(09-24-2015, 08:55 PM)Boosnark Wrote: Much as I like Soap Commander (and other artisanal soaps), I often wonder about the wisdom of providing too many choices, instead of two or three "killer" products. There are probably more variations and themes from Razorock, Mama Bear, or Soap Commander than I can probably experience in my lifetime, although I am constantly on the look out for the next "great" modern classic. Razorock XXX would probably fall into this category. There are a lot of (possibly polarizing) unique scents that have withstood the test of time; products such as Arko, Cella, Proraso, etc. Some may hate these, but there is no denying their longetivity. I quite like the fact that MdC, for instance, only provides a few choices, but with great market differentiation, and very high quality products. I would just as soon buy one "classic" scent than have to maneuver around ten that I may or may not like. What do others think?
I have mixed feelings about it. I like knowing that a soap maker will continue making certain soaps until the world ends. For example, I feel confident that DR Harris will forever make Arlington, etc. And having a limited but still ample selection, like DR Harris's, simplifies things. Whereas I am always tempted to try yet another scent from another artisan. Just when I've found happiness with, say, Brand X Super Sandalwood, along comes Brand X's Marzipan and Velveeta, and Brand Y's Cocoa Nutmeg Shilly Shally, which will no doubt get wonderful youtube reviews that make me feel like life really won't be complete until I've at least smelled it if not bought it and lathered with it.
I do think that, at some point, the performance of shaving soaps starts to hit a certain peak and there are only a few that really stand out as far as exceptional slickness, cushion, postshave feel, and so on. There are only so many ways to make shaving soap. So intriguing fragrances are a way of standing out. I like knowing that, if I want to, I can smell Ben Franklin (Stirling) or baseball stadium dirt (B&M) or a cigar humidor (Soapy Bathman) while lathering, but the desire to try all of them is frustrating. And the drawback, of course, is that when you fall in love with a fragrance you have no idea whether it will be continued, discontinued, kept in stock, etc. You don't have that problem, usually, with the established brands that have a limited menu.
I guess I have to cast my vote for variety but, really, I'm just not the kind of guy who could own, say, fifty or sixty soaps without feeling a little silly. I applaud those who have vast collections, I have a friend who has over ninety, but I'm up to about twelve or fifteen and really feel like that's pushing it. I think the best model is probably Soap Commander's and Reef Point's, to name only two. They seem to have established a regular menu but, from time to time, they offer seasonal limited editions. Irena of Ginger's Garden offers a large selection but will make a custom soap if you tell her what fragrance you want, which is another good way to ensure your favorite is on hand.
