Thread: What can I learn from soap/cream on the blade?

It depends on the soap or cream. Some do better with more or less water.

Some soaps/creams stick to the blade or leave residue more than others.
More soap/cream on the blade after a pass, means to me that there is now less soap/cream on the face.

Pinklather! That is a good name. Thanks for all the info everyone!

So tonight I tried a little more water, and lathering longer in the bowl. Very comfortable shave.

I would not read too much into it.

Firstly, it depends on the soap or cream, as not all rinse off the same way.

Secondly, I could rinse an evenly distributed lather off a butter knife as quickly as off my sharpest razor and it would tell me precious little about the edge or the quality of the shave.


As a flying instructor early on commented on my attempts to fly a 727 strictly by the numbers: "At the end of the day, it's not an exact science."



B

I look to see that there are little black hairs in the lather on the blade and not much blood!

I often find that my lather is underhydrated if my razor sticks and skips and feels like its tugging along witht he usual sticking to the blade.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

It depends on the soap or cream. Some do better with more or less water.

Soaps in general tend to be more suitable for straight razors then creams (with some exceptions).

Originally Posted by ShaveWares

Soaps in general tend to be more suitable for straight razors then creams (with some exceptions).

This seems to be a pretty broad statement to make without any clarifications or qualifications. I also doubt its accuracy. (Please don't be offended, it's just my opinion)

In my own case, I've used a variety of soaps and creams and they've all worked fine. Some are better than others, but it's hard to make blanket statements about them, because things that work for me don't work for others, and vice versa. Basically, as with other things, you need to take the time to understand what works with the product of your choice before making up your mind about it.

Originally Posted by ShaveWares

Soaps in general tend to be more suitable for straight razors then creams (with some exceptions).

Not my experience in the 12 odd years that I have been a traditional wet shaver.

My choice of shaving soap or cream has nothing to do with whether I reach for a straight or a safety razor.


B