Mitchell’s Wool Fat Shave Refill Soap Review

Eric Laxamana

The Mitchell’s Wool Fat Shave Refill Soap stands as a testament to traditional shaving quality, offering a unique blend of heritage and performance for a superior grooming experience.

While this highly sought-after item is currently unavailable, with no information on when or if it will be back in stock, its reputation among users remains exceptionally high.

Crafted by the brand Mitchell’s Wool Fat Soap, this product is presented in a bar form and is designed with sensitive skin in mind, suitable for adults.

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Legacy of Skincare and Shaving Excellence

Mitchell’s Wool Fat Soap boasts a rich history, with its origins tracing back to the early 1930s. It was first produced by Fred Mitchell, a chemist from Bradford, who recognized the remarkable benefits of the natural lanolin content found in wool fat.

This lanolin was observed to keep the hands of local sheep shearers and wool sorters exceptionally soft. Realizing its potential, Mitchell applied this insight to create a product that could also be beneficial for delicate complexions and sensitive skins.

The soap remains a simple and natural product, still manufactured according to Mr. Mitchell’s original formula, which is based on a recipe from the turn of the century.

Lanolin, derived from wool fat, serves as the key ingredient. Lanolin itself is a natural fatty substance found on sheep’s skin, which serves to protect their wool.

After shearing, the lanolin is extracted during the wool boiling process, where the fat separates. The country of origin for this esteemed product is Scotland.

Designed for Sensitive Skin

Designed for Sensitive Skin

One of the standout attributes of Mitchell’s Wool Fat Shave Refill Soap is its suitability for sensitive skin. Customers consistently report that the soap is gentle on their skin and does not cause irritation.

Multiple reviews highlight its effectiveness for sensitive skin, with one user specifically mentioning it causes “no irrigation on sensitive skin” and another noting it helps “tremendously with irritation and closeness”.

Users have experienced “absolutely zero irritation” even after shaving, solidifying its reputation as a safe choice for those prone to sensitivity. Its mild nature is frequently praised, making it a comfortable option for a wide range of users.

Signature Scent Experience

The scent profile of Mitchell’s Wool Fat Shave Refill Soap is widely appreciated for its mildness and subtlety. While the listed scent is Aloe Vera, customer descriptions elaborate further, describing it as a “light scent” that is “not overpowering or fragrant, subtle and earthy”.

Some find it has a “very nice, very mild musky type scent” that is “pleasant” and won’t override any aftershave or cologne a user wishes to apply.

One customer noted it “smells nice and fresh”, while another likened its aroma to an “older type of soap scent, slightly perfumed, lightly pleasant”.

Although one reviewer mentioned that the scent reminds them of “Dove soap bars” and preferred “manly scents” like Barbershop and Sandalwood, they still acknowledged its overall performance. The consensus points to a “mild”, “lightly scented”, and “subtle scent” that is generally well-received.

Unrivaled Lather Quality

Unrivaled Lather Quality

The ability of Mitchell’s Wool Fat Shave Refill Soap to produce a rich, creamy lather is a frequently praised characteristic. Customers consistently note that the lather builds up quickly and easily.

Reviewers use phrases like “Great lather” and “lathers well”, emphasizing its quality. The lather is often described as thick and dense, maintaining its consistency throughout the entire shave.

One user observed it creates “thick, long-lasting foam”, while others described it as “thick, durable lather”. The lather is noted for being “thick, creamy and does not dry out on your face while you are shaving, keeping your beard moist throughout the shave”.

Smooth and Comfortable Shave

Users consistently describe the shaving experience with Mitchell’s Wool Fat Shave Refill Soap as comfortable, leaving their face feeling smooth.

The creamy lather plays a crucial role in this, as it effectively softens whiskers. Customers report that the soap provides “good protection during the shaving process” and helps the razor “glide with no effort”.

This results in a “close and comfortable shave”. Many users aim for “BBS (baby butt smooth) shaves” and find that Mitchell’s provides “incredibly good shaves” or “DFS (dizam fine shave)”.

Even for individuals with troublesome neck hair or sensitive skin prone to eczema, the soap consistently delivers excellent results. Its ability to provide the smoothest shave, even compared to other products, is a significant point of praise.

Exceptional Post-Shave Feel and Hydration

A key differentiator for Mitchell’s Wool Fat Soap is its superior post-shave feel. Customers frequently comment on its moisturizing properties, noting that it leaves their skin feeling soft and supple.

The soap keeps skin “well hydrated” and effectively prevents dryness. Users have reported their skin feeling “phenomenally slick” and “never dried out” after use.

This “non drying” aspect is highly valued, with one customer declaring it has replaced all their other shaving soaps. The lather itself is noted for staying wetter on the face, contributing to the prolonged hydration during the shave.

This emphasis on a moisturized and healthy skin feel after shaving is where Mitchell’s “scores most of its points,” with very few other soaps offering a comparable experience.

Remarkable Longevity

Mitchell’s Wool Fat Shave Refill Soap is celebrated for its impressive longevity. Customers find that a single puck of soap lasts a long time, making it an excellent value.

One satisfied user confidently stated that it “lasts forever,” translating to “just pennies per shave”. Another reviewer noted that after 30 shaves, a puck barely looked used, suggesting it “should last you many, many months”.

This durability means the product is “worth every penny and will last a long time”, offering an economical solution for daily shaving routines.

Dimensions and Product Specifications

For those interested in the physical details, Mitchell’s Wool Fat Shave Refill Soap has specific dimensions and product identifiers.

  • Product Dimensions: 1.02 x 3.19 x 3.19 inches.
  • Item Weight: 4.41 ounces.
  • Item Model Number: LUXURY SHAVING SOAP SSR/1.
  • UPC: 787734207287.
  • ASIN: B06XRZ6Q4Z.
  • Manufacturer: Mitchell’s.
  • The product is not discontinued by the manufacturer.

Evolving Formula, Consistent Quality

Recently, the formula for Mitchell’s Wool Fat Soap has undergone a change. The manufacturer has transitioned from using animal by-products, specifically tallow, to plant by-products.

This alteration has generated “a huge uproar on some forums,” with some users expressing discontent about the change being “forced upon” them, despite acknowledging that the new formulation “could very well be better than the old one”.

However, despite this initial controversy, the prevailing sentiment among users is that the “new formulation is still fantastic”.

For many, Mitchell’s Wool Fat Shave Soap remains “very hard to beat”, affirming its continued high quality and performance even with the updated ingredients.

Practical Usage Tips

To enhance the user experience, customers have shared several practical tips for using Mitchell’s Wool Fat Shave Refill Soap.

Fitting in a Tin:

For optimal use, a 4oz tin is recommended, as the puck “fits in it like a glove”. To secure the puck, simply wet its bottom and place it in the tin overnight, which effectively “glues the puck in place,” preventing it from moving during use. The soap itself is described as being like a “hockey puck with sharp edges”.

Lathering Technique:

For those new to this soap or struggling to achieve a perfect lather, a specific method is suggested:

  • Soak the puck and your brush in warm to hot water, whether your water is hard or soft.
  • Take a shower while they soak, then dump out the water from the soap.
  • Give the brush one shake.
  • Work the puck gently.
  • Transfer the froth into a separate bowl and continue to work it until it forms peaks, which should take less than two minutes. This technique can achieve a “whipped cream” consistency and does not require expertise.

Razor Pairing:

The soap is found to pair well with a Feather blade in a DE (double-edge) razor. It also performs remarkably well with older razors, such as a “1917 WW-I Gillette military issue open comb razor,” providing a shave “better than many modern razors”.

Shave Passes:

For a consistently close shave, one user recommends a 3-pass shave, with a 4th cleanup pass on the neck and under the cheekbones. This involves downward, upward, and side-to-side strokes, acknowledging that hair growth patterns vary.

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Eric Laxamana

I'm a licensed barber at Pure Hair Studios in Benicia, CA, where I indulge my passion for making people look and feel their best through expert haircuts. Crafting styles that suit each individual's personality and preferences is not just my job, it's my calling. With precision and care, I transform hairstyles into works of art, leaving my clients feeling confident and satisfied with their appearance. Making people feel good about themselves is what drives me every day. LinkedIn

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