Thread: Cushion? So what is cushion?

Dang... another thread about this a couple of months ago had me convinced that cushion didnt exist.

Then you bring this argument into the mix... and now I just dont know!

Originally Posted by Ullmencott

After reading this post, (http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...cond-pass.html ).
When taking away the lather you get closer shave. This is something I´ve been practicing when I do my last touch up. Spots that are almost impossible to get to are just gone when using water only. I´ve also tried to shave the second pass with water only and it gave me a more close shave than with lather.
So there must be something between the blade and the skin for this to happen, otherwise it should be the same result as with the lather on the face .

I've always found with different lathers the feel of the shave changes as it does with water only.

I wouldn't assume the water relates to a cushion thing but maybe you are just using the blade a tad different because of the feel which gives a different result.

To me it's more a lube thing. Each media gives more or less and even with water the hardness of the water will change the feeling. Really hard water can cause a stickiness sensation while really soft water or softened water can be the opposite.

I think you may be right about the following.
(I wouldn't assume the water relates to a cushion thing but maybe you are just using the blade a tad different because of the feel which gives a different result.)
Maybe it is a slight change in angle that you do automatically without thinking of it.

I have been of the opinion that the soap/cream should clean the whisker of oil and dirt so it can hydrate and expand (hence the reason for multiple lather and towel applications) . The hydrated whisker is then easier to shave. Slickness is very important too...