Who needs lather?

[bill3152]

Hello, I just shaved, lathered up stropped and decided to wipe the lather off and try with water only as Ive been tempted to do. Jnat edge, sharp as %^&*. No blood, no irritation, no weepers. I knew lather was overrated! A big YMMV! Ive always thought the lather holds the moisture on the face nothing more. I dont think a soap or cream can stop the irritation cuts or weepers caused by bad shaving technique. How much cushion can a soap or creme have if against a carbon or stainless steel blade anyway?

[Chugach68]

I think part of the advantage of lather is more of a lubricant for the blade against the skin. Water would provide some lubrication as well, but I don't think as slick as lather. I do some touchups with just water after I rinsed my face.

[gssixgun]

Many of us use a clear water final pass/touch up pass... gives the closest finish, at least for my face

[thebigspendur]

Like I've always said, water is all you ever need for a shave. The trick is keeping it on cause it dries fast.

[Wayne1963]

Like I've always said, water is all you ever need for a shave. The trick is keeping it on cause it dries fast.

You, sir, are a shave master.

[Hirlau]

Thanks for the insight, but I'll keep my lather.

[unit]

Many of us use a clear water final pass/touch up pass... gives the closest finish, at least for my face

This sums up my thoughts also.

[Wayne1963]

Many of us use a clear water final pass/touch up pass... gives the closest finish, at least for my face

I did final touch ups tonight with just water....after 9 months of straight shaving I think I finally realized the full potential of straights. I never thought I could surpass the closeness of my Merkur Slantbar, but I'm happily admitting that I was dead wrong. Thanks to all you guys that provided the idea to use just water.

[thebigspendur]

Just because you can do something and it works doesn't mean you really want to do it every day or at all. I can take my little chain saw and cut down a giant sequoia with it but i wouldn't want to. Even though I can get a very nice comfortable shave with water I'll still take my soaps over that any day of the week.

[gssixgun]

I did final touch ups tonight with just water....after 9 months of straight shaving I think I finally realized the full potential of straights. I never thought I could surpass the closeness of my Merkur Slantbar, but I'm happily admitting that I was dead wrong. Thanks to all you guys that provided the idea to use just water.

Pretty cool ain't it seems that it just catches all those little buggers that were hiding out LOL