Oh I will definitely use lye from the hardware store, I just think all the history and my foremothers’ recipes and advice are fascinating! We use Kirk’s now and the cheapest we can get it is $4.99/3 bars through vitacost.com. With just some quick calculations I can make it for about half that price. Do you use separate equipment than what you use for normal food prep?
I do but only because my kitchen ware has seen better days. You can use your regular kitchen stuff. Just be sure it is stainless steel and never, ever aluminum. I also wipe out my soap pot with a cloth before washing it so the raw soap does not go down the drain. Another must have is an immersion blender else you may be stirring forever while you wait for “trace”.
I also strongly suggest you not use pyrex for mixing lye as the formula for the tempering has changed and you can end up with the measuring cup exploding hot lye solution all over you. Many people use a Rubbermaid pitcher. I use a stainless steel long handled pot.