Thread: My limited experience with soaps/creams

I'm having a confusing time of it - hope for some helpful feedback.

I've now sampled a few different lathers - with widely differing results. For starters - I'm using a Kent BK4 for my brush - so if brush selection makes a difference please indicate as such.

I started with a bar of Col. Conk's Bay Rum. Not terribly exciting. Unless somebody raves about it using a different technique, I'll probably never try it again.

Then I tried some of Kent's soap. This lathers very nicely, gives a slightly better feel for me than Col Conk - but seemed to leave quite a bit of residue both on my shaver and in my sink. I'll leave it in the nice wooden bowl - probably for a looooong time....

Then I tried a sampler pack of Colleen's soaps & creams. The soaps had incredible scents - I'm going to buy more products just for my closets. Lathering with the soaps was hit-or-miss, untill I followed Glenn's instructions. It really makes a difference when you can soak the soap in hot water for a while, and dissolve a quantity in the water before lathering up - especially with my soft badger brush. Unfortunately, while I've had one or two excellent shaving experiences with these soaps, I'm not consistent yet - but the scents make me want to keep trying.

The creams were disappointing. They had a thick, paste-like texture. They lathered quite poorly, and I did not enjoy the shave. In particular, if someone has some insight on these creams, please share.

Based on the Youtube videos from Mantic59, I tried the Kiss My Face cream (which I found at Vitacost.com). This is actually about the cheapest one I've used - and thus far is the 2nd best shave I've had thus far. Lathers immediately, voluminously, and lubricates quite well.

Feeling somewhat confident in my DE technique, I then ordered a sampler from TGR. Lathering with this stuff was nearly a religious experience. This stuff is NOT cheap - but WOW what a feeling! The only thing missing - I still love the scents from Colleen's soaps. If TGR added her scents...price wouldn't matter.

Anyway - I just wanted to share what I've gone through thus far, and I'd really like to hear if someone has had better experience with Colleen's creams.