In school, we did an experiment using fat and KOH to create 'soft' soap.

Afterwards, we added NaOH to change it into 'hard' soap.

I read on multiple places on the internet that the difference between using Potassium and Sodium is what determines if it becomes a 'hard' soap or 'soft' soap.

Am I correct in the notion that the K+, resp. Na+ ions connect to the O- ends of the Fatty Acid?

Is it possible to skip the first step and create 'hard' soap by using NaOH right away?

Why does 'Soft' soap dissolve so much easier than 'Hard' soap? Or in other words: Why is it much easier for the K+ to fall off than for the Na+ ?

In school, we did an experiment using fat and $\ce{KOH}$ to create 'soft' soap.

Afterwards, we added $\ce{NaOH}$ to change it into 'hard' soap.

I read on multiple places on the internet that the difference between using Potassium and Sodium is what determines if it becomes a 'hard' soap or 'soft' soap.

Am I correct in the notion that the $\ce{K+}$, resp. $\ce{Na+}$ ions connect to the $\ce{O-}$ ends of the Fatty Acid?

Is it possible to skip the first step and create 'hard' soap by using $\ce{NaOH}$ right away?

Why does 'Soft' soap dissolve so much easier than 'Hard' soap? Or in other words: Why is it much easier for the $\ce{K+}$ to fall off than for the $\ce{Na+}$ ?