Disappearing soap artisans

I have a thought for aspiring soap makers. My caveat is that I know nothing about making soap or running a soap business, but I do know something about soaps that I like. I will state up front that the best "artisan" soap I ever used was Fine Accouterments's original (not 21st Century) soaps. This was a classic triple milled tallow soap recipe (some argument about whether it was Tabac formula copy-supposedly the factory that made it under contract closed) that sold for $12.00 per replacement puck and was limited to a few classic homage fragrances. To me, this was the perfect combination: a reasonable price, a superior product, time tested fragrances.

The sad thing I guess is that if Mr. Fine could not make it work, nobody can? But the lesson should be clear:

i) limited number of well loved fragrances
ii) triple milled tallow
iii) Priced at about $10.00 per puck or less.

That was good stuff. Their new soaps are pretty bad in comparison and cost twice as much. In fact it's one of the worst soap bases I've ever used.

Unfortunately, previous Fine formula was one of the collateral casualties from old Tabac departure (as well as Van der Lovett).
Newest formula isn't that terrible to me, it's more about the merciless comparison to what it used to be...

I have a thought for aspiring soap makers. My caveat is that I know nothing about making soap or running a soap business, but I do know something about soaps that I like. I will state up front that the best "artisan" soap I ever used was Fine Accouterments's original (not 21st Century) soaps. This was a classic triple milled tallow soap recipe (some argument about whether it was Tabac formula copy-supposedly the factory that made it under contract closed) that sold for $12.00 per replacement puck and was limited to a few classic homage fragrances. To me, this was the perfect combination: a reasonable price, a superior product, time tested fragrances.

The sad thing I guess is that if Mr. Fine could not make it work, nobody can? But the lesson should be clear:

i) limited number of well loved fragrances
ii) triple milled tallow
iii) Priced at about $10.00 per puck or less.

That was good stuff. Their new soaps are pretty bad in comparison and cost twice as much. In fact it's one of the worst soap bases I've ever used.

Unfortunately, I know.

Does anybody know what the real story is/was? Why is it impossible to make that old formula? Was it really Tabac with decent fragrances?

Also, one more thing for aspiring soap makers: if it doesn't work at least as well as Cella, don't bother.

I have a thought for aspiring soap makers. My caveat is that I know nothing about making soap or running a soap business, but I do know something about soaps that I like. I will state up front that the best "artisan" soap I ever used was Fine Accouterments's original (not 21st Century) soaps. This was a classic triple milled tallow soap recipe (some argument about whether it was Tabac formula copy-supposedly the factory that made it under contract closed) that sold for $12.00 per replacement puck and was limited to a few classic homage fragrances. To me, this was the perfect combination: a reasonable price, a superior product, time tested fragrances.

The sad thing I guess is that if Mr. Fine could not make it work, nobody can? But the lesson should be clear:

i) limited number of well loved fragrances
ii) triple milled tallow
iii) Priced at about $10.00 per puck or less.

Teddy, yes sir! Tabac, fine, and Haslinger were tallow triple milled ecstasy! I stock piled Tabac and Fine. Missed out on the Haslinger. How could it have failed?! Great products, even better pricing. I guess the market share wasn't there or they should have adjusted their pricing? Sure wish someone would do same.

The homage Fine scents were really good. And their Santal Absolute was even better than the AOS Sandalwood.

Haslinger lathers were really really creamy. Daaaang I should have a closet full.

I did fill a closet with tallow Tabac.!

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I am sure that there is a story behind the Tabac/Haslinger/Fine factory closing and someone here probably knows it. Did the Soap Mafia make them an offer they could not refuse? Is it possible that "we" caused it by assuming that so called "artisan" soaps that sold for 3x the price "had to be better" and starved that end of the market?

Inquiring minds want to know!

Ordered on Friday, delivered on Saturday! Man I am going to miss Lakewood Soaps.....

Thanks Dave, I needed more soap!

Thanks Dave, I needed more soap!

I just went back and ordered 2 more. Coquette and @ 13:33 hrs when I saw it was a Bay Rum type. They're already nearly sold out

Thanks Dave, I needed more soap!

I just went back and ordered 2 more. Coquette and @ 13:33 hrs when I saw it was a Bay Rum type.

Sorry

Thanks Dave, I needed more soap!

I just went back and ordered 2 more. Coquette and @ 13:33 hrs when I saw it was a Bay Rum type.

Sorry

No harm, no foul. I needed the nudge