Thread: Using regular shaving cream?

hey guys, i'm new to straight razor shaving. i just ordered a straight razor (off of these forums) a badger brush, and some shaving soap to get me started... but I was wondering if i could use regular shaving cream (the gel from a company like gillette or something)... does it not work the same way (softening up the skin and beard)? thanks for all the help.

I have never used it myself, but I have heard more then a few that have with very bad results.
Because of the way it made and the chemicals it has in it, it's not at all good for you skin.

I will say that some of the brushless shaving creams around do work fairly good with straights, but as alwasy YMMV.

Well, Much of the "experience" of straight razor shaving is learning the old ways, and that includes learning to lather up a brush and take it to your face.

Yes, you could continue using the shave goo in a can, but you would be missing out on a lot more.....

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This will sound kind of stupid, but I kind of like not using a can any longer as I don't have to put all the cream in my hand and rub it on my face. I know I could just rinse my hands in the sink, but there's something relaxing and refreshing in using a brush and experiencing a much "neater" shave.

I've only been using a SR for a few weeks, but have been using a brush for well over a year and it's fabulous. Much cheaper too.

Originally Posted by razoredgeknives

hey guys, i'm new to straight razor shaving. i just ordered a straight razor (off of these forums) a badger brush, and some shaving soap to get me started... but I was wondering if i could use regular shaving cream (the gel from a company like gillette or something)... does it not work the same way (softening up the skin and beard)? thanks for all the help.

You can use it, but it's nicer with soap or cream as opposed to foam or gel. Made the switch and used my old stuff on half my face... just wasn't the same. And I've only been doing it a couple of weeks.

More importantly, just wanted to mention it, did you get a strop as well? You didn't mention it, and it's required, so if you don't have one you'll need to get one ASAP.

Happy shaving!

Part of the enjoyment of wetshaving is to get your brush, a nice cream or soap, build up a lovely lather and applying it to your face, a canned gel or foam will do, but your only doing it half right.

That stuff from a can just isnt as good IMO. The lather doesnt provide as much glide and the scent is nowhere near as nice as a good shaving soap.

Welcome to SRP!

Definitely not as good as the real deal, but you might as well use the canned goo to start off, we all know you can't wait!

You will definitely feel the huge difference when you make your own real lather from a good cream or soap.

I have used the canned goo once or twice in the past with disposable straights, and it works ok if you have nothing else. Just wash it all off properly after your shave, and use extra moisturiser.

Trust me, if I have any choice whatsoever, I avoid the canned goo like a rash, no pun intended!

Welcome to SRP!

You can gain a wealth of knowledge from the Wiki (one of the buttons on top). Here's a section on Soap.

Happy shaving!

Welcome. You can use whatever you like. The old type creams and soaps seem to work better. I switched from a multiblade this past January but have been using a brush and old style cream for many years.

Do what is best for you.