That is interesting. In 2008, you could apparently still buy 27% hydrogenated soybean oil shortening at Sam's Club.
https://www.soapmakingforum.com/threads/difference-between-crisco-and-27-hydrog-soybean-oil.5858/
That is not the case anymore. So much research and the banning of trans-fats in so many places has eliminated this product from the marketplace as far as I can find. But then I have never looked for it before.
That 2008 link was before my time as a soapmaker and I never particularly noticed it as a food product, so have no tangible recollection of it. But I do know Sam's Club, and if they sold it as a shortening, it did not in any way resemble the consistency of GW 415. BUT, even if it didn't resemble the consistency, that is not to say the fatty acid profile is not the same. (could be, right?)
I wonder if it would make a difference in the soap if that line were used instead of the other other soy wax line? It doesn't make a discernible difference in the amount of lye, but quality numbers change quite a bit. I think it's worth and experiment if any 27% hydrogenated soy shortening could be found to use in comparison.
Dean, it (27% hyrdrogenated soy shortening) still available anywhere where you live? If it is, please share more information like, brand, etc. If I could find some, I'd be willing to do some experimental soap making comparisons. If we can't find any there is no way I can think of to do a comparison test, though.
So, Andrew? Are you a chemical engineer or similar?