Do you have a "Test Shave Soap/Cream?"

The other day I did some I've never done before - try a new razor (7/8 SP Hart Steel) and a new Soap (Barrister & Mann - Seville) at the same time/shave.

it all turned out very well, in fact I stayed with the combo for a couple of days.

But I started thinking that might not have been a good idea - had it gone badly I would had more to decode.

My normal "test soap" when trying something for the first time is MWF.
I would be very interested to hear from gallery on the subject...

Smooth Shaving....

MDC, just cause it's my go to soap, so I know what to expect.

i don't believe in using expensive soaps or creams to test a new razor or a newly honed razor. expensive soaps, pre-shaves, and aftershaves can mask issues. whenever i hone a razor or purchase a new razor, i shave with van der hagen to test the edge. cold water, no pre-shave prep and no aftershave, just van der hagen soap. it's a decent inexpensive shave soap that can be purchased at walgreen for a few dollars. i know that if i get decent shaves with this soap then the edge is good.

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Originally Posted by RoyalCake

MDC, just cause it's my go to soap, so I know what to expect.

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I have MDC on the way...just wondering if you have to get a Tattoo or a chip in my head with that....it seems to have a cult like following...

Hot towel for a minute then cold water shave with Castle Forbes.

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Originally Posted by kettlebell

i don't believe in using expensive soaps or creams to test a new razor or a newly honed razor. expensive soaps, pre-shaves, and aftershaves can mask issues. whenever i hone a razor or purchase a new razor, i shave with van der hagen to test the edge. cold water, no pre-shave prep and no aftershave, just van der hagen soap. it's a decent inexpensive shave soap that can be purchased at walgreen for a few dollars. i know that if i get decent shaves with this soap then the edge is good.

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Yea, I do something similar for the same reason. I use Arko, do my normal cold water shave and follow that with alum block and Aqua Velva Ice Blue. The last two will tell me by the sting factor or lack of it if the edge is sharp and more importantly smooth enough.

Bob

If I'm testing a razor I'll use a soap/cream that's a guaranteed performer - lucky for me, all of mine are :D. In general my preference might lean towards a cream due to the extra glide substance.

MdC for me too. I call it the new razor soap :rock:

When testing a new razor or a newly honed razor I always use Williams. It's the first soap i used when I began this wonderful journey of shaving with a straight and I want to compare it to my beginnings. It may not be everyones choice but for me if a razor wants to impress me it has to be with Williams.

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Originally Posted by samda

When testing a new razor or a newly honed razor I always use Williams....It may not be everyones choice but for me if a razor wants to impress me it has to be with Williams.

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Same here I want the prep to be at it's worst, so I know how the razor is going to perform with a Beginner at the helm :)