SMF

Hello,

Does anyone have any updates on the performance of the current AOS soaps? I recall reading that they have been re-formulated. I'm needing another cake of it and not sure if buying the new ones are worth the money.

Best,
Marion

My very personal and subjective view is based on a few shaves with the current (non-tallow) AOS vs the tallow
version I own is that, for the money, there are better choices for you.
Czech&Speake is even more expensive than AOS but many believe is far superior. More reasonable is tallow-
based DR Harris. Both of these soaps are available on-line from BullGoose Shaving.
There are plenty of other soaps from which to choose and proponents of all of them, whether the soap be
tallow- or nob-tallow formulae. Listen to all the suggestions and choose one or two to try.
Good luck in your quest! Let it be fun!
jr/John /

I've been looking for an answer to this question as well. I did learn that P&G is making the new AOS soaps themselves at one of their USA facilities.

The old fragrances were so off-putting with the clay to my nose, that almost anything would probably be an improvement, IF it lathers.

Gary, Perhaps, but what I've read suggest that they don't. The fact that P&G are making them themselves at their mid-west plant is not reassuring...at least not to me. Granted, in theory, P&G 'could' certainly make an absolutely top notch shave soap....if they tried. But given their track record that seems highly unlikely. I mean, what bath soaps do they make that are top notch?
Regards,
Gordon

Good points Gordon. There doesn't seem to be much confidence that the new will match the old in terms of performance. I'm sure the prices are right up there in the stratosphere, just like always.

Gary, Indeed. In fact they're noticeably higher than they ever were.
Regards,
Gordon

The prices are higher than ever, and I have absolutely zero confidence that P&G can or will produce a decent shave soap. I'm down to half a puck of old formula AOS sandalwood, guess I'll have to make it last.

I went to the store this evening. The soap and bowl are $50 and the refills are $30. I spotted the Ocean Kelp Cream and ASB, and because I liked the store and the shopkeeper who seemed knowledgeable and enthusiastic about wetshaving and the products, I purchased a tub of the cream. Haven't used it yet, but intend to, soon. While I was there, a couple came in and inquired about the razors and brushes on display, and the shopkeeper was direct and to the point, and answered the questions with common sense and no hype. Oh, the products all say Made in USA. I'm still curious about anyone giving the new soap a go and posting an informative review, as I'm sure all the rest of us are.

Gary, Be my guest ( chuckle ). The creams were always pretty good I thought but I liked the English originals better. Hope you enjoy the one you got.
Regards,
Gordon