Softening/Melting a Soap

The Holy Black replied this morning.  Apparently, they no longer produce the hard glycerin pucks, so to answer that question, yes they have a new (couple years now) formula.  He did indicate it was ok to microwave the older pucks to soften them up...just do so in 10 to 20 second bursts so you don't overheat the puck.  

Thanks all!

Didn’t you say in your original post that you recently received the puck?  Wouldn’t that make it a new puck and therefore not advisable to microwave?

I didn't buy it from The Holy Black.  He did indicate it has been a few years since they made the glycerin-based soap and the merchant i bought it from must have had some in inventory.  Ideally, I would have received the newer base...but honestly, I made this purchase because of the scent.  I figured as long as it lathers, I would be ok with it.

Ok. That makes more sense. But I would err on the side of caution and grate the puck over microwaving. I've grated MWF and Haslinger Schafmilch (to combine them in one tub) and it worked out really well.

Ok.  That makes more sense.  But I would err on the side of caution and grate the puck over microwaving.  I've grated MWF and Haslinger Schafmilch (to combine them in one tub) and it worked out really well.

That's probably the route I will take. I just have to wait for a time when I know my wife won't be home...she won't be happy if i ruin the cheese grater

Ok.  That makes more sense.  But I would err on the side of caution and grate the puck over microwaving.  I've grated MWF and Haslinger Schafmilch (to combine them in one tub) and it worked out really well.

That's probably the route I will take.  I just have to wait for a time when I know my wife won't be home...she won't be happy if i ruin the cheese grater

I was worried about the same thing. Fortunately it was surprisingly easy to clean up. It is soap after all. Ours is made of polished metal and it cleaned up with a sponge and Dawn dishwashing liquid.

Just a quick update - Last night, I put the soap puck in a bowl and microwaved it for 15 seconds. I decided to go the microwave route mainly because curiosity got the better of me. To my surprise, there was actually some liquid around the edges...I really didn't expect that for only 15 seconds. But, more importantly, it was soft enough that I was able to smash it into a PETG jar from Maggard. As for scent-loss, I didn't notice any difference. I checked it this morning and, again, no noticeable scent-loss. I have to do some yard work this morning so I will shower/shave later this afternoon...looking forward to lathering this one up!