Thread: A Method For Making Lather

I want to share this with the new guys who may be new to wet shaving, or have been unsatisfied with the way their shaving lather comes out.

This is the way I make my lather. If you want a thick, non-drying lather, try this: (works with both cake soaps and from the tube/jar lathers)

1. Wet brush and shake out excess water. You can also wet your cake of soap if you wish.

2. Stir brush into soap, or a small dab of cream (for instance with Trumpers creams from tube or jar, about 1/8 to 1/4 tsp is sufficient).

3. Continue stirring briskly until you have a very thick concentrate; very pasty like. With the creams (like Trumpers) you'll see that nearly all of the cream gets taken up into the brush. With cake soaps there will be a very thick concentrate of lather in the brush and over the cake.

4. Start adding very small amounts of warm water either directly to the brush, or into your bowl or mug. Stir the water into the concentrate until it thickens again. Continue to add water gradually in small amounts until you reach your desired consistency and volume. The more water you add, the less likely the lather will dry prematurley on the face. Don't over do it though, or you'll end up with a runny lather.

That's it. Just apply to the face.

I use this method with William's shaving soap and get great results. Some complain that William's has a tendency to dry, and it did with me, until I discovered this way of making my shaving lather.

For extra creaminess, try adding a touch of mineral oil (like brilliantine for the hair), or pre-shave oil, at the beginning. Oh yes, you can also make your lather in your cupped hand with this method, especially if using creams.

By the way, don't try this with brushless creams. It won't work.

Good luck,

Scott