Thread: MWF struggles and solution

I've been struggling with Mitchell's Wool Fat...like many others. I can usually get a pretty good lather, but no matter how I prep, no matter how much or how little water I add, the lather seems to dry out on my face by the time time I get to my left side. I am a slow shaver since I'm still new and trying to figure it out. After reading about uber lathers, I decided to mix a pea sized dab of Tabac cream with the Mitchell's. I've read of others doing this. It worked! Great lather and it lasts the entire shave. I think I'll stick with that for a while.

This is is a great forum...much to learn.

Mitchell's Wool Fat loves water. Plenty of water. Also not boiling hot. Warm water will do fine. Load your brush well and keep adjusting your water ratio. Mitchell's Wool Fat stands well on its own. It has for me for years. Still, experimenting is fun and sometimes productive.

I like to use Mitchell's in über lather as well, but its also one of my favorite stand alone soaps.

What Obie said, same with Williams. Mo watah !

Originally Posted by Onegrecook

I've been struggling with Mitchell's Wool Fat...like many others. I can usually get a pretty good lather, but no matter how I prep, no matter how much or how little water I add, the lather seems to dry out on my face by the time time I get to my left side. I am a slow shaver since I'm still new and trying to figure it out. After reading about uber lathers, I decided to mix a pea sized dab of Tabac cream with the Mitchell's. I've read of others doing this. It worked! Great lather and it lasts the entire shave. I think I'll stick with that for a while.

This is is a great forum...much to learn.

Awesome to hear. You could also try lathering one side at a time.

Originally Posted by Obie

Mitchell's Wool Fat loves water. Plenty of water. Also not boiling hot. Warm water will do fine. Load your brush well and keep adjusting your water ratio. Mitchell's Wool Fat stands well on its own. It has for me for years. Still, experimenting is fun and sometimes productive.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

What Obie said, same with Williams. Mo watah !

So, so true! Work with adding more water. You will eventually find a nice balance.

It's OK to shave slowly. Until you find that balance, if you still are having issues with it drying out, then touch up the dry spots just before you shave them.

Finding that sweet spot is part of the enjoyment of shaving as a hobby.

I happened to use MWF yesterday, and it provided a great shave. I'm not sure that I do anything out of the ordinary, but I do find soaking the puck before loading is a must with this soap. I also use that "soak" water to build my lather. A little extra time loading the brush helps, as does a little extra water.

FWIW I'm a bowl/scuttle latherer. One of my observations of MWF is that when it's been whipped it will appear too foamy, almost unusable. But when applied to my face it soon thickens to the perfect consistency.

I agree with Ryan, the load will appear really bubbly but that is when it is best for creating lather. When I use MWF I load until the bubbles are spilling over the ceramic dish. I used to face lather but I have found that you can bowl lather too. I will add more water as necessary. In the end, it will be a thick creamy lather with plenty of glide and cushion.

Thanks...I think I'll experiment with adding more water than I usually do...see if that helps. I'll try it in the morning.