Given that they are trying to sell tallow-based products, that is not surprising. Many folks on the forums have opined that tallow based shave soaps are universally better than their non-tallow counterparts. This is another one of the wetshaving forums urban myths aka speculation passing as fact. It ranks up there with the "badger hair comes from badgers raised for their meat" and "boiling used shaving brushes is a good way to sterilize them" nonsense. There are some excellent tallow soaps and non-tallow soaps that are equally good. Kell's Original is one non-tallow soap that comes to mind. Institut Karite is another. The 7 Common Tallow Soap Myths article on Sharpologist is very informative, and well worth reading.
Well... I'm not saying they are better. I'm not sure there is any such thing, peoples individual experiences with soaps are so varied with so many variables at play. But it is worth pointing out that in the 7 Common Myths article you sited, he does concede that : "True: Oleic acid can be beneficial for the skin of some people" and I have read that elsewhere also. Perhaps I am one of those persons, no matter how rare it may be. Only one way to test a hypothesis though. I think I am going to over the next few months try some recommended tallow and non-tallow shaving soaps and see if there is a common thread there for me. Might be not be the tallow at all but something else, but it is curious.
Well, I went ahead and ordered a puck of soap from Tandi's Naturals and it just came in today. It smells awesome (a nice light anise scent, think Ouzo rather than a bag of licorice) and lathers easily. I will do a review of it tomorrow after I shave. At $7.70, including shipping, this is a good route for anyone looking for a nice tallow soap to try. Thanks for the link Mitch, and don't worry too much about what other folks think about tallow/glycerin/veg based soaps, just try out the stuff closest to what already works for you and go from there. You'll figure it out.
I also went ahead and ordered a puck. Still waiting for mine. I figured even if it doesn't work out, no big deal at that price. Sounds like they take a lot of care in making it though, can't wait.
My puck of Tandi's came and I had my first shave with it. I have some initial feelings about it based on my first impressions but I'm curious to hear your take. I'll look for the review.
I have to do another shave using this soap before I cement my impressions. I should post a review tomorrow.
