Just Posted this on Soaps and Creams

I just posted this on Soaps and Creams but thought it should get more coverage.

This is a two subject reply.  When I purchase hard soaps I never buy them in their factory bowls.  For instance DR Harris charges $35 for the soap and bowl and while the wooden bowl does not have a domed top it does not stack well and the top does not seal properly.  I buy the refill which costs $18.  That is a $17 saving.  I currently own 86 soaps and creams.  If I only purchased 25 refills I just saved $425.  I choose not to reuse bowls from other soaps.  I purchase Pyrex or Anchor Hocking glass bowls pictured below.  The majority of soaps fit perfectly in them.  Some soaps are smaller some are larger.  The larger ones can be shaved down easily.  These glass bowls hold 8oz of liquid and are a perfect size.  The glass is very thick and heavy duty.  Also, the lid fits securely and will not fall off.  In addition, you can write on the lid using a Sharpie.  They cost approximately $8 for the Anchor Hocking and about $9 for the Pyrex.  They come 3 to package which is about $2.60 each.  This is something to consider.  I am currently am using about 26 of them.  Even though I live in LA I have not purchased anything from Los Angeles Shaving Company.  I do not have any size problems with creams or crops as far as the size of the bowl but I do understand the issues associated with a small and shallow bowl supplied with some soaps and creams.

What happens if the caps get switched somehow?

What happens if the caps get switched somehow?

You only use one bowl at a time.  However, if I had several open which I do not do, I certainly could tell what soap I had in each one.  Not an issue.

What happens if the caps get switched somehow?

You only use one bowl at a time.  However, if I had several open which I do not do, I certainly could tell what soap I had in each one.  Not an issue.

That's a good idea. I have a saponoficio Versino soap puck that I need to find a bowl for.

What happens if the caps get switched somehow?

You only use one bowl at a time.  However, if I had several open which I do not do, I certainly could tell what soap I had in each one.  Not an issue.

That's a good idea.  I have a saponoficio Versino soap puck that I need to find a bowl for.

I have two soap by Saponoficio Versino this is one soap that is larger than the bowl.  However it is not a problem.  Take a small blade sharp knife and carefully shave off a little soap around the circumference.  you may have to go around it a couple of times.  Do not use a potato peeler it doesn't work well.  Firmly press the puck in the bowl once it appears to have of enough of the circumference shaved off.  If it gives a little resistance that's ok, it should fit tight.  Save the shavings and put a single layer of them on top of the puck and press them down.  Save any remaining pieces.  Cover all of the shavings with water and let sit for several minutes.  Remove the water and press the shavings down with your thumbs and let dry.  After a few uses you will not see the shavings any longer.  If you have more saved repeat the process.  Sounds like a lot of work but it only takes a few minutes.

I do something very similar but I use plastic containers from Dollar Tree. A 5 pack for a buck can't be beat. They are the same small plastic containers that Walmart uses in the deli. I will fill the container about half full with water, put the soap put in, press really hard and drain the remaining water. This creates a seal with the soap and container, this way it doesn't move around when loading.

I will then cut the logo from the soap container and tape it to the lid so I know what soap is what.

I got metal containers from an import store with see thru lids. But this is a better and cheaper solution.

For the skinflint win:  I use old KFC coleslaw containers or the Three for $1 plastic tubs at Walmart. Since Martha Stewart nor Architectual Digest are either filming in my bathroom aesthetics mean little to me re soap containers.  

Even though I live in LA I have not purchased anything from Los Angeles Shaving Company.

This sentence in the middle of your post seems like a total non-sequitur.

Even though I live in LA I have not purchased anything from Los Angeles Shaving Company.

This sentence in the middle of your post seems like a total non-sequitur.

I live in Los Angeles. I have talked to the owner of Los Angeles Shaving Company, he is only a couple of miles from me but, I have not purchased his soap as of yet. It is not a conclusion it is a statement. And it seems clear and logical to me.