Van Der Hagen Shave Soap

[@stefanpuffer]

What I love about the Van Der Hagen soap is that it rinses away clean under cold water. I like to shave with cold water, but when I use soap cream with tallow in it then I have to run hot water to clear the soap out of the razor.

[@Odinarcade00]

Just got this with the shave mug for Father’s Day! Can’t wait to use it!

[@S1978b34o]

Not just for beginners, I've been wet shaving with a safety razor and straight razor for almost ten years now and Van der Hagen is one of my favorite soaps to use.

[@MarkSzorady]

Agree.:) For the money, it really is good stuff.:)

[@Jeepsteve1982]

This is the area I don't mind splurging. The difference in quality between VDH and say, Muhle soap, is astonishing. In fact, for the money I think Muhle is the best soap you can get.

[@supernoobsmith5718]

Best shave so far with this stuff. Been at it for about a month now. -Merkur Progress. Settings 3 - 2.5 - 2.5 -Preshave oil, hot bowl, hot lather, Feather blade 3rd use, Skin Bracer, Nivea Balm. Loving wet shaving. Lifer!

[@brianb.2894]

Hi Mark. Have used Van Der Hagen off and on for a few years now. A real good soap at a very reasonable price. Thanks for the video.

[@MarkSzorady]

You're welcome.:)

[@ricktemmen6272]

This is the only soap I've used since coming back to wet shaving ... Nice video Mark ...

[@MarkSzorady]

Rick Temmen thank you. So glad you enjoyed it.:). I shaved with it again this morning and had a great shave! Very slick! I got a really nice close shave.:)

[@ricktemmen6272]

Mark Szorady 👍

[@mikeh9701]

Hi Mark- Nice shave product review; thank you! Have a great Sunday and a good start to the week ahead! All the best!

[@MarkSzorady]

Thanks, Mike H.:) Sunday off to a great start as I used the VDH soap this morning.:) Great shave!:)

[@jillsnoddon4463]

I've been using Mineral Water to soak and dip my brush in, makes a difference for me.

[@timwittkopp8031]

I just ordered a three pack off Amazon. I can’t wait to try it. I love a good bargain.

[@MarkSzorady]

Hi, Tim.:) I think this is probably the best bang for the buck when it comes to shave soap. I pick it up when I can find it on sale at local grocery and stores. Early on, when I came back to the traditional wet shave, this soap really helped to ease me back into the process. A welcome find. Since then, I've used other soaps that are a bit more costly (10 to 20 dollars per puck). But I find the VDH to be quite good for the price.:) In looking at the video again, it really responded well to using the Marco Method.:) I hope you enjoy using it.:)

[@timwittkopp8031]

I saw the kit you were talking about at Target for $15.00

[@MarkSzorady]

@@timwittkopp8031 NIce.:) Affordable and a good pick for any wet shaver.:)

[@timwittkopp8031]

I got the soap and it’s awesome.

[@MarkSzorady]

@@timwittkopp8031 Great to hear!:) Now, you really need to get some Stirling.:) I resisted for the longest time and was sorry I waited. Love the VDH, but I'm new to Stirling and it is wonderful soap. Tallow based, though. A deal-breaker for some folks who wish to remain vegan with soaps.

[@jbgearhead]

Nice review Mark ! I picked up the last two they had on sale. This was my first soap when I got in to wet shaving. It’s such a good deal for a very good soap that you just can’t pass it up. Yes, I’ve had better but Yes I had to spend a lot more for it. And it’s fun to rotate around to different soaps on each shave anyway. This was so well done Mark ! Your detailing is executed excellently ! I am really going to get some pre shave oil. Thanks for that knowledge. Love the Alexa helping out too LOL !

[@MarkSzorady]

Thanks for the nice comments and I'm glad you were able to get a couple of VDH pucks.:) Seems everyone used it when they first stated (or came back to) the traditional wet shave.:) Yes, other soaps are better but also more $$$. The VDH is sorta an old reliable.:)

[@hossburgess2823]

I have the van der hagen razor and blades as does my son we both get good shaves from them, I have the luxury soap premium soap and glycerin soap from van der hagen I alternate my soaps I even have the Williams mug, I have 6 diff safety razors but van der hagen is my favorite, I lather my soap with the puck in the bowl works great, then remove soap when done rinse bowl then use cold water rinse puck off wipe down with wash cloth put back in bowl I'm done.. glycerin soap is for sensitive skin.

[@jillsnoddon4463]

One of the first things I ordered when I started DE Wet Shaving was the VDH Luxury set with soap, brush, stand and apothecary mug.

[@MarkSzorady]

As I mentioned in another response, VDH seems to be the one common product line that most wet shavers discover and use.:)

[@SANSOOBOXER_OFFICIAL]

What do u do AFTER shaving with mug? Do i rinse mug out with water or what? New soap shaver here

[@dennisarterburn18]

Only problem now, is it is almost impossible to find it carried on ANY store shelf in the shaving area. Kinda picky Van de Hagen is my favorite. Williams is ok too. But all have disappeared recently. Excellent video by the wy

[@MarkSzorady]

Thanks for the kind words. Regarding the availability of VDH, I stocked up when it went on sale at a local grocery store (Giant Eagle) last year.:) If you have one in your area, you may want to give it a try.

[@austingoleman9431]

When I started bought a kit from baili their 3 piece razor man that dude felt like it was ripping 2 layers of skin off then bought the van der Hagen set was way better gave the other stuff to my brother he said it was great weird how some work some don’t

[@Mixwell1983]

I dont seem to get a lot of lather with my VDH soap. I bloom it for 3 mins and use a badger brush. Seems like i am not getting enough soap when loading the brush. I transfer from puck to bowl once loaded but it doesnt make a huge amount.. The quality is good just not much of it. Any idea or tips to get more soap loaded? Are badger brushes harder to load? I load the brush for a good 30 seconds and work my lather for 1 min or more. Its enough to 3 pass my neck area (i have a beard) but not seeing the volume like other videos. One thought is perhaps i am not adding enough water which I will try next time.

[@williambelott1897]

I'm confused. Are you left handed or right?

[@masonb9788]

Good stuff. I always have some on hand. However I prefer the older pink “Deluxe” version. Milder scent.

[@seanscanlon799]

I’ve got sensitive skin, course hair and new to wet shaves. Would you suggest the van der hagen with a mild blade, chieftain jr with an aggressive blade, or something else? Thanks for the great advice thus far!

[@clearlycaribbeanreb2895]

I get great results using the VDH pre shave oil followed by a coating of the shave butter. Lastly, I apply the the lather I whip up from the shave soap. Great slickness and great scent. Cheers!

[@anthonylowder6687]

What advantage does doing a warm, then a cold water rinse do to your face after a shave? I have always done just a cold water rinse after shaving and have never had any problems with just doing this.

[@supernoobsmith5718]

Probably doesn't matter. Theoretically, perhaps it's so you can wipe away any debris in the pores before closing them up. And it feels good, lol.

[@manishbhoola]

A wonderful soap indeed ! Love it simple clean scent and very slick lather and does the job well. Great beginner advice !👌🏼 Love the brush ! Can you pl post a link ? Appreciate !

[@MarkSzorady]

Manish, "simple clean scent" captures it exactly.:) Thanks.:) Here's the link to Etsy AMACK shop: www.etsy.com/shop/AMACK4shaving?ref=profile_shopname

[@manishbhoola]

Mark Szorady Thanks for the link ! But all sold out ! :(

[@MarkSzorady]

Contact him directly. Let him know where you saw it.:) This is the Gamechanger brush.:)

[@anthonylowder6687]

I agree the Van Der Hagen razor(Weishi 9306e) is a good razor, a little aggressive and a better shaver than my Merkur 15c.

[@MarkSzorady]

Anthony, the VDH razor is a Weishi and might cost a couple of bucks more at a big box store, but nice to have the option if you really need a safety razor in a pinch.:)

[@Mixwell1983]

I am new to DE shaving and got a qshave TTO razor and got lucky and found an old shick krona in a bathroom drawer(musta been dads or grandpas) so im stoked. Figure i may as well go all in and get a puck soap and brush so got van der hagen and a qshave brand badger brush. A shaving cream can works fine but ehhh what the hell I wana try a soap. I only shave neck and cheeks as I have a beard. Loving the cheap cost of de razor and blades. Got 20 astras that came in, 5pack of qshave that came with razor so since i shave once a week im good for about 2 years haha.

[@MarkSzorady]

Excellent! Nice that you found your father's/grandfather's Schick Krona. Another viewer mentioned getting one too.:) They seem to be popping up lately.:) Hang on to that one for sure! The QShave TTO looks quite nice. Although I've not tried it, I'm sure it'll do a fine job based on the nice shaves I've gotten form my Qshave Adjustable razor.:) The VDH soap is a very good choice when starting out.:) It gave me a good deal of protection. My skin borders on the sensitive side, so I very much appreciated coming across this soap.:) Nice lather and protection and a great price!:) But let me suggest a few others. hey cost a bit more, but will definitely up your game a bit.:) Tabac: amzn.to/2mgPYzn It comes in it's own bowl and lahtes like a champ (contains tallow). Cella: amzn.to/2li9A64 Contains coconut and tallow. Wow! the stuff is wonderful. A nice almond scent, like Christmas cookies.:) Soap Commander's Courage and Honor Soaps: www.soapcommander.com Courage: amzn.to/2mQCfQh Great lathering and terrifc scents! Tallow free. Proraso Green! amzn.to/2mQ5yCp Eucalyptus and menthol really wakes you up! Refreshing! Now, if you find the brush isn't worikng quite right for you, may I suggest a synthetic shaving brush. I find that synthetics shaving brushes work better with shaving soaps. There are many good brands and prices vary to where you can find one that fits your budget. Check out Vikings Blade, Yaqi, Razorock. If you want to try a boar shaving brush (needs a break-in period), give Semogue a look. Make sure it has 75% to 90% tops boar hair.:) HTH.:)

[@Mixwell1983]

@@MarkSzorady thanks for the reply! I will keep the other soaps mentioned in mind.

[@MarkSzorady]

@@Mixwell1983 My pleasure.:)

[@charliesybert2683]

What do I do with the soap after I shave ?

[@MarkSzorady]

I don't' follow.

[@charliesybert2683]

@@MarkSzorady after shaving do I just leave the soap in the cup and put it away or do I rinse it off and put it away

[@MarkSzorady]

@@charliesybert2683 I let the soap puck fully dry before putting it away. I leave mine in the shave bowl or original container. But, again, I let it fully dry, before putting away or replacing lid.

[@charliesybert2683]

@@MarkSzorady do I wash away the extra suds or just let it all dry and not touch it?

[@dennisarterburn18]

Additional comment...I prefer to load the brush and lather it up on my face...seems to work best for me. Aqua Velva...or Old Spice

[@Mixwell1983]

The learning curve for me will be that when I didnt have a beard I shave against the grain everywhere from neck to cheeks with cartridges and go up from lip to nose. This is done in I guess 1 pass meaning 1 application of shave cream. Wish I could experience a full face shave but i have a beard and just grew it back after foolishly shaving it 3 months ago after having it for a year.. My fat face doesnt look good naked haha.

[@anthonylowder6687]

I have tried the Astra blades and for me they are way too sharp.....they always gave me bad razor burns no matter how lite I made my passes.

[@MarkSzorady]

Surprising. Perhaps it's not the blade but the coating?

[@anthonylowder6687]

@@MarkSzorady I have used platinum coated blades before and never had any problems.

[@MattZ42]

I found the same thing. I stumbled upon the yellow Gillette 7 o'clock blades, and I have way less razor burn with those. In fact, almost none.

[@kilroy7888]

Kilroy was here (good soap but their razors are a little pricey, you’re mostly paying for the packaging on the razors)

[@nabeelkhan4770]

I definitely like this soap compared to canned shaving creams

[@MarkSzorady]

Agree.:) And i can sometimes find it on sale which is a nice plus.:)

[@nabeelkhan4770]

@@MarkSzorady I wish I could find them in local stores but I always have to purchase them on Amazon, at least my first soap is still at a decent level even after approximately 2 months.

[@MarkSzorady]

@@nabeelkhan4770 You might want to try some of these: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnuzfHmtgN6Ehdk

[@toddd7444]

brush knot comes apart to fix this problem use e7000 waterproof glue wheelchair Larry

[@GilaMonster971]

You can melt that soap into the shaving mug by putting it in the microwave for 45 seconds.

[@valmirgewehr7080]

Cadê a barba o rosto ja tá liso

[@MarkSzorady]

Valmir, I'm fair skinned so the beard doesn't photograph as well as I'd like. her'a a video where I had a good four or five days growth: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mX-Ze4aCi5Zoqtk

[@48retrop]

Really?

[@MarkSzorady]

Hi, 48retrop. Van der Hagen is not a bad soap. It's affordable and does the job. Widely available, It can be purchased at many local stores. Are there better shaving soaps? Absolutely. But VDH is, as I stated, a good value soap. And at 2 bucks for a puck (on sale) well, you can't beat it.:) I like it.:) Of course, YMMV.:)

[@margaretzim3427]

VDH Luxury shave soap is as good as if not better than the HIGH priced Artisan soaps IMO. You don't Need that messy pre-shave oil with this fantastic soap either!!!

[@MarkSzorady]

Agree! Lathers like a champ! Great cushion!:)

[@benjamincox4211]

Margaret Zim if you bloom the soap, you can use the bloom water as preshava

[@masonb9788]

I’ve tried a few different shave oils. In my experience the oil kills the lather. Not sure why that happens to me, but I’m generally not a fan.

[@anthonylowder6687]

The Williams Mug Shaving Soap is cheaper....$1.29

[@MarkSzorady]

Yes. I need to crack open a Williams puck and review it again.

[@pfritts3111]

​@@MarkSzoradyRIP Williams!

[@ricdonato4328]

At 15:25 on screen you mention holding the shaving mug. My suggestion is back off the camera to 3-4 feet. Then we will actually see your lather building technique. A head and shoulder shot leave much to be desired, and nothing to be learned. For beginners watching and learning lather building is important.

[@MarkSzorady]

Noted and thank you.:) In some videos, I turned the camera and pointed at the mirror. Even though this flipped the image, it helped to extend the distance.:) I may try this again or, as you suggest, simply step back.:)

[@ricdonato4328]

Mark Szorady: Thank you for your courteous reply, much appreciated. For video style see “Nick Shaves”, he is standing back thus we are able to observe his technique. Yes, I did give your video a thumbs up.

[@MarkSzorady]

@@ricdonato4328 Thanks, Ric.:)