This isn't the absolute cheapest I've seen this stuff selling for. You can definitely get it a bit cheaper in bulk, depending on where you look. If you go to Turkey where this is made, you can buy the stuff for less than a dollar apiece. In any case, you can't always go with a veggie formulation, in my opinion. Sometimes tallow is where it's at, depending on the day, which is not the easiest to find. There will always be a space for this product in my bathroom so long as I shave. The smell is one of my favorites, which is a no-nonsense shaving soap smell. It is a strong smell and it is clean smell. The lather is what you would expect with a tallow soap. It is thirsty, but it protects your face well with a good level of cushion. A nice boar brush works better than a badger in my opinion, in particular with this soap, especially if you don't have time to sit and bloom it with warm water before use. Give it a shot if you have not yet done so already...the most you'll be out is a five-spot.