Thread: is there a wrong way to lather

Except for #8 - invert mug, I do the same procedure. Works great.

Oh, step 0 I guess, splash face a few times with hot water and rub into whiskers.

Tried the aloe vera a couple of times. Didn't seem to make a whole lot of difference to the shave but I did notice that it seemed to cause the razor to stain a little more so I didn't use it again.

Originally Posted by toolarts

Your procedure seems overblown to me.

Here is what I do:

When I buy the puck of shaving soap, it goes in the bottom of a coffee mug that fits. The following is only for hard puck shaving soaps like Williams, Col. Conk., etc.

When I shave:

1. I fill mug/puck combination with warm, not hot water.
2. I put the brush into the mug with the water.
3. Dump water out. Shake out the brush a little.
4. put brush in mug and swirl it around on top of the puck until lather forms.
5. Sploosh lather on face and brush it around to make a nice big white face.
6. Start shaving.
7. If lather gets thick, tip the brush under the hot water and return it to the mug, swirl and apply some more.

8. When done, rinse out brush, mug, leave soap puck in. Invert mug.
9. Stand brush on end or hang.
10. Clean and dry the razor. Put it away.
11. Set mug upright again.

Tomorrow it will be ready to go again.

Notes:

You want to invert the mug for a minute or so to drain out excess water, then you want to set it back upright so that it will get good air flow to dry out the soap. I do this and the soap lasts for weeks.

Hot water is unnecessary as it serves no purpose, and the water evaporates too quickly leaving the lather dry. Warm water feels nice and is comfortable, and the lather lasts longer. I have had some nice shaves with COLD water. It is bracing though.

Remember to re-lather areas you have just shaved if you plan to go back and do another pass.
If the razor seems to be making more noise as you shave, or if you experience irritation or the razor doesn't glide, try adding some more water by tipping the brush under the hot water faucet.

By the way, between step 3 and step 4, I also add a squirt of 100% Aloe Vera lotion to the mug. Makes real nice thick lather.