MWF theory

**JimmyHAD** · 12-23-2013, 03:09 AM

Long time ago someone posted that you should leave your puck uncovered overnight to avoid "stuff" growing on your soap. So I began to do that. When I acquired some MWF it began to shrink and crack. A PITA to lather. I reserved it for uberlathering with creams because I couldn't get any scent out of it anyway.

When the puck finally was gone I got a refill for the ceramic dish. This time I covered it immediately following the shave, after rinsing the froth off of it. Hasn't shrunk, hasn't cracked, lathers wonderfully. BTW, I always leave a bit of water on the puck for 5 minutes or so before I begin lathering.

**Obie** · 12-23-2013, 03:12 AM

Gentlemen,
Mitchell's Wool Fat is a good, although there are far superior soaps. Still, I use it from time to time. Never had any problem lathering with it, though. I keep the water warm but not boiling hot and use lots of it.

**str8fencer** · 12-23-2013, 10:05 AM

Hot water on MWF?

I see many say they are using hot water, or even very hot water, on their MWF. One of the distinguishing features of MWF is that it contains lanolin, which does your skin a world of good. However, lanolin has a melting point of 38c/100f.
In other words, if you are using hot water on it, you are depleting it's core function. It is not a problem to use hotter water as you are building the lather, just make sure you do not soak the puck in water hotter than 100f/38c.

MWF is a staple in my soap arsenal, there are others that are better but still, I surely enjoy the old-school air of it. I use mine like Jimmy said, covered at all times, touch of water before lathering, works fine here in Norway. Oh, and I also have rather hard water.

**Mephisto** · 12-23-2013, 04:57 PM

My puck is not on regular rotation and it got very dry. I think I even let the lid off one time. One day I tried to use it with poor results. I am a big fan of MWF but Castle Forbes was discovered. Anyway, I decided to see if rehydration would work and left the puck soaking in water over night. I think it worked. So basically if you get a decent lather the puck is hydrated but if you are not it is possible that the puck has dried out too much. Of course there are other variables to consider but I think this is another with an easy fix.

**thebigspendur** · 12-23-2013, 05:15 PM

I've always found MWF to require more water than most soaps and I usually have to re-moisten the brush with water during the shave. otherwise I haven't had any real issues with building lather.

**Mephisto** · 12-23-2013, 09:24 PM

I never really had an issue until it was out of rotation for a bit and really dried out.

**ScoutHikerDad** · 12-24-2013, 04:21 PM

When I first got my puck of MWF, I just watched this video by Mantic, and it worked like a charm!
How To Lather Mitchell's Wool Fat Shave Soap - YouTube

**Mephisto** · 12-24-2013, 06:04 PM

Mantic's video is OK but I disagree with the amount of work he puts into getting the lather. If you keep the puck well hydrated at all times the lather will come easily and with abundance. You will not have to use extremely hot water or soak it pre shave. You will not have to pour a lot of water on top of the puck or in your scuttle. The main this is not never let it dry out in the first place. Water is one of the main ingredients of soap so do not let it lose this property by letting the puck dry out. So keep the lid on after use and use it often. If you notice it cracking soak it. I think using this soap should take nor more time than another soap to produce copious amount of thick lather. It is not a magical mystery soap that requires some voodoo ritual to make it work, just consistent hydration.

**MJC** · 12-24-2013, 08:05 PM

My MWF trick (and it's not "mine", it came from the knowledge base) is to reserve the soaking liquid. After loading the brush I use the reserved soapy goodness to build a lather, either face or scuttle (Wallyworld Latte Cup from the discount bin) All done with cool water BTW. The result is a dense, rich and bountiful harvest of lather…

Sorry, I have the urge to shave...

**Euclid440** · 12-24-2013, 09:16 PM

I soak my soap in its ceramic bowl with probably a couple tablespoons of hot water from the brush while getting ready and stropping .

I load the bush with several swirls of the brush and lather in a scuttle with 2-3 drops of glycerin. We do have hard well water.

I can get a good lather and add water and soap if needed. The glycerin works great for me with our water. I add water by running water on the brush handle and letting it dribble into the brush, then pump the brush in the scuttle, so the running water does not wash off all the lather from the brush.

I too keep the lid on and it helps to keep from drying out too much.

Thread: MWF theory

LinkBack

Thread Tools

Display

Posting Permissions