The 2nd Annual Williams Mug Soap 3017 Challenge!

[Spider]

So, I was thinking during today’s shave that generally during these Williams 3017’s I’m loading like crazy, for two reasons…. A) because I’m trying to get as much soap into my brush as possible, to produce the best possible lather, and B) to burn through the puck as quick as possible. I was thinking how my pucks usually go 20-30 days before I use them up, and then I remembered how John @The Monkey used his and it lasted over two months.

Now, given the fact that these pucks are now discontinued and will be harder to find, what’s the future of the annual 3017?

I had a thought for next year, and wondered if anyone would play along. Instead of trying to burn through the pucks quick, what if we see how long we can get a puck to last? I’m currently putting quite a bit of lather down the drain at the end of my shaves. I know I could get by with a lot less. And Williams is so slick, you really wouldn’t need very much to get the same quality shave as you would with a thick lather. So, load just as much as you need to get the job done, and see how little loading you can get away with.

Now, I hate 3017’s more than just about anybody. Same soap, day after day, is tedious and boring. But I think this would be an interesting exercise.

I’d be willing to provide pucks for anyone brave enough to play along, if they didn’t already have a puck. I honestly think I could get a puck to last 3-4 months. Sounds awfully boring, but I think I might be willing to give it a try….. for science!

So, any thoughts? Anyone willing to give it a try?

Pic for attention….

 

[OpusX]

Instead of trying to burn through the pucks quick, what if we see how long we can get a puck to last?

I have already started doing this with my current vintage puck. It is a very enjoyable soap, and as such I am trying for a optimal load every shave (heavy enough to be excellent lather, but not over used).

 

[Spider]

I am trying for a optimal load every shave (heavy enough to be excellent lather, but not over used).

And what I’m thinking of is taking it even more extreme. Loading just enough to shave with, but not enough to even make a lather.

 

[Fightingillini22]

Was actually thinking about next year too, and I don't think I have the dedication to use the same modern puck for that long. I too don't go light in this 3017 because, well, Williams was cheap and there was no reason to conserve. I definitely wouldn't load my vintage pucks like I hate them, and don't think I'd want to use a modern puck sparingly for months and months, which is what I foresee happening if I wasn't loading like I hated it!

 

[OpusX]

Loading just enough to shave with, but not enough to even make a lather.

 

[EMG06]

Williams Day 20
Ok another good lather day. Puck is looking like we are nearing the endgame here. Getting consistently good lathers at this point, which is nice (photo proof below). Starting to dream about what soap I’ll use next.

 

[heysi]

Same soap, day after day, is tedious and boring.

 

[Luecke3262]

And what I’m thinking of is taking it even more extreme. Loading just enough to shave with, but not enough to even make a lather.

As @OpusX said, IT'S MADNESS!

 

[Spider]

As @OpusX said, IT'S MADNESS!

It’s an exercise in true frugality, that I thought some would appreciate.

 

[Luecke3262]

It’s an exercise in true frugality, that I thought some would appreciate.

See if @Scuttlesoap soap is interested, he's super frugal! lol

It is a cool exercise, but not for me because I love loads of lather. I do remember in the past, seeing some guys who would squeeze out every bit of lather left in their brushes and deposit it on top of their puck. If the true shavepocolyps occurs, this may be necessary to stretch my dwindling reserves... I'm betting several guys will take you up on it!

 

[Spider]

I'm betting several guys will take you up on it!

That’s what I’m trying to gauge right now.

It is indeed an exercise in shavepocalypse prep. Like if zombies came, how much of your den could you really take with you? A razor and a couple pucks of Williams might be the easiest thing (and most compact) to grab. A quick face load, like using the puck as a shave stick, might be the simplest shave you can get. Again, the slickness of Williams will trump all other factors.

 

[heysi]

All hail Williams!! Twinkies, Cockroaches and Williams Shaving soap......around for the end times.

 

[EMG06]

an exercise in shavepocalypse prep. Like if zombies came, how much of your den could you really take with you?

That seems like an interesting thread all its own. Not that I would contribute much. I usually bring two soaps with me at least when I’m traveling.

 

[Spider]

I usually bring two soaps with me at least when I’m traveling.

I feel that, so much. Early in my wet shaving career, I was on a 6 month deployment to Afghanistan. I took so much with me, that most people commented that my travel den, was bigger than their home den. Even now, when I go on 1 month deployments, I can’t escape the need for variability in my daily shave. I’ll still bring along at least 4-5 different soaps and aftershave so I can change up my combo so each shave is different. And if I can find something local, that’s new or different to add to my shave…. Even better!

 

[OpusX]

some guys who would squeeze out every bit of lather left in their brushes

I mean I do this, but use it as my final post shave face wash.

Like if zombies came, how much of your den could you really take with you?

Ok...now I am down for a shavepocalypse 3017. That sounds cool. Bonus points for cheapest shave (thrift finds, dollar store, etc)

 

[EMG06]

Williams Day 21
Another good lather. Puck is looking a little threadbare.

 

[woodpusher]

Excellent work, @EMG06 !!

 

[EMG06]

Excellent work, @EMG06 !!

Thanks! Had lots of excellent instruction from the gentlemen on this thread

 

[Soap Thing]

Day 21:

This puck is getting really small and starting to turn funny colors [emoji38]. Shaves have been slick enough, not great, but not bad. We are frankly spoiled with all this high performance soap we have at our disposal. I was going for a while where I had some pretty thick and impressive lathers, but lately it’s back to being thin and airy. If I had to guess I think I have probably have 6-8 shaves left on this this before it’s so thin that it’s unworkable. Then I’ll throw in the towel. Miraculously it still have a fairly strong scent strength from the Brut aftershave. I’m surprised to admit I’m only just now starting to get bored with using it. I’m not quitting though, just kind of blasé about the whole experiment at this point. Again, the downside of having a spoiled hobby. It’s been a fun experience so far and I’m happy to be here for it. Last week worth of shaves have been the combination you see below.

Razor Emporium Best Badger brush
Brut Aftershave
1961 Gillette Slim Adjustable
Gillette Nacet Blades

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Spider]

Couple more shaves for me!