Instructions received stating soap is better than cream... opinions?
Hi All,
I received a "sight unseen" razor from Larry today (great service from Larry, included crox paste and some other things I wasn't expecting for free), but with the items, he included some small leaflets, explaining the products (ie with the razor, and explanation that it is shave ready and to try first before stropping, explanation of the small packet of oil included, packet of some cleaner for cleaning the badger brush before use etc).
Anyway, one of the leaflets was about the brush & instructions, and I read something interesting and would like everyone's opinion. I am too new to this to form my own opinion yet, but have bought T&H shave soap, and 2 of their creams, so Im not bias in any way...
"Hot water softens whiskers. Of course you already knew that. Optimal softening also requires that the whiskers be saturated with water. But how can water soak into your whiskers if your beard is covered with water repelling natural oils? That is why shave soap is much better than shave cream: the soap removes oils so water can soak into your beard."
I'd like to hear everyone's thoughts / opinions on this. Perhaps this is marketed towards a beginner buying a sight-unseen razor, or perhaps it applies to anyone, or perhaps it is just Larry's opinion. If it is true re the oils, why are shave-oils so popular?
Obviously it is a matter of personal preference as to what we each prefer. Is this advice purely aimed at the novice like me who is obviously his target market with the beginner gear I bought? Or is this fact and others using creams simply doing so because of personal preference?
I've tried both cream and soap with cartridge razors - with no particular preference, will have my first straight shave on Saturday (its frustrating actually, Ive had a couple of beers this afternoon - can't wait to try straight shaving but thought it be best to wait while Im not under the influence lol)
On a side note, very happy with my interaction with Larry. The razor is sharp, without prep or cream (dry) easily took all the hairs off the back of my hand in one pass. Arrived faster than I expected and communication was great, very friendly and helpful fellow and glad I bought the beginners stuff that I did.
Cheers,
Andrew