Creating Good Lather w/ Puck

[cwrighta70]

Hey all,

I'm using puck soap in a mug, and having a real hard time making nice, thick lather. So far, mine turns out really light and foamy. Last night I went straight from the puck to the face and that seemed a bit thicker. What process do you guys use in creating lather? Details.

Thanks!
~Chris

[jnich67]

I do as follows and it works very well:

I Put some water on the soap to soften it while I go about other morning business. I soak the brush in hot tap water at the same time. Then shake out all the water from the brush. I dump the water off the soap. I then load the brush with soap by swirling it over the soap until it gets pasty. Then I go right to the face and work the soap into my beard using circular and paint-brush type strokes. Usually, the lather is still a little dry/pasty at this point, so I quickly pass the tips of the brush under some running water and go back to working the lather. Work the lather for a good couple of minutes and add water again if needed. This is one of the highlights of my day!!

Jordan

[LegalEagle]

Two tricks:

1. You really have to load up the brush. I find the best way to do that is to first swirl a wet brush around on the puck. Then, once you have done that, pump the brush up and down on the puck pretty forcefully and quite a few times. Go from having the bristles fully extended to completely smashed against the puck. If you do this properly, the tips of the bristles should be pretty much completely covered in soap. This is when you take the brush to your face (my preference) or a bowl to build the lather.

2. Do not be afraid of water. You're most likely not using enough water. So, after you do the above step, then add some water to your brush (by dipping very quickly in a bowl of water) and then continue working it on your face. As I said, do not be afraid to add water -- that is the key.

Hope this helps. It just takes lots of practice.

[Wildtim]

What brand of soap is it? That could make a difference too.

[cwrighta70]

I'm currently using WalMarts William's Mug Soap, but when that one is gone I'll be switching to the Cavendish Black puck from TGQ.

[Wildtim]

With williams you have to use a lot more water then you would think. I start with a dry puck but enough water on my brush that it just about dripping. When I first start swirling on the puck it makes a soap soup that is really wet then as more soap gets stirred in it begins to fluff up. Keep swirling on the puck untill you get to the "soft peak" stage if you are familiar with cooking terms. At that point I start brushing it on my face. Williams makes a rather rich but dry lather, really a good foam but not as much lubrication as the very best soaps out there.

The TGQ will use less water than the Williams to get the same result. The TGQ seems to make a much slicker softer foam I think you will really enjoy. I would give it a shot ASAP. I keep several soaps in use at the same time by storing them in disposable plastic containers (some guys buy them I use old butter tubs) and lathering there.

[cannonfodder]

I will second the TGQ soap, or mama bare. It will make a huge difference. I think the brush makes a difference as well. I was using a Wal-Mart boar hair brush, when I got a badger brush I noticed a huge difference.
I melt my soaps into a small glass container, I work the lather up in the same glass bowl. Then I brush it on my face, strop my razor, whip the foam again to refresh it and brush a little more on my face to refresh what I put there (I take my time stropping) and shave. The TGQ soap will give you much tighter, creamer foam and is nice and slick.

[rastewart]

I probably should have tried Wildtim's method with my Williams puck. But I worked my way through it and just started with a new Colgate puck--even cheaper than the Williams!--and find it works up much quicker into a good lather. So the brand does make a difference, even at the low-end range.

When I get a chance, I hope to go down to Merz Apthecary and pick up some Tabac, or maybe order a TGQ sampler ... some tempting stuff there.

[jnich67]

I probably should have tried Wildtim's method with my Williams puck. But I worked my way through it and just started with a new Colgate puck--even cheaper than the Williams!--and find it works up much quicker into a good lather. So the brand does make a difference, even at the low-end range.

When I get a chance, I hope to go down to Merz Apthecary and pick up some Tabac, or maybe order a TGQ sampler ... some tempting stuff there.

You owe it to yourself to try both Tabac and Colleen's soaps!

Jordan

[cwrighta70]

Fantastic advice, gentlemen! I'm already seeing much better results with my lather. Any more advice is welcomed!!

Thanks again, everyone!