Shaving sticks (shaving soap formed into a cylinder) have existed at least since the mid-19th century. (These two ads promote sticks while still acknowledging that Colgate continued to sell shaving powders and creams.)
Shave sticks became very popular early in the 20th century. They came in durable, re-usable plated brass, aluminum and later bakelite tubes.
These tubes provided easy and clean storage of the shave stick, useful for people without expansive counter space.
Shaving sticks were especially popular with soldiers during WWI. (Beards interfered with gas masks?)
While shaving soap produces plenty of dense and long-lasting lather, its use in modern times is less widespread and has been overtaken by various types of shaving creams. ~ Wikipedia
Title: A Moving Picture, The Conversion of Mr. Prejudice
Date: 1914
Company: Colgate & Company
Digital Collection: Ad*Access: duke:334619
Title: Colgate's Shaving Stick
Date: 1914
Company: Colgate & Company
Digital Collection: Ad*Access duke:334621
The conversion of Mr. Prejudice. Still a work in progress.