B&M New Soap Base

...This being said Barrister & Mann definitely does have the potential to release something at the elite level so I'd have to try this one myself to know if it's something truly special...

Absolutely incredible in breadth & depth the arrogance & condescension in this remark. B&M is THE one to follow in the artisan shaving soap market. They don't plagiarize.

I've been around this for long enough to have experienced Will's dedicated followers that buy anything and everything he makes blindly while proclaiming it the very best and everything else is far inferior. Personally, I don't understand the concept as I judge soaps based on performance and give credit where credit is due. Will has produced some outstanding soaps and he's always been kind to me with the passarounds and in any interaction that I've had with him. He certainly doesn't need you to defend him, especially from me.

That being said this is a first for me as I've never before been slammed for giving someone a compliment. If I told you that every time Babe Ruth went to bat that there was the potential to hit a home run? Would that be a good thing or a bad thing? In terms of soap making I'd say there are maybe, ten soap makers that have the potential to make something elite. Probably more like five or six though where any formula that they create could challenge the very best stuff out there. This is an extremely strong compliment that I wouldn't give lightly.

Please go back and read what I wrote again, but this time do it much slower and don't bold any words to change the meaning. Just read it as I intended it to be read.

... Vespers is back in stock at Maggards.  Not surprisingly to me, stock has quickly run low, so if you want to pick up a jar, now's the time.

Going, going, ..., and it’s gone!  

However, if I understand things correctly, we will see it again before it retires.

Ruds is back after a short hiatus and gives Vespers his highest score to date.

The problem with all reviews like this is that’s how he rates it for his particular face. We all know soaps can and do work quite differently from person to person. Some of his reviews I agree with...others just leave me scratching my head about his conclusions. That’s not his fault...or any lack of objectivity. It’s that soaps are very YMMV...Personally, I find dfoulk.reviews much more in synch with my own experiences.

I really appreciate your perspective. It's refreshing to see folks like you take the reviews I make for what they are worth and understand that it's one experience and opinion from an individual. I agree, people's faces are different. I'd also point out that water hardness can also play a big role in lather development, so there is just another variable. My hope is that people use my experience and opinion and further research in order to make informed decisions. Blind buying is always scary IMO.

One of the most refreshing things is to hear someone tell me that they have different tastes and when I give something a good rating, they go the other way. It's just another form of using the content as a tool.

The problem with all reviews like this is that’s how he rates it for his particular face...

You state the obvious which would apply for any reviewer reviewing anything on Earth. Of course it's subjective. However, all should beware confirmation bias which for some on wet shaving forums uncannily parallels price and difficulty in obtaining. That aspect is where I respect Ruds as he has "slain" more than one artisan soap as mere hype. As he has so eloquently stated on another forum, they cannot all be elite level.

Actually, he’s no different than most any other reviewer. With the notable exception of dfoulk Most of them....including Ruds.. totally hype some soaps which I found very sub-par. So..he has absolutely zero credibility as a “artisan slayer” in my eyes. In fact, that whole “killer” concept is quite laughable. Quite the opposite. I’ll make up my own mind thank you.

I am different than any other reviewer, because I am "me". My experience and opinions are my own and will vary from other people's experience and opinions. I have never claimed to be any authority or an "artisan slayer". I choose to share my reviews in order to allow people a different avenue of research. It doesn't surprise me that you have found things I've reviewed and enjoyed sub par. I assume that I would have the same experience if you listed your top ten soaps. I would likely have a great experience with some, and a sub-par experience with others.

Thank you for keeping it real and I applaud you for making up your own mind on products. This can be a difficult task without breaking the bank trying to keep up with the plethora of new offerings.

+1! I’ve rarely seen any product category where the results of usage can vary so much person-to-person. As you correctly pointed out, there are really a substantial number of variables which can impact the quality of a shave..everything from water quality to prep to skin type to razor/blade to soap and so many more. I agree that reviews...all reviews...should be a starting point and food for thought rather than an indisputable conclusion. I throughly enjoy your reviews btw!

I'm with Ruds on the fact that the water quality makes a huge difference. Our water here is terrible so a water softener is something that I won't be without. A simple improvement that will make every one of your shaving soaps better.

I got a few quarts of soft water from a friend's house see how different soaps reacted. So far a couple of them seemed like different soaps some of them I can't really tell any difference.
So I guess my plan is to find soaps that works well with the hard water I have.
I really didn't have any luck with the citric acid trick.

...This being said Barrister & Mann definitely does have the potential to release something at the elite level so I'd have to try this one myself to know if it's something truly special...

Absolutely incredible in breadth & depth the arrogance & condescension in this remark. B&M is THE one to follow in the artisan shaving soap market. They don't plagiarize.

This is one of the most puzzling things I’ve ever seen....I’m not trying to start anything here but wow. If you were ever my secret Santa recipient I know what to get you

I own vespers. It’s a good scent and a good base. Be all end all - not for me. Not by a mile.

My previous experience with the soap makers other products is always a factor as well.  Other than that with the new vendors I tend to take a wait and see approach to ensure that the newly introduced soap isn't just the flavor of the month.  

This is where I'm at as well. I tend to go back to old favorites even with all the, "New and better formulations."