Good article and a great subject.
Here in the UK they had something called carbalic soap. Basically the UK version of lye soap.
You can still get it on ebay here. So I have on hand 160 bars and going to buy 80 more soon. At £24 for 80. it is a great deal. You can wash everything with it and a bar would last a family a month washing themselves, dishes and clothing.
I am buying more due to it's value as a trade item.