lather question

So I've been experimenting with different types of lather forming. The way ive done the last couple shaves is running over the cake for 25 seconds and then going in a separate bowl. The lather forms very nicely on the brush this way. The one problem is the lather doesn't get thick. I can easily see through it so it doesn't stick that well. But I've discovered this lather is slicker than greased whale snot. All my irritation problems disappear.

I'm using a damp brush and maybe two drops of water in making this lather. Do i need more soap to make it thick enough to stick?

You said the brush is damp, do you shake it out, or just let the water run out of it? Is it a hard soap, or an Italian one? Hard ones load slower. What kind of brush is it? I've had some floppy ones that would take forever to load enough hard soap. I hate to answer your question with a bunch of questions, but........

I am going to take that you are using a hard soap and suggest the you load the brush longer before going to the bowl. For hard soaps like MWF/Tabac/DR Harris/Williams I shake my brush out and load for a minute or so and then put the tips of the brush in water, give it a small shake and go back loading for another minute or so. I face lather adding a little water at a time to get a thick creamy lather and the brush has more than enough soap in it to do 3 passes without having to go back to the puck. You should be able to do the same only using a bowl to make your lather in.

Bob

Vdh soap, boar bristle brush (Pure badger is in the mail from wd)

I soak let water fall off the brush, shake it out thrice, and then load soup

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Originally Posted by gunsandbibles

Vdh soap, boar bristle brush (Pure badger is in the mail from wd)

I soak let water fall off the brush, shake it out thrice, and then load soup

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Then load her more before going to the bowl.

Bob

Sounds like a plan. God bless and thanks for the tips

Hope that works for you. You sure do have to play around to find the right method for the soap/water/brush combo you are using. Good luck.

Bob

Yeah I started mug in bowl. Then went soap shavings in bowl to soap shavings in bowl with face lather, now im loading soap from the cake and the lathering in the bowl and using face lather for fine tuning the lather. And I've only been wet shaving for two weeks.

Yea, know the feeling. Hope you are having fun at least.

Bob

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gunsandbibles

Vdh soap, boar bristle brush (Pure badger is in the mail from wd)

I soak let water fall off the brush, shake it out thrice, and then load soup

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Fill your sink with warm water. Put the brush it in and let it sit there for 10-20 minutes. Bristle brushes need more soaking time not just a rinsing.

Pure water on the puck of VDH while the brush soaks.

When done soaking shake the brush and dump the water off the soap.

You know that just proves everyone has a different way that works for them. Personally when using either a boar or badger brush I just slosh it the cold sink water and shake the excess out. Then go to the puck and load the soap. I don't bother with putting water on top of the puck either. The good thing is that sooner or later you will find one of the many methods that works for you. More than one way to skin a cat.

Bob

so my lather the first tim today didn't make enough for the second pass and was thin again.

For the second through fourth passes (trying new techniques I don't usually do 4) I used two less drops water and more soap and got a beautiful lather that was thick but still lubricated great.

thanks for all the advice

Everyone's technique is a little different. I believe that practice makes perfect. I learned by working up lather a couple of times each evening using different soaps, creams and methods. That way you can concentrate on JUST making lather without thinking about all the other things when you are actually shaving.
This lathering practice is fun to do and you will be making great lather before you know it

John

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Disburden

Fill your sink with warm water. Put the brush it in and let it sit there for 10-20 minutes. Bristle brushes need more soaking time not just a rinsing.

Pour water on the puck of VDH while the brush soaks.

When done soaking shake the brush and dump the water off the soap.

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A variation on the above: cover the surface of the puck with warm water, and then swirl a finger over
the soap, dissolving some of the soap and creating a soap solution. But then DON'T dump the soapy water off.

Just lightly moisten your brush and use the soap solution for most of the needed water. Whisk up a
bit of lather on top of the puck, then either face lather or make lather in a bowl.

That works for hard soaps, but not so much with soft stuff.

Adding 3-4 drops of glycerin to your soap-based lather could be something to try. It works nicely for me.