Thread: Creams or soap?

Hi lads, I've had some bad luck with both. What's your favorite lather? Is there a soap that doesn't dry out your face leather?

My favorite lather is a thick, rich , moist lather that stays consistent throughout the shave; softening the whiskers to the point that my straight razor develops a smile. If the lather smells great, that a plus too.

If you control the water, most all soaps will perform satisfactorily. Some, of course , better than others.

Hirlau is correct, as usual.

You have to learn how the soap/cream, brush and your water interact. Since my water is fairly consistent (Lake Michigan) I try to find the correct brush for the soap in question.

My goal is to have a brush for each. Lofty aspiration, but doable.

Dave

It takes some practice for each different soap or cream you use. Start heavily loaded. Don't skimp trying to save money. You will learn the correct amount but when starting it is much easier to know you have a fully loaded brush. Then keep passing the brush quickly under a tap or dripping a few drops of water at a time into your mug and bowl. As you whip up lather you will notice it goes from clumping the bristles of the brush to exploding outward in glorious lather. Just keep adding bits of water at a time.

There is no foul for adding a few drops of water to your brush at any time during the shave. If you have taken your time and the lather is drying out, pass it under the tap. Not only will the lather be mor moist it will heat up if you use hot water.

You will get there

Makes total sense. Thank you for the wise words, kind sir.

Well, I certainly didn't skimp; the soap was $15, which seems pretty pricey. I will give your tips a try; thank you very much!!

I think "don't skimp" in this case means, "go ahead and swirl a _lot_ of soap into the brush." Once you add water to it, you'll probably have made considerably more lather than you need for a shave, which is a good situation for a learner even though slightly wasteful.

I'll be trying a new cream tonight. Truefitt & Hill Shave Cream Tub - Trafalgar, scheduled for delivery this afternoon.

Originally Posted by MajorEthanolic

I'll be trying a new cream tonight. Truefitt & Hill Shave Cream Tub - Trafalgar, scheduled for delivery this afternoon.

Nice stuff. Lathers very well

Originally Posted by MajorEthanolic

I'll be trying a new cream tonight. Truefitt & Hill Shave Cream Tub - Trafalgar, scheduled for delivery this afternoon.

I don't know about the cream, but I was gifted the Trafalgar aftershave balm & it is by far the best I've yet to try, the scent is out of this world,,, I'm afraid to buy the cologne, as my Clubman will get jealous.