Samples

I’ve accumulated quite a few samples of soaps and aftershaves over the past year. It’s been nice to get a better idea of the scent before purchasing a full tub. And I thought it would give me a good idea of the performance of the soap. But I’ve noticed that the soaps don’t seem to perform as well from the sample (at least for me). This is especially true when the sample comes in one of those little plastic containers. Does anyone else notice a difference in the lathers?

I know the soaps are the same whether they are a sample or a full tub, so I have to assume the reason is because I normally load my brush off the puck rather than scooping out the soap and placing in a bowl. So I’m probably just not used to the method. But is there anything I should be doing differently?

I’ve accumulated quite a few samples of soaps and aftershaves over the past year.  It’s been nice to get a better idea of the scent before purchasing a full tub.  And I thought it would give me a good idea of the performance of the soap.  But I’ve noticed that the soaps don’t seem to perform as well from the sample (at least for me).  This is especially true when the sample comes in one of those little plastic containers.  Does anyone else notice a difference in the lathers?

I know the soaps are the same whether they are a sample or a full tub, so I have to assume the reason is because I normally load my brush off the puck rather than scooping out the soap and placing in a bowl.  So I’m probably just not used to the method.  But is there anything I should be doing differently?

I so agree with everything you wrote here and it's ironic because I had this conversation with a friend in St. Louis just yesterday and we both felt the same way.  In fact I mentioned this very thing in my SOTD yesterday: https://damnfineshave.com/thread-sotd-28...#pid141523.

I found putting the whole sample in bowl where one would flatten the sample as much as possible helps. But then one is stuck to use the whole sample until it's finished, which sometimes can be a week or two, depending on the sample size.

I certainly understand that cost and availability come into play here but I wonder if it would be possible to have a wide mouth jar, be it plastic or tin, that was only about half an inch high with a bit more product in it and sell the samples for slightly more.  If I was curious about a soap I'd be more tempted to spend, for example, $3.95 for that than I would $2.95 for one of those tiny sample jars.  I truly appreciate it when merchants throw free samples into my purchase so I don't want to make it sound as if I'm unappreciative and liquid samples, such as aftershave splashes and eau de toilettes lend themselves to tiny packaging.  Stirling Soap Co.'s ezlovan has thrown in thin slices of bath soaps in my orders that are immediately useable, right out of the shrink wrap.  In both of those cases I have ended up purchasing full sizes.  I cannot ever remember doing that with a mini sample of shaving soap.  Eventually, I may make an exception for the Barrister_N_Mann Reserve Cool shaving soap only because I absolutely love Will's products and all of his full size soaps have been phenomenal.  (I just replaced my Cologne Russe.)  The Reserve Cool Aftershave sample he sent is definitly on my radar for a full size bottle.  

Like, HoosierShave, I can only assume it's me and not the product so what I mentioned above for a good sample jar is nothing more than a wish and, if any merchants see this, thanks for hearing me out.

I found putting the whole sample in bowl where one would flatten the sample as much as possible helps. But then one is stuck to use the whole sample until it's finished, which sometimes can be a week or two, depending on the sample size.

This is probably the best option unless you want to rub the sample on your face, like a shave-stick.

Thanks guys! I may end up combining Freddy's and GroomingDept's ideas. I have a few empty TOBS containers that were purchased from Maggard's. I'll scoop the sample into one them so I won't have to use it every day. They're not the wide containers but they'll be a lot easier to load out of with a brush

I found putting the whole sample in bowl where one would flatten the sample as much as possible helps. But then one is stuck to use the whole sample until it's finished, which sometimes can be a week or two, depending on the sample size.

This is probably the best option unless you want to rub the sample on your face, like a shave-stick.  

I haven't tried using a shave-stick yet but did acquire one in MW's spring sale. Will it generally produce enough for 3 passes?

HoosierShave I have been able to get 3+ passes when I use mine although it all depends how much you apply. I have both Arko,Tabac, Mystic Water in Shave sticks. I haven't used MW yet. With Tabac just wet your face and then wet the end of the shave stick. Then go to the face your whiskers will take care of grabbing the soap and rubbing the soap ATG puts down more. I usually need to re-wet the end of the shave stick once or twice to aid loading. I actually like using a shave stick and have used harder soap pucks like Fine soaps this way as well from time to time.


Sorry HoosierShave now that I have reread the posts you may not have been asking about an actual shave stick but using a small sample like a shave stick and being able to get enough soap that way. If so, it was not my intent to give instructions on something you know how to use.

I know the soaps are the same whether they are a sample or a full tub, so I have to assume the reason is because I normally load my brush off the puck rather than scooping out the soap and placing in a bowl.  So I’m probably just not used to the method.  But is there anything I should be doing differently?

I haven’t had issues with samples being different from regular-size soaps. My “secret” (which I have mentioned before on some thread) is repurposing containers that have served their original purpose. In my case, this is the 8 oz. jars of Noosa yogurt that I enjoy. (Disclaimer: I’m not affiliated with the brand in any way, and you could use a variety of jars for the same purpose, be they empty sour cream tubs, hair product jars, etc.)

Once thoroughly washed, the empty jar is perfect for soap samples. I haven’t used the jars with triple-milled soap samples, but that could be done with the extra step of grating the sample into the jar. With soft soaps, I just place the sample in the middle of the bottom of the jar and start pressing down. If it fills the whole bottom of the jar, great. If it doesn’t, that’s not a problem, as loading the brush tends to eventually push the soap toward the edges, anyway.

Here’s a recent SOTD photo of mine, with a Stirling soap sample in a Noosa jar.

I don't know guys, I've never had an issue lathering samples unless it's something really soft like L&L or some of PAA's soaps. I find that loading those with a slightly wetter brush than normal helps a lot. I usually do what GroomingDept said and spread the whole sample into my Captain's Choice bowl. I'm particularly surprised that Freddy had issues with the Barrister's Reserve soap. I have samples of those and have been using the Classic a lot. Some if the best lathers of any soap I've used. I will say though, I'd much rather use a full size tub. Who wouldn't?