Home Hardware stores appear to be the only retailers that carry lye. In July 2014, they carried lye in 3kg jugs for $22.99.
lye is an alkaline ingredient in soap making that transforms oils into soap
Fat and lye.
Yes, but there are more preferred sources of soap-making lye.
physical
lye
Lye Soap is made by combining Lye (Sodium hydroxide), Oils and water together at the right temperature and ratio as to begin saponification. Ordinary soap like in the supermarket is not this type of soap. They do not contain lye at all.
the only place I have been able to find some is in 1 lb containers for $5.00 at Menards. Be sure to check and make sure the bottle says 100% LYE or sodium hydroxide and nothing else.
Soap is made with lye, which is caustic soda and a basic material in soap making. Soapmaking can become more dangerous if you are not careful. Lye is not combustible when dry but when it comes in contact with water it can ignite and can start a fire.
mix lye, water, and fat in large pot. heat and stir. you will get soap.
Yes, lye soap is safe to use in fact that is what I use every day. When I was a child, my father used to make lye soap which we all used regularly. Except that it didn't have perfume, it was no different from 'store bought' soap. In previous centuries, many people made and used lye soap.
I cannot suggest anything without some idea of the purpose, for some things (e.g. soap making) there is no practical substitute for lye.
It can be a bit dangerous depending on the type of soap that you are making. One of the common ingredients is lye, which is caustic and reacts with other items. Glycerin soap is safer.