Thread: First and Questions!

Hey, thanks for all the replies. I'm progressing really well so far, feeling more and more comfortable with the correct razor angle and angle manipulation. I still am learning on how to work the jawline, not from the throat up but along the side. I think it is partially because I haven't figured the best way to stretch this area and also due to the fact that it seems to be slightly sore. Also the skin to blade contact area is the smallest I've encountered thus far and will require more concentration. I've actually been getting a headache the past few days, but didn't really associate it to anything until last night I realized it was probably the result of all the concentration and focus I was putting into every stroke! It's that sort of learning headache that goes away after a few days so I am not worried!

Above all the lather is still my biggest problem. I can get it to that sweet spot where it lets the blade cut comfortably, but after a few strokes the foam already begins to degrade and within minutes is unusable. Alone, the foam turns into a thin, dry, cracking paste, and by adding glycerin I found that it degrades into a thin, somewhat moist, soapy layer. So I would say the glycerin helps retain some of the moisture, but either way the foam is degrading incredibly fast. In both cases, in about 3 or 4 minutes, if I take my hand and go over my face and neck the "lather" disappears leaving no trace on my hand or on my face. It becomes completely unusable.

It is really a pain because to do a full 3 pass shave would take an estimated 4-5 or possibly more lather mixes. Two nights ago I took the time to mix three batches of lather while shaving, but it really was distracting to say the least.

In regards to replies, I do have central heating and I would say that the air is rather dry. I'm renovating my room and have the bathroom door removed for about a month thus far, not allowing hot steam to be trapped within the bathroom. Trapping the steam would most likely be a large step in the right direction correct? I will try to get the door painted and reinstalled this weekend. As for adding water on the brush while shaving and adding cream, I've tried this many times but once the foam is gone, there is no bringing it back.

I think moisture would not pose such a big problem in the summer, but in the winter it sure seems to be the case, along with, partially, my dry skin. Is there anything else product wise or method wise to perhaps alleviate the lathering problem? Perhaps the cream I am using does not retain moisture well? I was looking at getting the Castle Forbes Lime and giving that a try, but I've been waiting until the local shop gets it in stock (they recently moved). Figure I should try to support the shop as much as I can because it is a great resource for me and venue to ask question and perhaps learn a bit.

Thanks!

Oh an P.S. I have been looking at a lot of items. The acquisition disorder is inescapable for me, I can already tell Once I get shaving under my arm and fix this lather problem, I will be a danger to myself! I keep telling myself I am happy with what I have...because I really, really am. First thing to slowly invest in further will be a good soap/cream rotation. New flavor for everyday! Hahaha

.... .... .... .... ... ... .. .. .. .. *KAPOW*


Ok I managed to figure out the lather problem. I made the best lather I've experienced in my life to date. It was really...really nice.

I was reading through as many lather posts trying to figure out what the problem was and I've read this before, and was previously under the suspicion that I might have hard water. Well, up till now I've been trying to use less and less cream, down to about a pea size amount. I didn't understand how more would help. Now for reference when I started I used roughly 1-2 inches of cream, cutting down. But I was ****ed, and I was beginning to hate this cream for treating me so meanly. I doused my bowl with about 6" of cream and...well it worked (and I think I may actually need more???). It appears that though I had been getting good consistency at a point with less cream, there wasn't anywhere near enough of it to shave it, and this resolved the problem. Nice, rich, thick and smooth lather. Still dries out towards the end, but I managed an almost full 2 passes and 3rd ATG pass on my cheeks. I am really happy, now I can really focus on the shaving part. I have two more questions though...

1. Are creams supposed to flake? As the lather slowly dried, it was letting out lots of soap flakes. I looked like a Christmas tree after heavy snow.

2. How do people with hard water go about using the nicer creams/soaps? It looks like I will need to use a TON of product to get a good lather. It still makes me cringe a bit to use so much cheap cream, what about the expensive ones? I really have my eye on the Castle Forbes Lime...but now I'm afraid it won't last long enough for the price? And in general, any higher tier cream?

Also, what do you guys use for wiping lather/hairs of the blade? So far I've been using a sheet of towel paper, folding as I go along.

I have extremely hard water,and was struggling to make lather. I have started using bottled water and it makes a world of difference. I use cream and start with a nickle sized dollop. That makes more than enough lather to do three passes with more left over. You don't need to make several 'batches'. If you drag your brush on the edge of your mug/bowl,handle to the tips, you will find lather 'hiding' in your brush.As for the drying out, you may want to experiment with adding a drop or 2 of glycerine (available where they sell cosmetics) in your lather.

You have to visit You tube and watch Mantic59 videos, He has a bunch, here's one on lather building: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd7Aj...eature=related