The right tools help (Kind of a review, but more)
I have been shaving for about a week now with the straight, many times shaving more than once during the day to just get a feel for the blade and to practice my technique. Because of this I have gotten quite a few nicks, which you can check out in the newbie section under Cat Scratch Fever. Anyway, back to the topic at hand.
One of my major downfalls in my shaving escapades has been the ability to get a good lather. I have been using the William's shaving soap, and it seems to be a stubborn soap, at least for me. I tried distilled and it still didn't seem to help much. I tried adding more water, and though it did help, it still wasn't what I have heard lather describe to be. My main issue was the thickness of it, and trying to get a good build. It always seemed thin.Not only that, but it dried my skin out terribly. I just could not get a handle on this soap. Even when I got what looked like a good lather, it didn't last long on my face, and it didn't lubricate well. The blade would often drag and skip along my face, causing major irritation. I'm not saying that William's isn't good or anything, it just didn't work for me.
Now I ordered some soaps from both Mama Bear and Colleen, and I am very excited about them. But I could not face another shave with the William's, and as my soaps probably wont be in until next week I had to find an alternative and quickly. So I went to Target to get some Proraso cream. I wanted to try it anyway, as I hadn't tried a cream at all yet and I had heard some decent things about it.
I not only got their cream, but also the pre-shave cream and the aftershave. I needed a non-alcoholic aftershave. I have been using Nivea Balm, and it is a good after shave, but after the dry/itchy sensation from the William's it was hard to get the courage to put on the stinging alcohol based balm. So I decided to get all the Proraso stuff to try it out.
I got home and was eager to try everything out. I really do love trying out stuff and I will probably end up spending a fortune on soaps, creams, and everything just to try them. Maybe I will start reviewing stuff when I have a better idea of what quality really is. Maybe even develop tests for lubriscocity (is that even a word?) and thickness and lather quality and speed of lathering and all that. Maybe I could build a blog type site that reviews products like this. Some of you guys could even join up and review stuff if you wanted. Something to think about for the years ahead.
Anyway back on track. I put on the pre-shave which really felt quite nice, and it really prepared my face for the shave. A very good alternative if you can't jump into the shower or sit with a towel for a while. Seems like it would be good for traveling or camping. I may even continue to use it with the shower and towel, as the menthol really did feel good. I wasn't a big fan of the smell. It wasn't necessarily bad, but it wasn't very appealing. That is of small concern though as I will be putting two more product on my face before I am done.
I get the lather going and sit it into the hot water in the sink. I was amazed at how easy it was to get a good lather with the cream. I let it sit in the sink to get warm while I stropped and it took the heat well. Nice and warm when I was ready to apply it to my face. I imagine it will work well with my scuttle when it comes in. I lathered up my face. Now this stuff had substance to it. It felt full and thick on my face and it stood to attention throughout the entire shave. With the Williams I would have to reapply as it would dissipate by the time I got to the left side of my face.
The lubrication was very good, at least in comparison to what I was used to. And the the feel of it on my face was also nice, though that menthol really packs a wallop. The lather held the heat much much longer as well, which I was grateful for. The William's lather always cooled quickly.
The shave was the smoothest yet. No nicks, other than a zit which stuck out farther than usual. I know part of this is just me learning how to handle the blade. I am much more gentle now, and I let the blade do the work. Still, I feel that the Proraso did help a great deal. With my face well lubed and smoothed, it was much easier to get the right angles with the blade, and to let it just slide across my face, instead of having to pull it across. Over all it was a much nicer experience with the better lather. I guess just like with anything, the right tools make a difference, even in shaving.
This kind of turned into a Proraso review, which wasn't exactly my intent. But it did do a good Job and I was very happy with it. If it does this good of a job, then I can't wait to get Colleen's and Mama Bear's stuff. I am also looking forward to the super badger brush that I ordered from Crabtree and Evelyn as I am sure this will make the lather even nicer. I am currently just using the Burma brush which does work well, but I have read that the super badger brush hair is more supple and a little softer, which sounds very appealing. For me, as for most of you guys, it is really about having a good experience and really enjoying the whole thing. It's the little things in life like this. If you can find joy in them, then you don't need the fastest sports car or the nicest house. Though you may end up wanting the best brush and the nicest razor and a boat load of soaps ,and, and, and... So maybe I am just a fool haha.
Matt
