I'm a die hard fan of Williams Shave Soap, and I'm disappointed they're no longer producing it. However, I'm also annoyed by the fact that so many vendors are exploiting this fact by taking advantage and selling, even just one cake for exorbitant prices. That being said, this glycerin based Van Der Hagen shave soap is an excellent alternative. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that it is in some respects, better than Williams. It builds a nice, rich lather and creates its own smooth moisture barrier when brushed on the face. This makes for a shave that's smooth as silk. Typically, I use a thin layer of hand soap or shampoo (not lathered up) to accomplish this before applying my shave soap. However, with this product, it's not necessary. The only issue I encountered, due to its glycerin base, it smells like, well...glycerin, instead of typical shave soap. However, after the first 2-3 shaves, you'll become accustomed to it. It's not an off-putting smell. As a matter of fact, it smells very clean. It's just different. If this concerns you, I'd recommend purchasing the scented variety. I purchased the unscented 3 pack, back in January of this year. It's now August, and I'm about 2 weeks into my last cake with daily shaving except on weekends. So, pretty good on the longevity. All in all, you can't lose with this product for the price. Read more
This stuff is great. No sent or color and doesn't taste like anything if you accidently get some in your mouth. Comfortable shave and lasts a very long time. Read more
I originally tried to reorder Williams Shaving soap, which I’ve used for years. When I found a price of $30 per bar (or was it $60?) I did some research and learned that Williams has been discontinued and is, apparently, now collectible. I found this brand and trusted the reviews. I ordered the 3-bar pack. I received one bar very quickly. I contacted Amazon and they sent the 3-pack right away, not requesting a return of the mis-shipment. I am quite pleased. No scent and it provides adequate lather. In the event that I outlive these four bars, and if this is still available, I would definitely reorder. Read more
I discovered this shaving soap after searching for an economically priced, unscented, shaving soap product. Upon receipt, I was a little surprised to find that inside the box, the soap was housed in a plastic container. I removed the soap from the plastic container, and the soap fit perfectly in my old Burt’s Bees shaving soap mug that I’ve had for decades now. Great! I bloom the soap by adding a little hot water in the top of the soap and let it rest whilst in the shower. After showering, I brush up a good, durable lather in the mug, then apply it to my face for my shave. I use a double edge safety razor and do multiple passes with the razor using the lather I’ve made. The lather holds up to the end of the process and beyond, provides a good cushion, and the razor glides smoothly without irritating my skin. And there are not any off-putting smells to annoy me or my gal. This shaving soap works well, and is a good value for the money. Read more
Very happy with product. Forms up nicely. Like that it isn’t all perfume. Read more
I've been buying the fragrance-free VDH shave soap for years. It was a translucent soap that lathered great and seemed to have mostly glycerin for an incredibly smooth shave. This last batch I got was opaque white and more like bar soap that left my face dry. Whatever they've done, they've ruined a great shave soap. Maybe it was SKU screwup or something but the box is exactly the same as before. I won't buy this again. And have one I just opened and two more I'll probably just toss. Very sad. Read more
Husband loves this soap for shaving. The multiple blade razor prices got ridiculously expensive. His Dad and Grandfather used the old straight razors with the butterfly opening just fine, so that's what he switched to. Learning curve (styptic sticks) you can't press in hard with the straight razor the way he did with multiple blade ones. One bar of this soap lasts a long time and he says the soap doesn't leave his skin dry and itchy. Read more
I've tried a few shaving soaps, but this soap is my favorite (Cella runs a close second). It's a clear (nearly) glycerin based soap and it creates a good, foamy lather. I use it with a horsehair brush (I like horsehair better than Badger or Boar) and found that I can get a good, solid lather by rubbing the slightly wet brush over the soap and rubbing the brush on my face to make a good lather. I can also build a lather in a bowl, but why bother? I get a close shave. So far, I haven't had any face irritation from the soap. It's also unscented, which I like. For this price, you should be able to afford three - and they should last quite a while. Read more
