Shaving cream vs. shaving soap

**rick54** · 07-19-2009, 01:14 AM

I was wondering if there was a difference on how these two were used?
As an inexperienced lather maker, I just viewed Jockeys brush loading YouTube presentation and also the one on Uberlather. As one who just uses a dab of G.F. Trumper rose shaving cream on the end of my brush, or swirls the brush over a warmed soap puck in the bottom of my old coffee cup, I realize now I've really been short changing myself on getting great lather.
My question concerns adding cream to the loaded brush. If you had a favorite scented soap, can you get an unscented cream to add? I don't think I'd like to use a nice rose shaving soap and then have to add a strong citrus shaving cream to it followed by the glycerin. As I enjoy the pure rose scent and wouldn't want to change it with the citrus which I'm not really fond of to begin with.
When using the G.F. Trumper rose shaving cream, do you add additional shaving cream plus the glycerin to obtain the greatest amount of lather?
Can you recommend a source of supply for a unscented shaving cream if this seems to be the right direction to go? Thank you for your patience concerning my inexperience!

**Alraz** · 07-19-2009, 02:00 AM

I think that the reason for mixing soap + cream and adding glycerin to form uberlather is to improve the quality rather than the quantity of the lather. The results that you get are dependent on the combination of soap and cream that you use. I have never felt the need to make ubertalther with Trumper soap as the lather is very good as it is but people have many opinions on the subject. Perhaps this thread would help you: http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...38863-why.html

It is important that you use uberlather to improve the quality of your lather rather than as a substitute for good lathering skills. This process is pretty much the same whether you use soap or cream, you may want to check the wiki for references: Category:Lather - Straight Razor Place Wiki. Using lather of the proper consistency is essential for obtaining a good shave. Lathering is a skill, which is often overlooked among wet shavers. This process can be divided into 3 stages:

1) loading the brush; 2) building the lather; and 3) hydrating the lather. It is important to pay careful attention to each stage.

When lathering, the most important thing is to be sure of finding the peak of the soap/cream (the point where no more lather can be produced). Both dry (before reaching the peak) and too wet (over the peak) lather can be problematic. Dry lather looks similar to cake frosting and can easily be detected by passing your brush over. If the brush leaves grooves, the lather is too dry. Lather has been obtained with too much water (past the peak) vanishes almost immediately after it touches the skin and can appear dry. These are very common problems among new and seasoned users. There is a good section in the wiki about lathering, if you have not done so already, a visit is in order:

Category:Lather - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Also, I think this that you may find this video useful:

YouTube - How To Build And Apply Traditional Shaving Lather

**cromagnum** · 07-19-2009, 02:00 AM

To try and answer your question, it has seems to me that the shave cream has always had a more overpower scent the any of the shave soaps, but one of the more seasoned members may be able to add a different opinion. A tap of cream on a load shave brush and you can get a lot of lather from it, in a bowl. I think if you are not sure how much water to add its best to add a little water to the brush and then go to the bowl and keep whipping it up. You will have more than enough lather when you are done. Its take a few months I think to get this lathering stuff down

Crom

**dward** · 07-19-2009, 12:09 PM

I'd recommend looking through the Vendor's Corner forum below for what you are seeking. We have great vendors who will work with you. As to he choice between soap and cream? Personal choice. WE have followers of either of them, and really gets down to personal choice. You will have to try some of both and determine what you like...

**gssixgun** · 07-19-2009, 01:55 PM

If you are looking for a universal unscented for Uberlather there isn't one...
Not all combo's work together...

However that being said the two most universal ones that I have found that work the best with the most soaps are
Kiss My Face Unscented
The Body Shop shave cream (discontinued but still obtainable)

Go back now and re-read what Alraz posted too, he is dead to rights...

The whole reason for Super and Uberlathers came from the fact that in general soaps tend to be better with the glide of the razor, and creams tend to be better with cushion, by mixing the two you get both ... By adding the 4-5 drops of glycerin you get richness and creaminess and on some of them a more lasting lather....

**jockeys** · 07-20-2009, 12:48 PM

Originally Posted by rick54

I was wondering if there was a difference on how these two were used?

If you had a favorite scented soap, can you get an unscented cream to add?

When using the G.F. Trumper rose shaving cream, do you add additional shaving cream plus the glycerin to obtain the greatest amount of lather?

Can you recommend a source of supply for a unscented shaving cream if this seems to be the right direction to go?

first off, I'm glad you enjoyed the video

1. not really
2. absolutely, yes
3. you can, but it's not strictly necessary
4. classic shaving has one that's really quite good:
Shaving Soaps, Creams, Lotions & Toiletries

you can also mix soap and cream of differing scents... sometimes I use menthol Proraso cream with some of my cinnamon clove homemade soap... fire and ice, very refreshing.

**rick54** · 07-20-2009, 01:26 PM

Many thanks to all for your help!

**cristobal41** · 11-12-2009, 04:18 PM

[QUOTE=Alraz;420733]I think that the reason for mixing soap + cream and adding glycerin to form uberlather is to improve the quality rather than the quantity of the lather.

I agree.

It is important that you use uberlather to improve the quality of your lather rather than as a substitute for good lathering skills.

I think that this is my problem. I am a newbie and my question is, when I become and experienced shaver, will uberlather necessary?
In my opinion, yes just for fun, but my logical part lf my brain (if any) tells me to simplify.
Regards.

**sparq** · 11-12-2009, 04:35 PM

Let me ask you a heretic question: have you ever noticed a too thick lather getting in the way of BBS?

And my response to the original topic is: briefs or boxer shorts?

**cristobal41** · 11-12-2009, 04:37 PM

Originally Posted by sparq

Let me ask you a heretic question: have you ever noticed a too thick lather getting in the way of BBS?

And my response to the original topic is: briefs or boxer shorts?

1.- I never reached a BBS. I usually like thick lather. Hope it is not bad. I always try to keep it thick and wet, not easy, btw.
2.- Boxers. Funny ones.

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