re: the octagon or fels naptha -
I can see it for the poison ivy, but do you use it for every day soap? Or just tough duty soap? I keep a bar in the laundry room for tough stains, but that's about it...
and I can find it in the laundry section in almost every supermarket....
Actually, I use it in the kitchen as everyday soap- the bar is huge, and lasts a long time. I have used it to get grease out of my hair, as shampoo, as well.
I don't use it for bathing but keep it handy in the kitchen and mud room. It is great because it leaves no residue. I have used it for conditioner buildup. Many of the old soaps are making a come back. Not that many years ago we made a batch of lye soap from a pig we butchered, it came out well an lasted a long time. Since we no longer raise out own meat and most of the butcher shops have closed, it is hard to find the pure white fat.