Thread: A Blast from the Past (sort of)

I was re arranging my shaving corner (like we all do periodically) and ran across a tin of Nanny's Gentlemen's Soft Shaving soap - Juniper Berry called Yushu. Bought it a few years ago when money wasn't as tight as it is now. Hadn't really evaluated it back then and thought this is a good time to do so.
But a little digresion first. Not mentioned before is that I am a cold water shaver and did all the steps with cold water. Have come, based on previous reviews experience, to find the need to modify the various steps. Can no longer say a cold water shaver. A temperate water shaver is the key phrase now. After finally realizing that different soaps really work best with, possibly, a specific hair brush, and a more specific water temperature the following adjustments have been made. Synthetic brushes (I have two) don't really do anything for me. With Nanny's I did a three shave test (standard from now on) with a recently acquired horsehair knot from China, a Badger hair and a Boar hair brush.
Day one shave I went with the horsehair brush and decided to use hot tap water. My hot tap water temperature is at 115 degrees Filling up a large cup with it, I take the dry brush and dampen the tips, shake and spend about 45 seconds building soap up in the brush. Moving to a dollar store salsa bowl (slightly rough interior that I modified with added raised lines and bumps of two part mixing epoxy as it dispenses through a mixing syringe) I built the lather. Right off the bat I found that Nanny's is a thirsty little devil. Much swirling and slapping and almost what seemed like too much water I got a very pleasing lather. As per my evaluation method. I stropped my Gotta 5/8 bellied straight then lathered and shaved. Usual 2-1/2 pass shave.
Day two shave was with a large Omega Boar brush. same procedure, except lathered and rubbed the lather in my beard and then stropped my razor.
Day three was with a Badger hair brush and same procedure.
While the horse hair was very soft on the face (almost like a Sable artist's brush) it had some pricklies to it used in a stabbing motion on the face. I found I liked the Boar better than the Badger for some reason to be figured out later.
I like the lather, rub, lather method better than just a lather and shave. Gave a very slight improvement to glide. If anything was on the neutral-negative end of things it would the glide factor. Would love to see more glide built in. Note, I do not use any pre shave in these tests. If I was using Nanny's on a regular basis I would add a pre shave to start. Enough cushion to satisfy me.
As is my lack, I could only discern a faint whiff of scent and couldn't place it. Need to look into remedies for lack of working smeller.
One last note. New Skin Liquid Bandage is your friend.