I started this blog because I’m cheap and stubborn.
Let me explain.
Like many other guys, I’ve joined the shaving revolution – or, perhaps I should say devolution. I shave using a brush, simple replaceable blades, a metal razor, and old-school shaving soap or cream.
It’s the new (old) way to shave; ditch the $20 quintiple-blade rotating-head cartridge and get back to the fundamentals that were so common decades ago. Stick it to the man!
Except… this didn’t really turn out to be the case.
Yeah, the shave is a lot better. The razor is a one time purchase, and replacement blades vastly undercut the cartridges price-wise.
But rather than lining the pockets of Gilette and co., I was constantly tempted by new soaps and creams. Now that shaving had become more of a hobby than an obligation, I wanted to explore shiny new products, exotic fragrances, etc., that I couldn’t really afford.
I saw the most entrenched enthusiasts spending a distressing amount of money on soaps, creams, blades, brushes, and all manner of accessories.
Unfortunately, once you come to the smooth side, there’s no going back.
And so we come to my problem. How could I reconcile my nagging frugality with my new favourite grooming ritual?
Easy. Make your own.
Well, it turned out not to be so easy.
‘Soaping’ – the process of making your own soap – is a pretty widespread practice. Unfortunately, it’s mostly confined to regular old bar soap. Soap for shaving differs in several important ways (which we’ll get into another time), and there was little crossover between the shavers and the soapers.
Shaving soap recipes online were either notoriously unreliable, or the closely-guarded secret of manufacturers – from artisans on Etsy to heavy hitters on Amazon. In some cases, they were both – with the half-baked attempts of some soapers being rigorously demeaned by shavers who demand high quality over kitschy homemade appeal.
And it’s not their fault. Good information isn’t easily accessible; it’s mostly distributed across a smattering of backwater soaping forums.
If I was going to learn to make my own soaps, I’d have to do a lot of research.
What a pain. Someone should really get all this information together and make it easier for me.
Wait a minute… I’m someone!
I am someone. And so I’ve taken on the task of helping others make their wildest shaving & soaping fantasies come true. (I know you have them too!)
Whether you’re a curious shaver looking to understand the seemingly arcane world of soaping, or vice versa – I’m hoping to bring a little something for both sides. We’re going to figure this thing out together!
Whoever you are – I’d love to start meeting new people and figuring out what I can do for you! Whether you’re just saying hello, or if you’ve got suggestions – about blogging itself, topics, or otherwise – I can’t wait to read it!
Catch you next time,
Lewis
Shaver|Soaper 