Thread: Lathering Up

Ever since Craig came over with some Rose Shaving Cream a few months back I've been thinking about going the brush and cream route. Many of you may know that I've been using Lush Ambrosia Shaving Cream which comes in a squeeze bottle. It is also the first time I've used shaving cream in about 15 years. Obviously I have a lot of questions. (Guy can hone a razor but he can't make lather!?)

1. The difference between Soap and Cream.
I find regular bar soap has been too harsh to wash my face with. It dries my skin and causes acne. Will I likely find the same with most Shaving Soaps? Which might be the exceptions? I've been leaning towards Cream. Is there a difference in the lathering procedure or action?

2. The difference between Pure and Best brushes.
I know that Best Badger brushes will be softer than Pure Badger, but how does this affect how they lather with Soap and Cream. I have a lighter beard and want to know how they differ in lifting the whiskers as well.

3. The difference between Mugs and Scuttles.
Scuttles seem like they are a bit wiser with the hot water compartment, but they also all seem to have perforations in the upper chamber. If I'm leaning toward Creams wont this cause me problems lathering? Do they make them without perforations? Does it even matter? What about wooden bowls vs. ceramic mugs. How will they differ in use?

Since we're all individuals with our own opinions, all input is welcomed on these issues. Thanks gents.

X

X,

Lathering is easy...eventually. The better the grade of badger hair, the more water the brush will hold. Soak your brush in a coffee cup of hot water. The fill line is where the badger hair meets the handle. It doesn't have to soak for 10 minutes. I drop mine in the mug and begin my face prep. Then, I let the excess water drain out of the brush, and give the brush one good "flick". For your lathering bowl, even a plain cereal bowl will work. I actually use a stainless steel mixing bowl that fits in the palm of my hand. My preference is to use a butter knife (this is one time it's okay to use something dull!) to scoop out a dollop of shaving cream, about almond size. Drop it into the bowl, and wipe off any excess on the tips of the brush. Then start swirling. This is the "learning" part. How much water vs. how much shaving cream. You'll just have to experiment. The end result should be a meringue like substance, that forms peaks.

I don't like the scuttles (although I have never used one) because of their size. A bit small for working room, but a great shaving den decoration.

If you have issues with soaps/creams drying your skin, give Taylor of Old Bond Street's Avocado a try. VERY moisturizing! If you haven't picked up a shaving brush, I recommend the Crabtree & Evelyn Best Badger brush for a first one. Inexpensive, yet very effective. I have several brushes in the $100 range, and this one still gets a good workout. Also, Classic has several good brushes in the Vulfix line. When I first started out, Ray recommended the #374 or the #2233. With your first brush, you can learn whether you prefer a firmer, stiffer brush, or something softer ane more floppy. I would suggest starting with something where the knot size is no larger than 24mm. I had a 30mm knot, and it was too big. Great brush, and I enjoyed it, but I have found that I do like the smaller brushes

Hope this helps. Visit the Badger and Blade Pictorials and Video forum. There are several threads that include pics of building lather and one video of building lather (it takes forever to load).

RT

I'm about to test that brush (bought it yesterday). I'm still learning, but I found this article to be helpful:
http://www.classicshaving.com/articl...0351/18187.htm
Up until now, I've been using a Wilkinson el-cheapo brush. The brush draining part is only a guideline, since different soap formulas demand different amounts of water to form a good lather. I'm still trying to find a good soap that won't irritate or dry out my skin, while still providing a good shave, so I'll keep you posted on that.

I only have one brush, a Vulfix 374 super badger.
The creams that I use are Taylor's Lavebder and
Trumper's Violet. What I do is take a small amount
of the cream and rub it directly on the area to be
shaved. I then take the wetted brush and begin
building the lather directly on my face using circular
motions with the tips of the bristles. If need add a little
bit of water if the lather seems too stiff. I usually
spend about two mintes building the lather.

This method had worked for me. I would use a small bowl
before I would a mug to build a lather. When using soap
I have fould the bowl to be better because you will have
more area to work. But I'm sure other members prefer a
mug.

Hope this helps. Good luck and happy shaving.


Terry

My problem with bowls is that the soap will be slipping and sliding all over the place.

Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

My problem with bowls is that the soap will be slipping and sliding all over the place.

It does the first couple of times. Then it bonds itself
to the bottom of the bowl.

You could also add some hot water to the bowl
when you first put the soap in. let it sit for a
minute or two and pour off the water.


Terry

I'll think about it. First I have to decide on the soap that I want to start using. For now I only found one product that ideally meets my shaving needs but it's a bit irritating to my sensitive skin. Once I find "the one", I'll focus on housing it. In any case thanks for the tip

Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

I'll think about it. First I have to decide on the soap that I want to start using. For now I only found one product that ideally meets my shaving needs but it's a bit irritating to my sensitive skin. Once I find "the one", I'll focus on housing it. In any case thanks for the tip

I wonder how a bar of Dove soap would work? Or Nutregina
( or any other brand ) of pure glyserine soap? If I'm not
mistaken Col. Conk is pure glyserine, with scent added.

Sensitive skin would be a pain though, and it would get
not only expensive but aggrevating trying to soap that
didn't irritate your skin. Oh, another might be Surrey
shaving soap, I know some pharmacies have it.

I wish you luck and gods speed in your searck.


Terry

Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

I'll think about it. First I have to decide on the soap that I want to start using. For now I only found one product that ideally meets my shaving needs but it's a bit irritating to my sensitive skin. Once I find "the one", I'll focus on housing it. In any case thanks for the tip

Try Tabac and Proraso. Tabac is maybe the best out there, with fabulous scent, and the smallest bubbles, which are essential for complete degreasing the whiskers and alowing the water to fully saturate them...

Nenad

If you have problems with soap drying your skin you should try the haslinger soaps sold by shavemac. They are herbal based and are designed for sensitive skin. They are amongst my favorites. Also, the Trumpers Coconut is excellent for moisturizing.

I have two brushes a Vulfix 30mm which is just great and another the same size I got from a guy in Canada also 30mm which was custom made and is supposedly super badger but is more coarse than the Vulfix and has very different characteristics so I'm not sure what it is but its a wood burl handle and looks outstanding.

If you get a large brush you need a large bowl. Otherwise the soap is all over the place. My favorite is a hand turned pottery mug I got from Shavemac which is huge and works beautifully with the large brush. I have 4 bowls and most are small and difficult to work with.