Reintroduction to classic shave soaps

I've been wetshaving for almost 6 years now. In that time I've tried any number of soaps - high end, budget, artisan, tallow, vegan, etc. Early on I tried Tabac and hated it. The scent was, to my nose at the time, very old fashioned. I remembered that it was an amazing performer but I let it go because I could not stand the scent. I also tried and enjoyed MWF - another great performer without the off putting scent. MWF has been part of the collection ever since but with all the great artisan soaps I rarely reached for it.

Today I shaved with MWF after a long sabbatical and the results were as amazing as I remembered. I've never had an issue lathering the Fat and enjoy the rich thick lather. I've also reacquired Tabac and while the scent is still not a favorite I do appreciate it and the performance is up there with the artisans.

Frankly, if I didn't like variety in my soaps I could get great shaves with these two gold standards and be perfectly happy!

It's almost as if I've missed the forest through the trees with regards to these two classics of wetshaving!

Two lovely soaps that will stand the test of time.

Like Tabac, hate MWF. Obviously, this is just my opinion which is why we are blessed with so many choices.

Agreed Freddy, although I don't "hate" MWF. I just think it's overrated. The scent is nothing to write home about. Tabac on the other hand is a great scent and performer. I find it a bit drying though. These are good options, but like you said, we are blessed with so many choices and the art of making shaving soap has come a long way.

Agreed Freddy, although I don't "hate" MWF. I just think it's overrated. The scent is nothing to write home about. Tabac on the other hand is a great scent and performer. I find it a bit drying though. These are good options, but like you said, we are blessed with so many choices and the art of making shaving soap has come a long way.

Oh, so true!

I should note that, for me, soap scents are not as important as performance - I wear a number of fragrances, most of which exceed the scents of most soaps. YMMV but, as far as performance alone, Tabac and MWF are stellar.

I should note that, for me, soap scents are not as important as performance - I wear a number of fragrances, most of which exceed the scents of most soaps.  YMMV but, as far as performance alone, Tabac and MWF are stellar.

I admit I have long considered trying both of those soaps. However, in my case scent is extremely important. There are far too many soaps that offer outstanding performance and great scents, thus for me it comes down to scent from brands that I already know offer stellar performance.

I should note that, for me, soap scents are not as important as performance - I wear a number of fragrances, most of which exceed the scents of most soaps.  YMMV but, as far as performance alone, Tabac and MWF are stellar.

Same here. Soap fragrance is nice while shaving, but usually don't last long, regardless how good they are. I'm with you, performance outweighs anything else. I have used some soaps and creams with great scents and sloppy performance.

I should note that, for me, soap scents are not as important as performance - I wear a number of fragrances, most of which exceed the scents of most soaps.  YMMV but, as far as performance alone, Tabac and MWF are stellar.

Definitely agree there. But Tabac is such a strong scent, I can't imagine wanting to shave with it if I absolutely hated it (which many claim to). MWF on the other hand has more of a non-descript clean soapy smell that is most likely tolerable to all, so people are more likely to use it based on performance alone.

Thankfully, I've come to really enjoy the scent of Tabac. Now it just smells like the smell of a great shave. The performance cannot be denied. I feel like I can always go back to Tabac.

Similarly, I always have a nice shave with my D.R. Harris Marlborough and Arlington soaps, and the latter's smell is swooningly good to me. I need to remember to use those more.

I do have a jar of MWF hanging out on my shelves, but I haven't used it in a year at least. It smells a bit like bug spray to me, and I have so many other great-performing (even lanolin-containing) soaps, I'm not much motivated to grab it.