I do not make my soap but remember my Mother and Grandmother made really large batches of what they called lye (?) soap when I was growing up. It must have been something really special because other family members seemed so happy when they were offered a bar and I don't recall anyone ever turning one down. The women just talked about how shinny it made their hair. I think it must have had hog fat in it as they always made their soap around the time my Dad and Grandfather slaughtered a hog. I haven't thought about this in years so thanks for the memories. And, does this sound familiar to anyone else? LOL