Hello from Vermont

[kc1ble]

Hello, my name is Denis and I found this forum through google. Been browsing for a couple of hours and decided I would join because I am thinnking of giving soap making a try.

I actually became curious about soap making because of another hobby of mine. I recently began wet shaving and after seeing the prices of some of the artisan shaving soaps, I began to wonder if I could make my own shaving soap tailored to me. I've spent a couple of days researching and for the most part I learned that I should begin by making soap and learn and "master" this process. Then I got thinking about this and reading more and more and I am interested in giving it a shot. So here I am...

I just ordered The Soapmaker's Companion to get started and I will go from there. I would be interested to know if there are any other good books for a beginner to read.

So far I've found tons of information here and will continue to read on, Thanks to everyone for sharing such valuable information.

 

[shunt2011]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I purchased a couple books when I first started and to be honest I learned so much more here than from the books. Also YouTube has some great stuff too. Especially Soaping101.

 

[KristaY]

Hi Denis & welcome! I agree watching You Tube videos is a great way to get started, especially if you're a visual learner. Soap Queen has a great video on lye safety so that's the one I'd recommend first. Good luck!

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yR6ttCSrLJI&list=PLAADF6209996265D2[/ame]

 

[kc1ble]

Thanks, I will check out some videos.

 

[Kamahido]

I also bought a few books when I was getting started. Found the information here and on youtube much more enlightening. Cheaper too.

 

[IrishLass]

Welcome, Denis! :wave:

You've come to the right place- we have lots of self-described "crazy wet-shaving dudes" here on the board that make their own shave soap.

I'm with Shari and Kamahido- I learned so much more from reading the forum than I ever learned from reading any of the soaping books out there.

Here are some of my favorite wet-shaving threads. They are jam-packed full of good info:

http://www.soapmakingforum.com/showthread.php?t=34264&highlight=shaving

http://www.soapmakingforum.com/showthread.php?t=47002&highlight=NaOH

http://www.soapmakingforum.com/showthread.php?t=53981&highlight=shaving


IrishLass

 

[navigator9]

Welcome! I started soapmaking before I found this forum, so I used Anne Watson's book, Smart Soapmaking. I love the way she explains things. If you have a Kindle, her books are sometimes free, or 99 cents. I would highly recommend any of her books.

 

[WalterG]

Hi--I'm new here too (first post). Not trying to hijack but we're almost neighbors; I'm across the lake in NY (Plattsburgh area).

 

[lsg]

Welcome to the forum.