A 10 point summary:
1. There is some question over the meaning of 'artisan' but generally speaking (and my own meaning when I created the thread) it refers to smaller scale manufacturers (let's say working from a single workshop, shop, or home).
2. Artisan soap makers tend to face higher production costs and, simply because they work on a smaller scale, they don't benefit as much from economies of scale...their prices often reflect this.
3. Artisans create soaps with a wider range of scents - this benefits users who rate this highly (never underestimate the 'aromatherapy' aspect of shaving - it also applies to face wash, aftershave, post balm, etc)
4. However, there is some suspicion that some artisans might neglect to adhere to certain regulations in the use of certain compounds - they maybe beyond the scrutiny that mass producers often face
5. Artisans offer greater choice and should therefore be supported (and their soaps make many of this forum's piccies look really cool)
6. Some users find artisan provide the only product that meets the needs of their skin's idiosyncratic sensitivities
7. While the cost of artisan products is often significantly higher than larger scale brands, and usually disproportionate to the volume of soap in the container, it is fair to say that shaving soap often lasts a very long time and the higher cost when spread out over this time remains a puny burden on the wallet
8. Some users have discovered the one soap to rule them all and will stick with it, artisan on not
9. Many users choose their soap on the basis of the quality of the shave and if they get this from a 150g tube costing £2, then they will feel ridiculous paying seven or eight times more for an artisan product that, to them, simply smells a bit nicer
10. The performance of any soap will vary from face to face, pre-shave method to pre-shave method, razor and blade, to razor and blade. In the first of these, at least, we are all unique.
Conclusion: There are no rights and wrongs about shaving soap.
