I tried an experiment once with HP.... I used an excessive amount of water (I usually use a 50% lye solution- here I used about a 20% lye solution). The excessive amount of water slowed the reaction WAY down. It took forever to trace, then took even longer to gel. I had to heat and stir for almost an hour before enough water evaporated off for the the reaction to get going. Now I'm back to using a 50% lye soluton. I keep a few cups of water nearby which I add slowly as the soap is cooking. (after the soap gels). I add just enough water to keep the soap a bit more fluid than mashed potatoes. This way, the soap will stay together when I glop it into the mold and will not be crumbly. It takes about a week after I cut it for the soap to dry.