If you’re looking for a way to consistently cut your homemade soap loaves into bars so that they the same size every time, then you need a soap cutter! There’s no need to purchase expensive equipment to do this, especially if you’re just starting out. Instead, craft your own handmade diy soap cutter.
The measurements for this soap cutter are made to pair up with my tutorial on how to make wooden loaf soap molds. It can be used for both melt and pour glycerin soap and homemade cold process soaps. To get started you’ll need either craft wood or plywood that is 3/4″ thick, some screws, wood glue, an electric screwdriver and a saw in order to make your cuts. If you aren’t able to cut your own wood, you may be able to find a friend, neighbor or parent to give you a hand. (My dad made mine for me.) I have also heard that if you purchase wood from Lowe’s that they will cut to your specifications.
The two sides of your soap cutter should be cut to measure 6 1/2″ long by 5″ high. The bottom piece to your soap cutter will need to measure 6 3/4″ long by 3 1/2″ wide. The front stop – which keeps your soap from sliding out to ensure bars are all cut the same size – should measure 5″ long by 2″ high.
Assemble your soap cutter so that the bottom fits in between the two sides. The sides should rest flat on the surface with the bottom in between. Apply wood glue to hold the sides together and clamp until dry. Then put several screw into the side for extra hold. Now glue the front stop to the front of the soap cutter and screw in. Finally, use a saw to cut guides down the two sides and slightly into the bottom piece of wood. These cuts determine the size of your bars. About 3/4″ in make standard size bars in width. Make the cuts further out – 1″ or more – for thicker bars. Make sure the cuts are wide enough that the tool of your choice you’ll be using for cutting will fit into these slits. I use a Chef’s knife to cut my soaps with this soap cutting guide.
Making homemade cold process soap for the first time? Be sure to check out my DIY Soapmaking Tutorial as well as my Beginner Cold Process Soap Recipe.
