Thread: The Seven Wonders

Just a thought especially for new wet shavers....when I get a sub-par shave, given that most of my razors are in great shape, I can usually trace it to the soap and lather.

I personally don't need a pile of lather, but I've done it enough to know when it's wet enough to glide, but not too wet (and runny).

If the new guys will spend some time on the lather and the feel on their face (which starts with the soap or cream) you'll be surprised and amazed!

Harold,
Right you are. A good preparation is essential for a good shave. Granted, one can shave without preparation and get away with it. Shave even dry. But let's have mercy on the skin. Not only that, but the joy of lathering is half the pleasure, sometimes even the most important element for the joy it offers at the sink.

The Martin de Candre is #1.... But I have yet to try any of the other soaps on Obies list. I trust Obie's soap list is tops.....so now I know what to buy next !!! Thanks

A friend did give me a chance to try the MDC is why I said I understand where it's at on your list. I have read some on soap making and found it sounds like a simple process with few ingredients. Sending a rocket out of the atmosphere can sound easy too :<0) The little nuances in soaps and creams eludes me generally. I understand mass amounts of lather and slick but have no idea what cushion refers to. Retaining moisture seems to be my main objective once the lather is applied to my face. I have tried a few artisan soaps off Etsy which at first I thought was designed for DE's. Very little lather and slick as anything. Dried up and disappeared before I got to the other side. Some practice with these soaps has lead me to believe it's me not the soaps. Another reason I stick with what works for now. The one thing I did enjoy about the other soaps I experiment with was the scent. And from what I read in this thread that is an important factor for everyone else also. Someday I will take the time to have a list of seven.

Ok , I will add my list but I can't get 7 , I,m kinda down to the only ones I like right now, but as always Obie's picks always leave me ready to try a new one so
the Santa Maria Novella is next in the cart

Martin De Candre. Both scents that I have are equally good
Castle Forbes Lavender
Baum.Be
Pere Lucien
and still in my stable Tabac scent doesn't do anything for me but what a great soap performance wise

Tc

Tops for me, in no order:

MDC Fougere
Osma Alum based soap
Aqua Di Parma
T&H 1805
T&H Trafalgar
Tabac
DR Harris Windsor
B&M Lavanille

I don't use creams and I don't have particularly sensitive skin but good prep is the essential ingredient It's the difference between a good shave and a poor shave, I tend to never have more than 3 or 4 soaps in my shave den at anyone time my top three soaps at this time are.

I must admit I'm absolutely loving the scent from the MDC Fougere it's a close run thing for the top spot between number 1 and 2, they are both equally good in all aspects of performance but they are completely different scents which is always a good thing.

1: Boellis Panama 1924
2: Martin De Candre Fougere
3: Techung Fung Sing Bergamot & Neroli

Originally Posted by celticcrusader

1: Boellis Panama 1924

Wow - can't believe I forgot that one...superb soap, took a fresh slice off the other day.

Originally Posted by BobH

Not having hyper sensitive skin and a normal beard most all soaps/creams I have tried work for me. Some better than others and not for the same reasons in each case. So being relatively insensitive to the nuances between them really have no wonder soaps/creams. It is a blessing and I curse I suppose.

Bob

I guess I am the same. I have shaved with many different soaps and they all worked. I think Williams mug has been a goto since it smells like an old time soap and lathers great with a tallow base. Just me and my 2¢

Edit: one soap wasn't worth a damn. I got it at a food co-op. It was expensive and smelled like men's cologn but wouldn't Mather for nothing.

These are my favorites and in no particular order
MDC
Le Per Lucien
castle Forbes crèmes
Razorock soaps
Tabac crème
DR Harris crèmes
T & H Ultimate comfort