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Hi guys,
I shaved about an hour a go and it was amazing. I normally get nice clean comfortable shave, but this one was so smooth. Almost like there was no blade involve. Now I am wondering what is the difference. It was my first try of the CELLA shaving cream.
Is it possible that the new soap could make such a difference???
I also tried my new paddle strop just prior to shave. Maybe that could have make a difference too. What do you think??? I would love to know your opinion on that.
Regards,
Hello,
My reckoning is that it is probably a combination of the new strop, your new soap and that your technique is IMPROVING. Good news is it keeps getting better. Enjoy
It all makes a difference!
Once you get 100 shaves down, the technique will become more consistent. Then you will start finding how the soap, stropping, and pre-shave preparation affects the quality of your shave.
Glad you had a great experience on your last shave.
PS: Cella is a great soap and will help any shave.
It's amazing the difference a quality soap or cream makes for an outstanding shave. The latherphiles buy the good stuff for more than it's scent you know :D
Quote:
Originally Posted by Guero
Cella:
yep a good soap can make a big difference.
Cella is good stuff, not alone in the good stuff list
but if your face likes it try to not run out. The good
news is that they sell a lifetime size refill :)
New paddle strop:
yep a good strop can make a big difference.
A fine shave can be made on the strop.
A paddle strop invites a smooth deliberate
stropping action which is important.
Keep up the good work.
I'll be the devils advocate here and say once you reach a certain point where a soap has a certain degree of glide and cushion and staying power having more doesn't affect the actual shave. It's like buying a thicker more luxurious strop or a razor with fancy scales. It may make you feel better about using it and be more luxurious to use but improve the shave? Naaa.
Thanks guys!
I'll give an other try to that routine and see if I get the same result.
If it keeps getting better over time, I am looking forward to see what it can be.
I've got maybe 20 soaps, and I've been shaving the past few days with the Cella. Great soap. I have to agree w thebigspendur, though. After a couple of years, I find that soaps, brushes, and even blades (hone my own stable of 70+) all give me the same great shave(s). If anything makes a difference, it is (a) technique and concentration, and (b) the honing process -- which also relies on technique and concentration. In other words, your shaves are getting better because you are getting better. Congrats.
I'm thinking that Arco just doesn't work for me. I've used it 3 times, and have cut myself all 3 times.
When I use my Mama Bears, no cuts.
Spot on with the addition thatQuote:
Originally Posted by thebigspendur
water, skin, whiskers, brushes, bowls and technique
colour the landscape here. What works
for me may not work for you.
But to revisit your point. The good
old brands of shave soaps and products
all have one thing in common.
i.e. "They work well"
Have fun and enjoy the differences.
Out of curiosity, what was the previous soap?Quote:
Originally Posted by Guero
It was a Straight razor design shaving soap in orange blood scent.
Definitely not a bad soap, but the Cella feels so much better.
I don't necessarily agree. Yes, a lot can be said about technique and so forth, but the use of fine soaps and creams is definitely more than a placebo. The improved slickness/glide and cusion of a wonderful luxury soap contributes much more to a excellent shave than a sub par mediocre product. Not to mention how they make your face feel after the fact.Quote:
Originally Posted by thebigspendur
If luxury soaps and creams didn't make a marked improvement in shave quality then are they in essence being bought purely for the scent? Don't tell me that expensive bowl of Martin de Candre you just bought adds very little to your overall shave? :w
They are all different for a reason... different for different folk, faces, whiskers,Quote:
Originally Posted by Guero
friends and family.
Enjoy the ones you like. Do rotate back to to the others. I find my
opinions change over time. If it gives you a rash (alergic) toss it
after putting it on a skip-it list.
It can be surprising how much difference the soap can make in the irritation associated with shaving. The right soap can greatly reduce or eliminate the "burn" that comes with after shave application.
I believe the soap can make a difference. I really like Pirates Cove coconut soap in every category except glide. I LOVE the scent and lathers well, but the lubrication is just not good. The first time I used it a few weeks ago, I thought maybe the razor needing honing, but that is not the case. The same razor on other soaps gave a great shave. I did find that adding a dozen or so drops of glycercin seemed to help the lubrication. So, yes the soap can make a difference.
Besides the glide and how great your face feels after using Cella, I find it also excels in standing the hairs up. This is a property that is often overlooked. Flat, limp hairs are difficult to cut... Cella gets 'em up there which definately makes a more comfortable/smoother shave.