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Thread: Who needs lather?
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08-24-2013, 04:40 PM #1
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Thanked: 1195We've been down this road before.
A few years back someone started a quick fad about shaving with water only, and pretty soon wild assertions were flying around that if you couldn't pull off the water only shave that your razor wasn't truly shave ready and your technique was below that of a novice. And of course everyone was trying it and I'm sure there was some lying going on because no one would admit that it was a less than stellar experience. Which is funny, because the fad disappeared very quickly.
Yes, I've done water only touch ups, and even dry touch ups too, with good success but a full shave? No thank you. And the whole idea that anyone can do it under the right circumstances is rubbish. I know if I tried it (again) my sensitive skin would be screaming. It's fine for those with skin like a rhino, others beware.
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The Following User Says Thank You to Ryan82 For This Useful Post:
Hirlau (08-24-2013)
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08-24-2013, 05:11 PM #2
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Thanked: 3222I can do two 3 pass shaves in a day and my skin does not scream at me so maybe a case of rhino hide. I have managed to get a good case of razor burn cleaning up the back of the neck using water only so I don't think I'll try a water only shave. Obviously anyone can give it a go if they wish. Me I'll stay with a good lather.
BobLife is a terminal illness in the end
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08-24-2013, 05:24 PM #3
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Thanked: 177My point with lather for me anyway is I havent found a difference between good soaps or creams or williams. They all shave great IMO. My mini experiment showed me its possible to shave without it , but if you read my post, the touchup pass left the skin feeling tired. And for 100 shaves I get out of a puck(give or take) the 7 cents worth of soap does add to the comfort of a shave. Technique and a well honed blade carries the shave the most IMO. A dull blade and bad technique will result in a worse shave even with the "best" soap or cream.
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08-24-2013, 06:51 PM #4
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I think perhaps you are answering your own supposition,
Although Lather is not Necessary for a shave, neither is water, if you want to get real technical, there are many benefits that you are perhaps glossing over.. Obie and Ryan pointed out a few
Also don't forget which I haven't seen mentioned yet, a proper lathering actually softens the beard, and lifts the beard away from the face, this makes shaving easier which in turn lessens the wear and tear on the edge of the razor..
I have used a clear water last pass/touch up pass for quite sometime, but I have already gained all the benefits from the initial lathering..
As most have said, much of this is YMMV,,,, but there are some actual physical benefits from using a proper lather while shaving too, that should not be overlooked..
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08-24-2013, 08:01 PM #5
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