Thread: Saving cream vs soap

I am new to using shaving creams and soaps, and was wondering what the difference is between the soap and cream.

Also was wondering if someone could recommend a good soap or cream to use. I usually just use store bought shaving foam in a can, so any help would be appreciated.

I find with soap Theres a lot more slickness. Cream has a lot more cushion. I like to mix it up and use both. Theres a lot of good creams and soaps out there to use, but if I was going to pick one, it would be Tabac. Its the "God" soap in my shave Den.

Cream is easier to whip up than hard soap, but they both work well. With hard soaps, it easier to not waste it. If you dig into a soft cream with your brush, you probably throw out 3 x more than you use. I have 8 different soaps and creams. Now I use the same one everyday until its done. I havent found any difference in the shave quality with any of them. Lots of people will swear by one soap or cream and Im not saying they are lying! I can only tell you about my experience. I am waiting to finish all of it before I buy any more.(couple years Im estimating).

I am in general agreement with what the previous posters have said. In general creams may be easier to lather and of all the soaps and creams I have used the only one I would steer clear of is Williams. My personal favoutites for soap are Tabac and Mitchel's Wool Fat (MWF) and for creams The Body Shop's Maca Root. If you use cream from a tub it is probably best to scoop a bit out on your finger tip instead of dipping your brush into the tub to avoid getting too much product on the brush.

Bob

One thing to keep into account is that creams generally do not need as much water and this makes them more suitable of your water is a bit harder (alkaline) because of mineral deposits. I like creams and soaps the same bit in los Angeles creams are a bit easier to whip.

personal i like both but cream is easier for me to get a good lather. That is i have a smaller amount of hard soaps then i do creams and soft cream soaps. Any will work find for you if you have a bath and body near you C.O Bigelow is a great cream and they sell it and always have sells if not walmart usually carrys VDH which is a cheap but in my view a nice start soap.

The good news is there is a lot of great product out there in both Creams and Soaps - and on a per use basis even the pricy ones are a great value.

The bad news is there is a lot of great product out there...and picking something to start with can be daunting.

Since many of us start with Proraso products - the kronakid mention of C.O.Bigelow at your local bath and body (made by Proraso) would be a good choice. You can take an almond sized portion to start and either put in on your face, the brush or in the bottom of the shaving cup/bowl/what have you. What's best for you will come with practice and experiment.

The other soaps and creams mentioned - Tabac, MWF are in my first rotation.

Most of them have some scent and many times people pass on a soap/cream not because of the performance per se but on the scent - only trial will tell.

But you are on a worthwhile journey - even when I can't use my Straight or DE because of travel I bring along a travel brush and "something" to stay away from canned goo...

And I've been doing this for a 18 months and I still learn something almost every week - enjoy the journey...

I recommend that you try Martin de Candre shaving soap. It is a little. pricey but well worth the expense. One jar will easily last a year. GOOD LUCK!!!

Originally Posted by MAG515

I am new to using shaving creams and soaps, and was wondering what the difference is between the soap and cream.

Also was wondering if someone could recommend a good soap or cream to use. I usually just use store bought shaving foam in a can, so any help would be appreciated.

When I started straight razor shaving I was so slow at it that the cream dried on my face, which is why I went with soaps. But that is no longer a problem and they are both terrific. I'd say creams are more luxurious and soaps are more utilitarian. Some days you might want to pamper yourself with the cream, other days you might prefer the soaps. I admit that soaps are still my favorite, probably because they became a habit during my early days with the straights.

Here's a tip I learned from other more experienced shavers when I got stuck with a soap that was hard to lather (including Williams). I'd get a cheese grater, grind the puck up, and it made the soap much easier to lather.

And don't forget a couple dollar pure glycerin bottle can really whip up a few years worth of soap or cream. 2-3 drops really makes a difference. You can use Williams pucks for a buck with some glycerin and your good. You can find it at CVS( where I got mine) I'm sure other pharmacies have it as well. The glycerin has improved all the soap and creams I ever used it on.