Thread: Shaving cream from a can-Why not?

For me, its cheaper and I have to admit to liking the smell of the lavender soap i currently have - I used the foam gel at first but when I started using soap and a brush, i haven't looked back.

Is the Van der hagen shave set a good place to start or am I better off to buy separates? I see the set (brush, mug, soap) is about $30.

Originally Posted by grover

Wow! Great replies and quick too. I was afraid I might be attacked for talking such blasphemy.

We don't attack, we just fill a hole in the ground with the canned foam and toss you in, if you die, it means you're a witch

IMO it's a very interesting question. It's always smart to ask why

I never used the canned stuff even when I used a cartridge razor.

With the cartridge razor I always used hair conditioner. Better lubrication, doesn't dry the skin, And you get a lot of glide.


For a straight razor a brush whipped lather just hit's all the right buttons. It's cheap, lubricates well, doesn't dry the skin. And the brush allows you to mash it into the hairs. Plus you get the ritual...

For cartridge shaving, Edge gel worked fine for me for years with a Gilette sensor. But when you dive into the wonderful world of str8s, you really want all of the advantages of soaps and creams mentioned above. And honestly, trying all the awesome scents and formulations of the different ones is one of my favorite things about this hobby.

But all wet-shaving orthodoxy aside, I liked the gel/foams such as Edge, and wouldn't mind trying a can now just for old time's sake for the rushed weekday mornings when I still use the Sensor.

For the sake of science, three or four years ago I tried straight razor shaving with canned goo, it was less than spectacular. It worked, but if you've used a brush and good soap or cream you won't go back.

Personally, I prefer the smell of sandalwood, almond, grapefruit, or vetiver to the 'delightful' smell of isobutane propellant.

Originally Posted by Deegee

Personally, I prefer the smell of sandalwood, almond, grapefruit, or vetiver to the 'delightful' smell of isobutane propellant.

Mmmmm…today's the day my "Roses" shave stick and "Northwoods" puck arrive from Mama Bear…

One substantive difference I noticed between canned foam and brushed lather is that the lather is denser when done correctly. It further seems to me that a dense lather helps to prevent nicks, cuts, and weepers.

P.S. Brushing on the lather also feels really nice and exfoliates.

I have the VDH set it works fine and it's nice to get it all in one place. I would say go for it