Good Shave Today

**Str8nDE4RAD** · 09-06-2010, 04:15 AM

I have to say I had a good shave tonight. The redness was much less than normal after the shave and only one nick, which came from my DE around my nose.

I still cannot get good lather like I see from most pictures but it does do the job, the blade does not stick, yet I do feel some resistance when shaving but not enough to worry me. I don't feel like I'm going to cut myself. My lather looks fluffy and not soapy or bubbly but does not sit on top of my brush like seen in pictures and goes on my face thin. I am thinking I may need more water but I am still experimenting. I use an old small round Tupperware container for my bowl right now and the bowl is only a little wider than the brush so I am not sure if that has anything to do with it.

I feel comfortable now shaving with my Dovo straight razor on my side burns to my chin and on my neck WTG. I still have not found out how to go XTG. I am not really trying to shave XTG yet I just am trying to figure out the angle for this. I will use my DE for XTG till I am comfortable and can figure out how to do it without really cutting myself from not being able to see what I am doing.

Over all a good shave for me, not BBS but still good for me. Sorry for the ramble I am just a little excited.

**MatthewShropshire** · 09-06-2010, 05:03 AM

Sometimes A shave just goes so well I cant help but take a moment to admire my handiwork, run a hand over my clean shaven face and contemplate the pleasure such a simple daily ritual can add to my life.

I know how you feel. And every time we try something new, or make a little more progress with the technique it brings such satisfaction.

I have yet to master going against the grain. In fact, I just cant seem to figure that one out yet. But I'll keep learning and trying.

Have you watched Mantics videos on youtube about how to build a lather properly? I took the time to watch most of his videos and I have to say it improved my lather considerably. I love building a good lather. One of the most enjoyable things about a shave.

Happy shaving and best of luck.
Matthew

**jeffegg2** · 09-06-2010, 02:20 PM

Originally Posted by TSasser

I still cannot get good lather like I see from most pictures but it does do the job, the blade does not stick, yet I do feel some resistance when shaving but not enough to worry me. I don't feel like I'm going to cut myself. My lather looks fluffy and not soapy or bubbly but does not sit on top of my brush like seen in pictures and goes on my face thin. I am thinking I may need more water but I am still experimenting. I use an old small round Tupperware container for my bowl right now and the bowl is only a little wider than the brush so I am not sure if that has anything to do with it.

YouTube - Mama Bear Demonstrasjon

**Stubear** · 09-06-2010, 03:02 PM

Congrats! It really is a case of practice makes perfect!

That Mama Bear video will really help your lather making.

**Str8nDE4RAD** · 09-06-2010, 03:16 PM

Seen quit a few videos but when I try the methods they turn out way different. I think I may need more water or the soap I got just does not lather well, I am betting more on the water thing.

The Mama Bear video and some others I have seen on YouTube are enlightening. Some look like they use some pressure while making the lather but the readings say to lightly swirl and not to use much pressure.

Question: Is pressure something that is needed to create good lather or is it just a matter of the soap and water mixture

Also, is the motion just a swirling or whipping motion or do you need to use an up-down motion also to pump air in there

Who knows, the way I am doing it may be the problem as well

**jeffegg2** · 09-06-2010, 03:38 PM

What i got from the video is

1. load the brush with soap.
2. add a little water.
3. progress from bubbles to thick rich lather by spending some time swirling and mixing.

The third step was the one I had to learn as I think I was rushing the process. I don't think pressure has much bearing. He does seem to press the inside of the brush as well as using the outside for good mixing.

**Str8nDE4RAD** · 09-06-2010, 03:49 PM

I have been soaking my brush on a small Tupperware container bowl that is about as tall as the bristles on my brush and about as wide as 2 or 3 brushes. I also cover the soap with warm water to soften it.

After about 5 to 10 minutes, normally longer since I shave after I shower, I dump the water out of the container and shave my brush out. I have been both pouring some of the soap water into my container and sometimes just pouring the water into the sink.

I have been loading the brush with soap by gripping the base with 3 fingers and swirling till there is a paste like substance on the soap, I think the 3 finger grip is actually limiting the amount of soap I can get though. The grip just lets the very tip get the soap and my brush has a bottom of a bowl shape to the tips.

I will then take the brush with the soap and swirl it in the container with some pumping motions with the brush up and down in the container to kind of mix everything, this may be the wrong motion. I mostly swirl the brush like you would when mixing something with a spoon in the kitchen.

I am sure I will get it sooner or later, I would just prefer the sooner.

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