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What can I learn from looking at the soap on a blade while shaving? I'm assuming that the main thing would be an even coat tells me I'm keeping an even edge on my face, and a little means not so even. But what else can I see and learn from soap on the blade?
Interesting question and looking forward to seeing what others think...Quote:
Originally Posted by DS86
I have found that how well or poorly I have done hydrating the lather is indicated by how easily the lather rinses from the blade (applies to DE's & SE's as well). If the lather sticks to the blade when rinsing, I have created a rather thick, under-hydrated lather...
If I find the lather on the dry side when rinsing after the first pass, I simply add some water to the brush (Face lather'r here) when applying the next lather. Not too much though, as since I rinse my face between passes, residual water on my face further hydrates the lather.
That's all I've got!
Awesome. I'll keep this in mind for future shaves!
+1 on what Mike said. Sometimes I can shave 1 side of my face and keep all the lather on the blade. Other times it's dripping off the blade onto my chest. To much water :<0)
Okay, so it sounds like I may not be getting quite enough water in the lather. I'll try a little more water, and/or lather in the bowl a bit longer.
For me, if the lather looks "shiny" then I have the correct amount of water.
If the lather looks "pebbly" then I need more water.
Like 10pups, I can do one side without clearing the blade on occasion but not always. IMO, the soap, water content, brush, amount of lather prep, etc. determine how much lather is on the face.
You can always add more soap or more water. If the lather just does not come to your expectations, rinse it off and start over. No shame in that. (been there)
Well often times the first signs that I have sliced off a mole, pimple, or otherwise cut myself is the blood in the lather.
lolQuote:
Originally Posted by Steel
Pinklather has the best name on this forum
If the lather sticks to the blade and does not rinse off easily, obviously it is too dry. I think shavers get too hung up in making a big thick rich lather. In my opinion, a wet lather does a much better job. I don't care if my lather does not look pretty just so it shaves at it's best potential and the wetter the better for me. I don't want it running down my face but darned near it
To back up what's already been said here: dry lather will not wash off easily. When shaving with straights, I find that having a lather that tends to be wetter is useful. I take this to be the case because you don't need as much cushion when using straights, you need glide. Of course, it shouldn't drip off the blade either.
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.
Soaps in general tend to be more suitable for straight razors then creams (with some exceptions).Quote:
Originally Posted by thebigspendur
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)Quote:
Originally Posted by ShaveWares
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.
Not my experience in the 12 odd years that I have been a traditional wet shaver.Quote:
Originally Posted by ShaveWares
My choice of shaving soap or cream has nothing to do with whether I reach for a straight or a safety razor.
B
Exactly. A good soap or cream works equally well for me also. The only nod to creams is that I think they may be a little easier to make lather with for a beginner.Quote:
Originally Posted by beluga
Bob