Maximizing the Longevity of your Shaving Soaps

[@JimG7755]

Hey Chris! You are absolutely correct about this subject. The reason soaps loose their scent, shrink, etc. is due to to water still remaining on the soap! Why do soaps dissipate?, because water does this naturally! If you scoop your soap into a bowl or mug, the soap in your container will last so, so much longer!! If you store a shave soap still wet, it will shrink and loose its fragrance. Water naturally dissolves it. Thanks for the videos!

[@IAMCDB]

Thanks Jim, I agree with you 100%

[@TheSlickpt]

I just use my soap . I enjoy loading from the jar and dont care to stress about my soap. I will do small things to help it out if i can but im not loosing sleep over it . I also dont keep 20 soaps around so...

[@TheDaclub]

100% on point Chris. I no longer load any soap from the container. I also have started writing the month and year on the bottom. Thanks Chris 👍🇺🇸

[@IAMCDB]

Carmine, thanks so much for the tip. I never thought to write the month and year on the bottom but that's an excellent idea.

[@santaclaus179]

oh also nice comment , will also put the date on the bottom of the jar

[@richardsanchez5444]

I thought I was the only one that did this. I tend to do this with other stuff as well. Cotton swabs, dish detergent and such.

[@NLeon-h1m]

Great tips, I just started wet shaving and just ordered a bunch of shave soaps, I'll do this to them to keep them much longer thanks.

[@SANSOOBOXER_OFFICIAL]

I've been wet shaving 1 month as well 💯

[@ChrisUong.English]

I have a journal for so my soaps. I want them to last for years. Love this hobby.

[@marionthebarbarian886]

I think you might have sold me on this. I just need to get myself a bowl now. I didn't really get any bowls, since I sucked at mug lathering. My house was built in the 1860's. It is drafty, and the dust is never completely gone.

[@IAMCDB]

It's certainly worth considering.

[@DrRonP]

Hi Chris. After watching you and Tim I started scooping soap out with a little pipe tobacco spoon into a lather bowl and strictly bowl lathering. I’m sure my soaps will last longer and my lather has never been better!

[@IAMCDB]

That is so good to hear Ron. I'm glad it's working well for you.

[@wiseal9063]

the best for me $2.87 Neutrogena Original Amber Bar Facial Cleansing Bar with Glycerin, Clean- put in microwave for 20 seconds ,it will liquify ,pour into shaving bowl , let cool then just use brush to lather .It doesn't promote a big giant foamy face but gives you lubrication and skin protection . after all it is only what is on your skin that affects it not the foam on top of foam $2.87 it will last over a year

[@benmarchal]

Great, thanks. I’m new to wet shave and I was looking for this sort of information. Not many other sources

[@Kenoji8]

Excellent video, Chris. More people need to see videos like this. I have seen a lot of people tub load and it is just something that people do within the community, even people like Matt from Razor Emporium (and I did it for while, too, because of influences like this). But I watched a video about this from Tobin Fetters recently and that really opened my eyes because I had no idea about bacteria and other contaminants getting into the shave soap by your brush, water, and other means. Matthew Lawrence also did a more quantitative analysis of why he scoops by showing how many more shaves a soap will last if you scoop versus tub load, and it is quite a significant amount of shaves! I think points like this need to get out to the community more if people want to keep their soaps at their best, top of the line quality!

[@Upfo]

Thank you for the tip I will do that for now on now I got to buy a shave bowl

[@IAMCDB]

It definitely helps:)

[@scottlaughlin1528]

Great topic for a video, Chris. I don't think it's something many people think about, particularly when they first start out wet shaving, but with the amount you can end up spending on soaps, it's good advice. Thanks and keep up the good content!

[@IAMCDB]

Thanks Scott, I really appreciate it.

[@drunkn711]

When I get a new soap, I get a piece of plastic wrap, drape it over the soap and squeeze it all down nice and even and no gaps along the edge between the soap and the jar. Everytime I get a soap out to use i make sure that there isn't any gaps, and if there is i press the soap down again to get rid of the gaps. I am a "load of the puck and face lather" guy. All my soaps have been ok so far, just thought I'd share what I do. But I must say your scoop out method is a 100% water free method. Thanks for sharing! Steve

[@IAMCDB]

Thanks for sharing your process. It sounds like a nice way of doing it to try to minimize water getting under the soap.

[@gif24gt60]

Where do u buy a cheap transfer spoon? Dollar store measuring spoon?

[@ChrisGarciaorlzzt]

I now only tub-load when I see "the ring of death"... Thanks for the video!

[@IAMCDB]

That's a good time to do it:)

[@santaclaus179]

since I have around 150 soaps in my den , will do so , first clean all my soaps and then using a scraper , nice comment, regards robert .

[@IAMCDB]

Thanks Robert. Enjoy yourself, that's the main thing:)

[@TimShaves]

Thanks for the tips! I recently changed to scooping as well because my soap collection keeps growing!! haha.

[@IAMCDB]

Yea, you're not going to be able to burn through those soaps very quickly these days:)

[@rockotto4]

And this is why I scoop/scrap and bowl lather 100% of the time unless I'm using a shave stick. To each their own, you buy it, do what you want with it.

[@IAMCDB]

I agree sir. This is the safest way to keep soaps in great shape for the longest time. That said, each person should do whatever they enjoy doing.

[@saldomino1639]

Yep 👍 I agree I also bowl lather with a scoop of soap thanks for sharing !

[@josephbechtel7103]

Thanks for posting this. I just had to throw out a Stirling puck that I had put into one of their tins. It filled the entire tin. I've used it maybe 3 times letting it dry after each. But it still developed little white moldy fingers where soap met the tin. I'll be buying scoops now.

[@IAMCDB]

You can use a plastic spoon or anything to scoop it out Joe.

[@jeffrielly]

Thanks for this, I've found that by blooming I get a much much better lather, BUT that really wears down the soap FAST, I'm going to have to try this tip for my soaps

[@MK-us]

WOW, it all sounds so very obvious. Therefor thank you very much for your great advice, I'm definitely going to apply it from now on. ! !

[@SpartanWolf222]

I will definitely keep this method in mind when I'm done with my Stirling soap samples and move on to the full tub I ordered. I will probably also get a pack of their guitar picks for beard balms. I did not realize when I got the empty container just how big 6 oz is, so I would have a hard time getting the soap off while it's sliding all around in the container.

[@IAMCDB]

Thank you sir. If you're just using one soap daily, and intend to finish one at a time, it probably won't make much of a difference. You'll work through it fast enough that you don't have to worry about longevity. I expect my soaps to be around for years because I have so many. I try to do everything I can to make sure they are pristine because of this. Blessings to you sir!

[@SpartanWolf222]

@@IAMCDB Much appreciated. I actually got the Stirling Soap samples to help me choose 3 or 4 fixed scents to suit the seasons. I figured if I put the refill pucks into the same batch they might be affected by cross contamination.

[@IAMCDB]

@@SpartanWolf222 It wouldn't really hurt it. The main idea is not to leave a lot of water in the soap container without drying it out. That's generally where people run into problems. That said, it's pretty rare to run into problems with soaps.

[@zisischatzopoulos3431]

Nice tip. Especially for the bloomers. Thanks

[@benos036]

Definitely food for thought. As you hinted at, I do find the load I get from the tub is better or more consistent than loading from a bowl, but I do kinda want these soaps to last for a while, and I definitely don't want to grow mold on them. So, I dunno, we'll see. Maybe I'll try to find a happy medium.

[@IAMCDB]

It's really up to each individual user. If it's a rare soap or something I cannot replace, I wouldn't get anywhere near it with water. If it's something that's not so special it's not as important.

[@brianthefloridian6254]

Great Advice Chris! Man, that XXX soap looks old! Have a great week & stay safe out there!😎

[@IAMCDB]

It's old but it still works great:)

[@improbable6129]

I had purchased B&M's Leviathan last fall, and after using it for about 5 months it started getting a little odd in texture, but I thought nothing of it as an inexperienced wetshaver. Just checked it, and that sumbitch got mold on its mold. Thanks for the tip. Just shaved from the container on my first use for my kaizen soap. Think I should be ok so long as I don't do it again, or is it already gonna start the process way quicker?

[@IAMCDB]

Sorry to hear sir. The main thing is to make sure you dry the soaps out after use. Fortunately the most thing isn't something that happens with every soap all the time. As long as the soap is completely dried out it will be fine.

[@seanarter1092]

Thanks Chris absolutely great and helpful video. I watched mark every video he puts out and saw the mishap he had with that soap. I actually got some Mikes' Natural from a buddy at work who lathers from the container....I opened the other day since I really do not use it much and really looked and on bottom and sides was dark and mouldy I ended up emptying out and washing container in case I need it later. I have a question...I got 8 Stirling samples and they are wrapped in biodegradable plastic...once I open and grab a bit for my bowl and shave I rewrapped then wrapped again in a clingy plastic wrap until my tin containers get here to put em in (Unfortunately all I could find for a reasonable price right now)...will that be ok for the soap samples?

[@IAMCDB]

Hi Sean. That sounds fine to me, I don't see any problem with that.

[@FWild-eb1rd]

Absolutely right

[@IAMCDB]

Thanks sir, I appreciate it.

[@pjwroblewski]

Nothing wrong with your method. I've been wet shaving a long time and mostly load from the jar. I rinse upside down and dry on a wire rack upside down. I've never had a problem with any of my soaps.

[@IAMCDB]

I think if you're going to get water in the soap the drying method you're using is the best way to do it.

[@robertross8565]

I agree 100 percent. I only scoop and bowl lather. Moisture is never introduced into my soap tub.

[@marionthebarbarian886]

This will be a good watch

[@IAMCDB]

Thanks Marion.

[@theluxuryshavinghobbyist]

Really good advice. I’m starting your method right now.

[@IAMCDB]

I hope it works well for you sir.

[@georgenooner]

what about hard puck soaps? do you like scrape the surface with a spoon and use the shavings? thanks

[@IAMCDB]

Hard pucks I'll either use like a shave stick or I'll just cut a piece off the top.

[@beg033]

Great video Chris, thank you! I wonder if the scooping method can be applied to the triple milled (or really hard) soaps as well.

[@IAMCDB]

I cut slivers off with a knife when I use hard soaps:)

[@beg033]

@@IAMCDB I really enjoy scooping my soaps, thank you Sir! On behalf of my soaps, thank you as well, they're happier ;) Quick follow up question. Do you think the ridges in a bowl (i.e. captain's choice standard bowl) has a harmful effect on, say, high end badger brushes? Should one stick to synthetics and boars when it comes to bowl lathering? Thanks!

[@IAMCDB]

@@beg033 Hi sir. I don't think the ridges on the CC Bowl or HC&C Bowl are too aggressive, so long as you're not mashing the brush down to much. If you really like to splay the brush hard, then I'd be careful. Otherwise it's probably ok. Thanks fo the kind words sir!

[@johnshaves101]

I agree with you on this, but have to be honest, I only do it on selected soaps 👍🤓👍

[@IAMCDB]

I agree. If you have a soap you're not particularly worried about, or maybe a hard puck, it's not that much of an issue. Many people put a ton of water in their soaps regularly without issue.

[@Kranekick1985]

Good video . In what place of the house do recommend storing soaps? Thankx

[@IAMCDB]

Preferably in a dry place out of direct sunlight. A bedroom closet or something like that would be perfect.

[@krish5901]

Chris, Great tips. Thanks a lot. "scooping" method applicable to glycerin based soaps. I think you never used this type soaps. Thanks for taking time and sharing your knowledge

[@IAMCDB]

I've used them in the past. If it's a really hard soap I either take the puck out and use it like a shave stick or cut a piece off with a knife.

[@robertross8565]

I measure my soap precisely every time and immediately close the lid. The shave soap is never exposed to water or contaminants from a brush.

[@valleyshaverjohn2821]

that was a great video Chris. Learned a lot thanks.

[@IAMCDB]

Thanks very much John, I appreciate it.

[@4incase]

Thanks! I am looking for a good lathering bowl. What bowl do you recommend?

[@dotkom9382]

Captain’s Choice bowls.

[@IAMCDB]

There are three that I really like. The Captain's Choice Copper Bowl is my favorite, my next favorite is the Pereira Shavery Unbreakable Lather Bowl, and then the Timeless bowl.

[@richardsanchez5444]

What about hard soaps? Tabac, Williams, cella.etc? Do you load them in a mug then let them dry out?

[@fredhug85]

Thnx Chris

[@trueblu8]

Excellent tips Chris! 👌

[@IAMCDB]

Thanks Vince.

[@formulas1]

Hey Chris. Awesome tips. If folks want to tub load, I recommend taking som plastic wrap, place it over the soap and just press/push down and around the walls of the tub thus sealing the sides. BTW, did you delete some of your shaving vids?

[@IAMCDB]

Thanks sir. Over the years I've removed a handful but not many. I'd say 98% of them are still up:)

[@MarcFuentes956]

Thanks for the soap tips 👍🏾

[@IAMCDB]

Thanks Mark, I appreciate it.

[@MrGShave]

Great tips Chris👍 I will remember to use them in my next shave. I overdid things on Saturday which meant my back went into spasm. It might be a while before I can stand long enough to shave. I think I might need a hedge trimmer when I next use a razor 🤣😂🤣😂

[@IAMCDB]

Ohhh....Sorry to hear Mr. G. I hope you recover swiftly.

[@Juraberg]

Great video. 100% true! 👍🏻 Many, many years ago I ruined two soaps. Since, I never introduce a brush in a shaving soap any more. I always scoop out the desired quantity with a tea spoon. My soaps last forever.

[@IAMCDB]

Thanks Patrick. Some people don't think you can ruin soaps by loading on them but I've ruined enough of them to know:)

[@Prophecy23JC]

How much soap do you put in the bowl?

[@IAMCDB]

Something close to half a teaspoon for the most part. Generally this is more than enough. I might adjust this up or down slightly based on the soap I’m using.

[@azshooter348]

Something else affecting 'longevity' of a soap is the size of your brush. Especially if you use a soap-hogging monster-badger brush, how much suds do you discard after each shave? It's likely that you can squeeze out enough leftover lather to do another entire shave. A 19-22mm works just fine to cover your face in suds, and you won't have that near 50% lather waste you get from a floor mop-sized vanity brush.

[@IAMCDB]

Good point. A large brush will certainly grind that soap down quicker.

[@astrobufff]

The one factor that you have overlooked is that natural sunlight kills fungal spores. So transparent containers will have less fungus. Just like you have experienced. A dark cabinet will favour mould growth. I am toying with the idea of fitting refills into transparent glass jars with airtight lids which can then sit on a shelf. Not direct sunlight, but natural light. Please do comment on whether I make scientific sense and whether I am headed for disaster. Thanks

[@magnoliamike]

When I screw on my tubs I give them an extra snug and that seems to always keep them nice and fresh smelling

[@IAMCDB]

Nice!

[@MichaelSchinella]

Great video, thank you for the recommendations

[@jasonnyc2006]

@IAMCDB Another great content video.

[@chaiman3761]

Great advice mate!

[@IAMCDB]

Thanks sir!

[@N00b344]

Great video! Very informative.

[@judgetoogood1033]

Great review. 😊😊😊

[@toddd7444]

In these Inflationary Times. HERE IS AN EASY WAY TO DO IT MY FRIENDs Use any hard Bar Soap, Tallow or Glycerin based Soaps out there? To fit in any Mugs or Cups? Like" (Mitchells' Wool Fat or Arko Sticks. Just to name a few of them?) You can mix and match your old Soaps? Cut up the soap on a paper plate, pour your soap chunks with the shavings from the Paper Plate into a Mug, cover the soap with a small amount of water, and microwave your soap. For about a minute or so? Place a paper plate under your mug in case it bubbles out of your cup? If it foams up, STOP. The water keeps it from burning itself up. (DON'T OVER WATER YOUR SOAP??) Easy, does it? Let cool don't want to Crack the Mugs or Cups you're using? (You just want it to Congeal in your Mug or Cup') it is very hot and watery'''''. let it cool in PLACE'. after it cools, put it in a Sunny Window, until the Soap hardens? When using your soaps, use Dry Brush Less Water. It thickens the soap, making it easier to use on your face. Save your Money, spend it on your wife, don't listen to the shave Mafia. It saves me time and Money. Wheelchair Larry Happy New Year. Your Mileage may vary?

[@theblackadder8104]

Could you explain the process of using a hard soap as a stick? What do you do with the soap after rubbing it on your wet face in order to avoid ruining it? Thanks

[@sheshaveswithjill4838]

I was scooping rather than loading from the jar for those reasons. But, I've lagged sometimes and reverted back to off the jar :(

[@IAMCDB]

If I wasn't concerned about the soaps at all I'd load from the jar too. It's a lot more fun IMO.

[@sheshaveswithjill4838]

@@IAMCDB It sure is!

[@melvinalcantra6142]

I know what you are saying but some soaps are very hard to scope up. I.e. de dutch brand Vergulde Hand

[@IAMCDB]

On these I use a knife and cut a piece off or I use the puck like a shave stick:)

[@coffeegrinder6319]

Amen and Amen! Preach it brother!. You converted me a while back to scoop some out and load in a separate bowl. Chris, I found that loading the brush in a smooth bowl, much better than the ridged lathering bowls, if you want to face lather. More lathering on the face, and less in the bowl. I constantly experiment with different methods. One method was to bloom the little chunk of soap in a bowl, then rub the soap directly on the face, then face lather. Kind of like the shaving stick method. Currently prefer loading in a smooth bowl. :)

[@IAMCDB]

That's the way to do it. Trying lots of different things is the best approach in terms of figuring out what works best. Thanks sir!

[@mikekisonu6825]

Your “process” makes SENSE, “CDB” (but, yeah, loading DIRECTLY from the puck is more FUN. 😕) BTW, where the heck does one get a “cosmetic scoop?” (Heck, who even knew such an implement existed? 😳)

[@IAMCDB]

I can understand that sir. Since I have so many soaps I like to keep them in as pristine a condition as possible. Minimizing the amount of water, air, pollutants etc. certainly helps extend the life of them for me.

[@SuperK7654]

Never thought of the moisture/contaminates.

[@IAMCDB]

It's definitely something to consider with respect to the longevity of your soaps.

[@randallhayhurst6491]

Good info!

[@IAMCDB]

Thanks Randall, I appreciate it.

[@jimcosshaveden5259]

Great video! If you dry your soaps in the restroom, you could be introducing fecal matter to the soaps. GROSS! Ugh! Flushing the toilet with the lid up is a pet peeve of mine. I actually do keep my soaps in a closet. 🤣🤣🤣

[@IAMCDB]

hahah, so true!

[@magnoliamike]

I load using the dry method so not Mutch water if any stays in my soap

[@IAMCDB]

As long as you're happy with how it's working it's fine:)

[@santaclaus179]

for me the real problem is that I have so many soaps that I have to live approx 12 more years and I don't think will be on this earth for more than 5 years now , haha

[@IAMCDB]

I hope you’ll be around for far longer than that Robert!

[@trevorrolland501]

100%

[@shave326]

Scoop!

[@IAMCDB]

Scoop & Cap:)

[@magnoliamike]

If your going to dry your soap flip it upside down with a wash cloth underneath it

[@GeorgeKanatas]

Upside down on a rack is even better because you let airflow to dry the soap faster and better. This is the method I use for years and all my soaps are in great condition 👍

[@IAMCDB]

I like it upside down as well. I used a storage rack with grates when I used to do it:)

[@IAMCDB]

I used to do it this way as well George. I think it's the best way to do it as gravity is working and also not as much debris gets in the soap.

[@GeorgeKanatas]

I find this way acceptable only for medium to firm soaps like sterling, paa, and razorock, not for softer ones like cella. Cella in particular hates water and turns yellow. Cella loves scoops and refrigerator 😉 One more tip for this kind of soaps to prevent the water to go underneath is to take a spoon, or better an espresso push tamper, and when you open a fresh lid of soap for the first time tamp the soap to create a flat surface without gaps, especially around the sides. It DOES make a difference believe me.

[@santaclaus179]

oh you have to live aroung 12 years , I have to do much more around 35 years haha and my age is 75, so maybe not possible to end 5 % of all my soaps, but I am not worried , once I not here anymore on this earth , a lot of people are going to be happy with my soaps haha

[@G_from_G]

Do you ever have considered to vacuum seal those tubs you don't use regularly in order to keep the scent?

[@IAMCDB]

I haven't to be honest. Might not be a bad idea:)

[@ghelley]

Good One Chris 👍👍 💦💦🦑🦑

[@IAMCDB]

Thanks GSM!

[@508edb]

The OCD is strong with this one... Heh! ;-)

[@IAMCDB]

Yes!

[@thedudeofshaving1749]

Yo

[@IAMCDB]

Yoooo!

[@charliedonaldson5136]

When you spend the amount of money these crazy wet shavers do, does it actually matter? They will only be buying more soap than they can use anyway.

[@IAMCDB]

I would say it might be even more important. If you have a ton of soaps that you can get to regularly you need them to last so you can eventually use them again:)