Yes, I have already read the wiki and performed a search of the forum!!

Anyway, my first straight is off at Glen's for a vintage restore, and I'm using the waiting time to acquire the rest of my supplies. After reading through several(hundred) threads (I have to admit that " The Shave Den Again!!!" was something like online porn Very nice stuff there folks) and not finding the simple answer I'm looking for, I decided to post it here.


For the beginner, what would your recommendation be for learning how to lather and shave; a cream or a soap?

That's it. Nothing earth shattering or inspiring.

I realize that shaving with the straight will have it's own learning curve, so I thought I would attempt to learn how to build a lather that is acceptable and practice refining my technique while waiting for the straight. I'm not yet concerned with getting the best of the best out of it(that will be down the road), but more interested in being able to produce a consistently acceptable product so that I can remove at least one variable in my shaving process, therefore hopefully making the learning process easier.

Thoughts and opinions please!!