Thread: Beginner in need of some advice/input

Something that is pretty well understood but may not be vocalized is that building a good lather is a skill that can take as long as learnig how to handle your straight razor. Just as you eventually learn to wield your straight razor in a more efficient manner and acheive better results, so do you learn what factors affect your lather and how to work with them. This includes the type of water, soap, brush, and lathering technique. I know you said you will try again in a day or two, but practice in between. Sneak into the bathroom for 5 minutes and whip up a bowl of lather and try more/less water or whatever.


Here is a quick rundown of what I do when I try a new soap or cream. Soak the brush in a cup of water for 5+ minutes (or however long a shower lasts). Remove brush and squeeze out as much water as possible. Load brush with soap for a full 30 seconds. If using cream, put a dollop on and work it in the top 1/8" of the brush. Put a dribble of water in your bowl or mug, or if you are a face latherer use your wetted palm for practice. Work your brush for 10 to 20 seconds with the moisture you have. Put a dribble more water on your brush and repeat. Put some between your thumb and forefinger and give it a rub and see how it feels. Keep doing this until you reach the point where the lather "explodes". This is where it just seems to come together and feels great. THEN add another dribble of water and see what happens.

This is not something that I do on a daily basis. This is a modified technique that I read about somewhere. It is a great way to learn to lather and to find out how your new soap/cream behaves. Doing this lets you feel the lather as it is building. You learn how it looks and feels when it has a lack of water, how it feels when "correct", and how it feels when it is too hydrated. Best thing is that it only takes a 5 minutes for a test run.


Anyway..... give it a shot and see how it goes, or not. Let us know how you are progressing!

Has anyone contemplated that heat can be a factor in not achieving a 'happy' shave? Since switching to lukewarm or cold water shaving I have had almost nil irritation (unless I forget about pressure) and closer shaves after the first pass. Am also learning to withstand a cool water rinse at the end of my hot shower to cool my face down.

I have not tried the cold water to date. I only use lukewarm water for the lather and I am a face latherer, so there is no problem with things being overly hot. I do use cold water for my alum block and the rinse that follows. May be somehting to play with though.

You guys rock. After reading the comments and watching some lathering videos I realized my lather was way off. Additionally, I'm sure my razor angle, technique and all of the other variables mentioned here also added to that. I'm going to keep at it and rely on you guys to pave the way.

PS. I only have the 1 blade mentioned above, from what I'm reading I'll need another while I'm sending out the first to get honed. Any suggestions on a place to get some fair priced shavers? or is there a link to a past post? Vintage or Restored preferred

Larry at Whipped Dog for sight unseen, workable razors. Just shaved with one - a pass and a half! and done for the day. Classifieds also will list reasonable price razors here and there. Big Easy Tools for a medium and up price. etc....