Thread: Soaps -- Straights vs DE

Mr. ZipZop... You should run for office...

Originally Posted by FWiedner

Mr. ZipZop... You should run for office...

No sir. I run FROM office.

As I moved towards more aggressive safety razors, my soap selection has gravitated to the slicker soaps, esp. those with residual slickness. I imagine those will be what I use as I venture into straight shaving. Favorites include L&L Grooming, Haslinger, Mystic Water, Stirling and a few creams including Castle Forbes and Simpsons.

What Bob said.

Originally Posted by MrHouston

As I moved towards more aggressive safety razors, my soap selection has gravitated to the slicker soaps, esp. those with residual slickness. I imagine those will be what I use as I venture into straight shaving. Favorites include L&L Grooming, Haslinger, Mystic Water, Stirling and a few creams including Castle Forbes and Simpsons.

I have only used Haslinger and Castle Forbes from that selection and can say they meet my criteria for a good soap/cream for use with a straight razor. I'd say you are well set for using a straight razor.

When you do try shaving with a straight razor you are likely to find that the proper angle on the blade will be a bit different from most all DEs. It is more like the angle used with an old GEM SE razor if you have used one of those. Pressure, little to none, is also critical. Get those two things and the lather right then you will be off to a good start.

Bob

After experimenting with a wide range of soaps and creams over a few years I came to the conclusion, It really doesn't matter very much. Just choose something you like. Edge maintenance and shaving technique matters most and the soap is just about enjoying the ride. Any decent soap will do but skimp on the other and it may not be pleasant.