05 August, 2013

Savon de Marseille, tradtional French soap

Savon de Marseille, like Opinel knives, is a treasured part of French country life. It is an artisanal olive oil soap that's been made for some 600 years near Marseille using traditional methods and ingredients. The huge 1kg (2.2lbs) blocks were, and still are, often found next to farm, factory, and bike shop sinks, as well as in homes all over the French countryside.


Like Opinel knives, this soap is something that I have used for many years. I find that it cleans and moisturizes in a way that modern factory-made soaps don't. I use it for hands, body and hair. It doesn't have that strong chemical-like perfume of modern soaps; instead it is mildly scented with bay leaf. I also like that it doesn't leave skin feeling dry. It really is quite different from modern soap. 

The 1kg blocks last very very long time. But if you don't want that much we also stock it in 600gm (1.3lbs) blocks. I cut some into small bars, with a bread knife (my Opinel isn't big enough), for camping and travel. Keep spare blocks in a plastic bag so they don't dry out. There is more about Savon de Marseille and how it's made in this Wikipedia article.

8 comments:

  1. Marketing intern8/5/13, 9:51 AM

    Owned.....A high five for you, guys

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  2. Before the jokes begin about knives, hatchets, and soap, I wanted to say that this seems like a great addition to the store. Will a Grand Cru version be available?

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  3. Are you going to sell bronze safe worm drive oil for my Peugeot 404?

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  4. Well if you want tradition you should stick with carrying the 5kg blocks not these new fangled 1 kg blocks

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  5. RCIR's or Ration de combat individuelle réchauffable; when your route does not include any inn; I'd guess you could fit in three of them in a Campagne bag

    Usually includes paté and chesse. Beau Geste's daily rations in North Africa meant "soupe" and half a litre of wine ..But you may want to make your own choices on that last one

    A consommer avant de deux ans:( but for my life, they are G.O.O.D.)

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  6. French Soap? didn't know there was such a thing...

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  7. you might want to check your pricing. The 600g and 1kg blocks are both priced at $20 at the moment.
    Cheers,
    Allan

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  8. Oops. You're right. Fixed now. We did refund everyone who bought the 600gr at the wrong price.

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