Thread: Please help

Ok, I have done my research. I have watched hundreds of youtube videos, and read hundreds of forum posts related to lather making and shaving. Every time I shave the lather dries out on my face almost instantly. No matter how much water I add. I've experimented numerous times, and have added too much water many times and have also not added enough water. I know what others look for in the lather. Peaks, whipping cream, meringue texture etc. I started my sr shaving life with tobs sandalwood. I thought it was a bad batch of cream bc I could never shave more than one cheek before it was dry. So since then I have purchased Mitchells wool fat, proraso, and col conk lime. I have tried each one on their own, I have tried every combination of mixing them together, even adding some drops of pure glycerin. The outcome is sometimes it takes longer to happen, but it inevitably results in dry sticky shaving cream clogging my razor and not producing a slick shave. It is very frustrating bc I know my razors are sharp, and the sections of my face that don't dry before my razor gets there are bbs. But having to re apply cream every 30 seconds or so to make sure it's not drying out seems down right ridiculous and time consuming. Has any one else had this much of an issue? Like I said, I have researched and watched every video out there. I have a badger and boar brush. I have tried bowl and face lathering. I'm at a loss and frustrated is an understatement could it be my water quality?? Thanks to those that input help.

I think you've summed it up in your last sentence. Water for you may be the problem. Hard water makes for rubbish lather. Check with your water company. Try adding a pinch of salt to your shave water.

Maybe buy some bottled water to compare to? I would think bottled would be on the soft side...

Ok so maybe your not a Prodigy? Just kidding. Water is what it sounds like to me also. When I work where the water sucks I use bottled. Fixes it right up. Tc

I'm less inclined to suspect the water - though I'd try it just to have that question answered. TOBS is pretty effective at making suds. But as the honorable Utopian posted when I had the same problem - too much water will make the lather dry out quickly also. 'Not enough soap to keep the bubbles strong. If its drying out in less than 10 min or so - theres' some fine-tuning to be done in making lather. Maybe the best solution would be to get w/ a more experienced member and watch him make lather, duplicate while he watches, etc. I don't know how far you are from Hidestoart, but if its not too far, ping him & see if there's a couple hours he might be able to spare for some face to face tutorial. I think you'll be amazed at the learning value. I'm biased, but I suspect you'll really enjoy talking w/ him. Maybe there are others, maybe some closer by. Bring your blades & have them tested for the edge quality while you're there. It pretty much a 'can't lose' situation.

drying out sticky gooey sounds like not enough water.... what I look for in my lather, to know I've done it right, is two things: it shouldn't be overwatered enough that the cream falls off my blade while I shave, but it also shouldn't be hard to get off the blade under running water which tells me it's too dry.

Super hot water will kill lather too. Dirt in a brush will kill the lather as well.

Try bottled water at room temperature and make sure you brush is rinsed well

Originally Posted by ecormier

drying out sticky gooey sounds like not enough water.... what I look for in my lather, to know I've done it right, is two things: it shouldn't be overwatered enough that the cream falls off my blade while I shave, but it also shouldn't be hard to get off the blade under running water which tells me it's too dry.

right on brother

I think everyone said one of these:

1- Hard water makes good beer but sure doesn't lather well. Well water is frequently pretty mineral rich (hard). Use distilled water (some bottled water is mineral rich), distilled water is well just water. Manufacturers recommend distilled water for hand steam irons.

2- Amount of water used. Lather in a bowl and after loading the brush, use a small cup and put in measured amounts until you figure out how much you need. I started with an espresso cup and dialed in pretty quick. I still use it with a new soap or cream.

3- Temperature of the water used. Anything above about 145 degrees Fahrenheit makes some soaps break down. Try cooler water.

4- Clean brush, take a pea sized drop of shampoo and clean your brush, rinse really well, add a pea sized drop of conditioner, rinse really well. If it has a serious smell? Wash in borax solution, rinse really well. When you rinse in a bowl of clean water? Is there an slight sheen on the top of the water? Keep cleaning...

Good luck,

Ed

You've got lots of good advice.

Try distilled water or catch some rainwater. If the lather won't rinse off the razor fairly easily, not enough water. If it has large bubbles which collapse and dry out, too much water.

Also, try using the brush for a longer time, the brush mixes the water, soap, and air, and you may not be getting a good mix.

Face lathering would also be good to try.

Cheers, Steve