Which country do you all think has the best soapmakers? By that, I mean the overall level of talent or tradition on display. For me, and the soaps I've used, I'd have to say Italy is the clear winner, but if they didn't have Saponifico Verisino to add some bottom to the hard soap segment, I don't know as I would put them in first place. I'd be very hard pressed to choose a second place country. America wouldn't make the list. As fine as many American artisans are, there's a half dozen more for each good one, who churn out crappy soaps. It would probably be France taking that second place ribbon, what with the decline in English soap quality in the last fifteen years. What do you guys think?
i would say Italy,France for #2,Good call.Canada has a couple of great soaps,but isn't known historically for said products.England is swirling around the bottom these days with their creams keeping them afloat.unfortunately i haven't tried many other country's offerings so i could be biased..
I concur with Italy as #1 and, although, I don't care for most French soaps, they are of high quality. English/British soaps fall way to the bottom. They just don't work well for me at all. As for American soap makers, there are some really good ones but as mentioned, a lot of bottom dwellers as well.
I'm glad you believe Italy is #1. Mr. Fine would agree, which is why he currently has an Italian agent to produce his "21st Century" line soaps.
yes sir,but i also think companies are also running out of options.many longtime soap/cosmetic facilities have closed in recent years.
meaning TFS is one of the last older school soap manufacturers left in business.Creightons in England is another.
http://canadashavingsoap.com/ This is the one that I see being discussed, quite a bit actually, on other forums.
The few of them ... and expencive. That price do not compare with the easy list of ingredients. As well, Martin de Candre. In the end (after hundreds of shaves) they're cheap. I prefer for that price tag to go for SV or GD or WK, among other skilled artisans. BTW, soap's maturing process (months, 6 for MdC; days with machine, triple milling) has pros and cons. For sure It lasts way longer, being more concentrated. But It looses fragrance and ease in latharing. And does not miracles with a mid level INCI ... I have had hard soaps that are worth (much) less than a simple supermarket cream. Sad but true, artisanal does not mean good!!!
not all soaps have to be cost efficient per gram of xxx ingredient. sometimes it's just nice to use. sometimes it costs them "y" amount to make it, or what ever the reason for the purchase/price. some things cost more for me to acquire them compared to my U.S. neighbour. we clearly don't mind spending big $$ on certain items like brushes and razors, i don't get the automatic response of keeping it cheap. surely, you put good gas in your Ferrari..
