Good lather is best

For edification of the other new guys,

So today I whipped up my first lather, boy does it knock the socks off of the canned gel stuff. So much more lubrication and moisture. I am usually skeptical of expensive products being that much better than a decent mid level product, due to my frugal nature (I am cheap), but I learned today that the nicer creams or soaps are the way to go for sure. I didnt use my straight yet, wiating for the weekend, but the lather itself is enough to change to just that with a cartridge.

Thanks
Jared

Agreed...I'm loving my Prorasso Pre-Shave Cream (before and after), and I picked up a lime soap made locally that smells amazing! ...never would have used anything but "Gel" if I hadn't started reading about straight razors, but I'll never go back now...

I totally agree!

The other great thing is that a puck of soap or tub of cream will last you ages as well..! You only need a tiny dab of the stuff to do the job.

My Trumpers cream, which I used daily for several months, is lasting ages. I've not even used half of it yet. My CF lime cream has been used several dozen times since I got it and the tub still looks like new. Its the same with my Tabac; loads of use and you can still read the logo in the top of the soap...!

Plus, as you say, its WAAAAAY better than the canned goop!

Welcome aboard and enjoy the ride..!

Yes, the good quality stuff is worth it for sure. Try Castle Forbes. As for the straight razor. Why wait for the weekend. You should really jump in. Nothing to be afraid of. I have used 2 of mine every day since day one(four months ago) - no cuts only minor razor burn twice. Your going to love it.

I just havent had a chance to treat my strop and get it put up somewhere. I am also trying to learn a few holds and I get up pretty early, so I dont want to lose focus on my first run. I may have the strop prepared by Friday but the weekend for sure.

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Originally Posted by Maskwa

Yes, the good quality stuff is worth it for sure. Try Castle Forbes. As for the straight razor. Why wait for the weekend. You should really jump in. Nothing to be afraid of. I have used 2 of mine every day since day one(four months ago) - no cuts only minor razor burn twice. Your going to love it.

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By alls means start using your straight now, but I would really advise trying it when you have the time to think about what you're doing and you're not rushed!

If you're on a deadline to get to work and you're thinking about what you have to do that day then there is a good chance that you may nick your strop, nick your face or dink the razor and wreck its edge.

Start whenever you feel ready would be my advice. And make sure you have as much time as you need to get the feel for it. If you have a deadline and are rushing, there will be trouble and maybe blood..!

Good luck!

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Originally Posted by rahimlee54

I just havent had a chance to treat my strop and get it put up somewhere. I am also trying to learn a few holds and I get up pretty early, so I dont want to lose focus on my first run. I may have the strop prepared by Friday but the weekend for sure.

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Ahh it sounds like you are being obsessive about it. I mean this in a good way. To me it seems to be successful in this sport you need to be somewhat OCD - heck you are half way there then. :) Good luck and have a good shave this weekend.

As part of your beard prep. ritual I highly recommend you shower, then lathering up before you strop your razor. Once you are done stropping, rinse off. Now, put a hot towel to your face for a minute or so and lather up again. You are now prepped for the shave.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Stubear

By alls means start using your straight now, but I would really advise trying it when you have the time to think about what you're doing and you're not rushed!

If you're on a deadline to get to work and you're thinking about what you have to do that day then there is a good chance that you may nick your strop, nick your face or dink the razor and wreck its edge.

Start whenever you feel ready would be my advice. And make sure you have as much time as you need to get the feel for it. If you have a deadline and are rushing, there will be trouble and maybe blood..!

Good luck!

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+1. Take your time, if (like me) you want to just jump straight in, go ahead, if not, then that's good too. Couldn't agree more on the lather issue as well.

Ya, I am pretty OCD, it comes from my job. I pretty much wont do something until I feel I can do it 100% correct, and this is by my own standard which varies. Thanks for the advice though, I'll lather the beard before I strop. I had a ton of good lather go down the sink this morning :).

everytime I cut myself its cause I am hurrying and not paying attention. Slow and methodical is best. Don't even think about using a stra8 that day if u are in a time crunch.