Observations: PAA CK-1 vs. CK-6 Formulas

My last order from Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements (PAA) included PAA CaD shaving soap sample (Original CK-1 Formula) and PAA Future Fiction shaving soap sample (CK-6 Formula). So far, I have only tried CK-6 formula soaps from PAA (Scentsless and Supreme Sandalwood Science), so this was my first time to try a CK-1 soap. I thought I would share my observations so they might help others who are debating a soap that comes in both formulas.

I used the same shaving setup for both Cad and Future Fiction: Rudy Vey 25mm STF brush, HC&C shave bowl (straight edged), Muhle R89, same Shark Super Stainless blade, same face prep, and same post shave setup. I measured out 1/8 of a teaspoon of the soap for each shave using a stainless steel measuring spoon I bought just for shaving purposes.

The CaD soap generated a ton of lather. It overflowed the shave bowl! I am not sure I would use any less soap but it was an amazing amount of lather. The lather was a little thin on my first attempt to shave with CaD (you could see through it a little), but it was yogurt like and was plenty slick. I had no issues with the shave from a slickness or protection perspective.

The Future Fiction soap generated less volume than CaD shaving soap using the same amount of water and took a fraction longer to get the lather to shave level. I probably had one third of the volume when done but it was more than enough for three passes (or probably more). Maybe the CK-6 formula needs more water than the CK-1 formula. The protection on the face was similar for both formulas. The CK-6 left quite a bit of residual slickness after each pass. I could do touch ups without having to re-lather. The CK-1 formula did not have as much residual slickness. I have only shaved once with CK-1 so far (so I am sure there is still more dialing in to do) but I have shaved many times with PAA Supreme Sandalwood Science CK-6 formula and I think Future Fiction lathered similarly to PAA Supreme Sandalwood Science.

Both CaD and Future Fiction are available in full size tubs in both formulas.
CK-1 formulas run 4 oz for $15.95 USD (3.98 per oz)
CK-6 formulas run 5 oz for $25.95 USD (5.19 per oz)
So you are paying a premium of $1.21 per oz for CK-6 over CK-1.

I don't think you can go wrong with either formula. Some scents only come in CK-6 (like Supreme Sandalwood Science). There may be some that only come in CK-1. I think I would be just as happy with CK-1 as with CK-6.

To be absolutely honestly, I don't think I have tried any of the ck1 soaps but have used a lot of different ck6 soaps in the last few years. I like the ck6 formula as much as I like SV, the only difference its a soft soap and I don't load PAA out of the tub. I just scoop the ck6 soap out, about and almond size amount, apply it on the face and face lather. I get the best shaves with it so I have used them a lot in the last couple of years. Can't say anything about how the ck1 is, sorry. For reference, the ones I uses a lot are Copalli, Planet Phoenix, and St. Martins Land. Highly recommend all three, the ones Good Shave mentioned liking the Supreme Sandalwood, CAD and Future Fiction. I like Future Fiction the most of those and sandalwood second.

Can you describe how soft the texture is on the CK1 soaps you have?

Good Shave I have a few years of experience using both and I would agree with all of your observations. CK-6 requires a bit more soap and a bit more water, it takes a bit longer to build, and it produces a lower structure but slightly slicker lather with slightly better residual slickness and post-shave feel. I prefer CK-6, but there's nothing wrong with CK-1. If I ever get around to making videos again, this comparison was near the top of the to-do list.

zaclikestoshave
Thanks for the comment about SV. I have never tried SV but have heard good things about that soap. If CK-6 is on par with SV for you, that is very helpful to know!

Thanks for mentioning the other PAA soaps you like. I have not seen St. Martins Land.

I picked up around 30 aftershave samples for CK-6 soap scents to see which soaps I may try. So many good choices to try!

As far as the CK-1 texture, I think it is pretty much the same as CK-6 in terms of softness once you get into the sample/puck.

Thanks for the confirmation gwsmallwood !

I will keep your tips in mind the next time I shave with a CK-6 soap.

Thanks also for your videos! I have seen a few of them and I think they are well done.

Thanks for your contribution to the shaving community!

I definitely agree with you. I don't think you could go wrong with either of them really. CK1/PAA is good value for money. I think I enjoy the PAA formula most because I can be too lazy or impatient to spend time on my lather sometimes but otherwise CK6 is very good. I kinda feel stupid because they have such great scents but all I have is the unscented in CK6 but used it quite a lot.
I will say if you don't get the lather right on the CK6 you will immediately know about it and regret it where as the PAA formula it is more forgiving and you can get a decent shave out of even a less than stellar lather but that just might be me.

Two more shaves completed (one with each formula) and I have confirmed that my face is more moisturized and softer when using the CK-6 as compared to the CK-1. I also found that using less water with the CK-1 formula keeps the volume of lather in check. Using more water increases the volume of the CK-6 soap.

Have a ck6 inbound. Look forward to trying it out

Have a ck6 inbound. Look forward to trying it out

Curious to hear wht method you use for loading/lathering, what scent did you get?

Have a ck6 inbound. Look forward to trying it out

Curious to hear wht method you use for loading/lathering, what scent did you get?

I got Aqua DG. Used it last night and just lathered off the puck and onto my face. Scent is not very noticeable and just ok. Performance wise it’s fine.