Thread: Shaving without preparation or lather

I find relathering to get the spots I missed gives me the tendency to miss them again. So touchups are with just water.I have used all manner of soaps back in the lean years(when my priorities were below the belt Lol) but always used some type of lather.

What an interesting post. It seems a lot of people have done this before successfully. I found this post from 2005 on it. http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...nly-water.html.

I can see both sides. On one side there is enjoyment and pleasure and relaxation from all the different soaps and creams. Maybe a full beard would benefit more from using lather? The other is that it's just not necessary for a COMFORTABLE and close shave. I think water is very important as dry shaving is something completely different then what is being presented here. I have been using dove soap and Williams mug exclusively while the more expensive soaps have been collecting dust only because I enjoy the minimalistic approach. Even these soaps appear to be unnecessary but I have to admit that I also enjoy making a good lather and using my brush.

I lather to shave, but I never do beard prep, don't think it is necessary.

Originally Posted by mainaman

I lather to shave, but I never do beard prep, don't think it is necessary.

I wonder the same thing as I have just splashed my face and lathered without soaking, showering, or using hot towels and it didn't notice a difference.

I do find that my shave is MUCH smoother and closer when I have music playing though.

Originally Posted by Steel

I wonder the same thing as I have just splashed my face and lathered without soaking, showering, or using hot towels and it didn't notice a difference.

I do find that my shave is MUCH smoother and closer when I have music playing though.

It certainly feels great to prep and go trough the ritual though.

I have rewired an outlet without turning off the breakers. It can be done, but it aint much fun. If your not on top of your skill set your gonna get hurt. Been there done that ,even bought the t-shirt. The routine is the safety to and enjoyable daily necessity.

I get a better less irritating shave going with just water after my first pass. I don't know why but I feel like my current soap dries my skin out and glides less than if I just use water

Originally Posted by ultrasoundguy2003

I have rewired an outlet without turning off the breakers. It can be done, but it aint much fun. If your not on top of your skill set your gonna get hurt. Been there done that ,even bought the t-shirt. The routine is the safety to and enjoyable daily necessity.

I might be out on a limb here, but I think Ace's point was that it's interesting how little you need in order to get a good shave. Naturally a hot shower and nice lather add to the process; without them just water will add to the process; without that good equipment and sound knowledge is all you need.
I suppose if you attack a dry face with a blade and unyielding assumptions it would be quite dangerous. But for me, and I'm by no means an expert on anything, the real danger is dismissing things without looking into them; which, if I'm not mistaken, is one of the reasons most of us are here in the first place.
And, IIRC, many were equally dismissive of some of the unorthodox things we've seen over the years, i.e., using cold water, fools passes, shaving off 1k, etc. and look how much we gained from them.

Originally Posted by Frankenstein

I might be out on a limb here, but I think Ace's point was that it's interesting how little you need in order to get a good shave. Naturally a hot shower and nice lather add to the process; without them just water will add to the process; without that good equipment and sound knowledge is all you need.
I suppose if you attack a dry face with a blade and unyielding assumptions it would be quite dangerous. But for me, and I'm by no means an expert on anything, the real danger is dismissing things without looking into them; which, if I'm not mistaken, is one of the reasons most of us are here in the first place.
And, IIRC, many were equally dismissive of some of the unorthodox things we've seen over the years, i.e., using cold water, fools passes, shaving off 1k, etc. and look how much we gained from them.

I think you said it. I have found that sweat makes a good lubricant for subsequent passes, not that it is fun as you are sweaty after your shave, more of an observation from times when it has been warm when i have had a shave.
For me cold water and no prep works fine, as does a shave that doesnt use water past making the lather.

Don't misunderstand me on this issue please. I'm all for preparation and lathering if someone wants to do it. Taking a shower prior to the shave, using a hot towel, pre-shave oils and all the rest of the experience can add enjoyment.

However, I'm finding in my experiment that it has nothing to do (at least in my case) with the quality or comfort of the shave. Last night I shaved quickly with a Feather SS equipped with a new blade and just one splash of warm water first, no lather used at all. The shave was quick, as close as I can get, nick free, and there was no razor burn. When I get ready to shave tonight, I will have a decision to make: lather or no lather? While I might like using it, I can no longer justify it based on shaving quality and comfort alone. I really didn't think this experiment would succeed, and its success surprised me. I thought it might be dangerous or painful, but it turned out to be a breeze. I will say that a truly shave ready edge is required.