a few drops of glycerin (I got mine at Wal-Mart) to your tallow soap lathers. This will allow you to enjoy what you already have & like by beig able to customize the slickness. Just experiment with how many drops work best for you. I put about 5-10 drops in my lathering bowl right along side my snurdle of shaving cream. It's made a huge difference for me & I hope it helps you as well.
I'm also reading on this forum about the practice of adding your own essential oils to add or boost fragrance in a soap.
JoAnna seems to have found just the right amount of scent for her TSD soaps. At least for me, anyway. Grab a few samples and try 'em out.
:sihns011 Real bang for the buck too. Try the "iced" versions too. I dare you :angelic007 VDH is available at Walmart and is $1.54 a puck. It is really nice but lacks in the scent.
Other than TSD, my favorite glycerin soap for scent and shave is Renaissance Man. http://www.fieldsofambrosia.com/category/renaissance.html. It makes a fast and thick lather, and the bay rum scent is traditional, low spice, and robust. Of the Conks, Amber's is my favorite. It's scent is subtle and easy to take, and it shaves nicely. I melt it and add past soap remnants to make frankensoap.
You do not need to do a difficult search. Try JoAnna's soaps at the TSD store. http://www.theshaveden.com/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=11
You people are evil, I really love earl grey tea!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not to mention the smell is in some of the higher quality snus Bergamot- basically citrus, yet fruity and sweet with a warm spicy floral quality, and reminiscent of Neroli and Lavender oil. :drool
Wow, thanks for the suggestions, y'all. TSD and Renaissance Man both look great and the price is right. I guess I know what's next on my list.
The Col. Conks I tried, Bay Rum and Almond scents, had about average strength fragrances. Both scents were quite nice, but people's scent preferences can vary. Maybe check out some other Col. Conks scents? The scent strength of a soap can diminish over time, something I have observed with Tabac, Institut Karite and Em's. If you want to partake of the aroma before you buy, try William's Cutlery and Gifts in San Jose (408) 558-9411. The last time I was in there they had a number of Col. Conks soaps in stock. I know it is a little far to drive, but worth a visit. They also have Merkur razors, shaving brushes and sometimes vintage mugs and razors. Williams is a little pricey, but have outstanding customer service and very helpful salespeople. Mama Bears Soaps are very lubricating and protective, and have great scents (mamabearssoaps.com). Kell's Original soaps are about average in the scent department, but an excellent shave soap. IMHO, they are second to none and even a little better than Tabac and Institut Karite. Shoebox Shaveshop sells them, and they can also be ordered directly from Kell's (kellsoriginal.com). Foggy Mountain shave soaps are wonderfully scented. The lather from the soap disappears almost immediately on the face, but it leaves behind a lubricating film. If you start shaving before the film dries, the shaves are quite good. The Foggy Mountain soapmaker is moving right now, but should be selling soaps again soon (foggymountainsoap.com). As battle.munky noted, Van Der Hagen soap lacks in scent, but works quite well and is usually $2 or less. I have seen them stocked at the local Walgreens. If I recall correctly, there is one in Hayward. Indian grocery stores are good places to check for shave creams and soaps. The Godrej creams have reasonably good scents and work very well. At around $2 a tube, the price is right. If there are India Currents freebie magazines in the store, they will list other Indian grocery stores in the area. There are lots in the East Bay, which helps if a given store doesn't have what you want. Hope this helps!
I completely agree with Battle Munky about VDH. I've tried more expensive soaps and creams, but really like the shave I get when using VDH. I make up for the lack of scent with either after shave or cologne. Of course your results may vary, but for the price it's worth trying. IMHO
ShaverX, those are some great tips. I'll be sure to check out William's Cutlery. It is a drive from Hayward, but I grew up in SJ and have lots of family down there, so have plenty of excuses to make it down there. I also like the Indian Grocery idea, and there are a ton around here, especially if I go south towards Union City and Fremont.
Well, for me, Arko is the best of both worlds.It offers everything at a low price.Scent-wise, try EJ/Muhle sea buckthorn.
+ 1, Jeff, most people need some shiny brand and price to satisfy their ego.After trying so many soaps, I always find one soap to have way better scent, better skincare and lubrication/cushion, to last longer, but not all of it in one place like Arko, and not at that price.Mush in a bowl and leave it ALL the time on the window, or in your yard, it will destinkify it and presto!
I agree that hoity-toity luxury branding and a high price is not what makes a shave soap great. There are good and less good soaps at all price ranges, both for commercially produced and artisan soaps. If you are referring to the Arko shave sticks, they do have a strong sandalwood scent. Good for those that like it (I do), but bad for those that don't. Glad that you found a way around that, as Arko is an excellent soap. Arko also has shaving creams that are quite good. Maybe one of them would be less "stinkified" and still work well?
