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I've got this new jar of SRD shaving soap in a low slung jar/bowl/container. The soap mass fills the container to within 1/4" from the top.
Am I supposed to use the container as a bowl? Just get my brush wet and start whipping up lather?
The soap is pretty stiff, and it ain't comin' out for a transfer to my shaving bowl, that's fer sure.
It sure looks like a mess is gettin' ready to happen.
I hate making a mess. I just don't have the time in my schedule.
:cry:
You're best bet is to bloom the soap, load your brush in the container, then whip the lather up in your bowl or face lather
That's probably a great idea.
Now... What does "bloom" mean?
Or.. Did you already explain it by saying load the brush and then whip in the other bowl?
:o
Get your brush wet, swirl it around in the container to load the soap, then transfer the brush to your bowl and whip up a lather in that. You could also load the brush and then build the lather directly on your face. Just out of curiosity, what kind of SRD soap is it?
Well, first, if it is one of the glycerin soaps, then I see no point in blooming it.
Now, on to your question…
To bloom means to add a little (note that I said little) bit of water to the top of the puck. This is done to partially dissolve the soap, making it easier to transfer the brush. The reason that you only add a little is that it only should be the amount of soap needed to create the lather. Some people make the mistake of filling the container with water and then dump it out to build the lather. The result of this approach is that most of your soap ends up going down the drain rather than on your face.
"Unscented"
I bought it as a part of a package deal. Thought I ought to at least try it out.
My wife makes soap and I've been using her 'brand'.
Trying to compare and broaden my horizon.
;)
To bloom your soap, I meant put a bit of water on top, let it sit while you shower. Or let it sit while you strop your razor. That way it's a bit softer and you can load your brush more easily
Utopian beat me to it lol
Oh, I think I get.
Like I'm trying to get a little "bloom" of lather?
So... Get the soap wet in the container, get a little "bloom", load up the brush with wet soap, and then go to a larger bowl to really whip up lather.
Am I understanding?
:hmmm:
Thanks for responding back.
I think with these couple answers I'm getting a clue.
Thanks!
:tu
Yes you got the idea. I hold the bristles firmly between my fingers so the brush gets a good amount on it.
Let me see if I can find the article in the library
Here you go
http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwi...ic_soap_lather
SRD soaps are really good.
For the life of me I have no idea why anyone would buy unscented shaving soap. 90% of the fun of buying shaving soap or cream or croap is getting new scents.
The SRD Opus X is outstanding (tobacco scent).
Allergies and sensitive skin, for starters.Quote:
Originally Posted by 400E
Quote:
Originally Posted by 400E
I'm in agreement, but hey, peoples got their thangs.
:shrug:
Allergies are a good reason.Quote:
Originally Posted by 400E
Also, I will take a good unscented soap, whip a lather up with it, and add my own scent.
OK... Field report...
I followed the instruction provided above and using my battered old boar bristle brush successfully produced a suitable lather to shave. (Picture Tom Hanks in "Castaway": "I have made LATHER..."
Thank you, Gentlemen for your tutelage.
I used this as an opportunity to also test drive a recently acquired Dovo Gentleman's razor.
A good clean shave.
*Notes for my personal log:
1) This SRD shave soap is good stuff. I'll use it again and look forward to testing more of their product in the future. (I won't tell my wife that I like SRD's soap better than hers.)
2) My everyday shavers (Dovo BQ FHG) that I've touch-up honed at home are better shavers than the new "shave ready" Dovo Gentleman's. More comfortable anyway. I'll give it a good stropping and try it again.
3) I am not certain that I like Burt's Bees aftershave. It sat on my skin a bit greasy after a very light application, and has an aroma reminiscent of mineral spirits. I kinda liked it but... I dunno...
:thinking:
Glad to hear it went well for you.
Keep at it and you'll get the hang of loading the brush that way. Then you'll be off to the races with a nice thick lather. Well if that's the kind that you like
Do you know if SRD manufacture the soaps themselves or do they farm it out with their brand name on it? I wasn't aware that they offered SRD soaps but now I might have to try some out.Quote:
Originally Posted by 400E
From the website I seem to recall that they have someone else do the manufacturing for them but with their specifications.