Thread: Soap or Cream?

I use both, but seem to gravitate towards the soaps first. They seem to be a more 'authentic element' of straight shaving. Brush, mug, soap and razor provide me with a complete feeling of satisfaction. That said, I think that some of the creams can provide a superior shave, too, (LOVE the Cremo Creme from Ray's - use it as a pre-shave, too!) and I like the Taylors right now; will be getting some Vulfix, and some Trumpers soon to try as well!

I see the soaps and creams as a fun variable, moreso than the razors, and a fun, cheap way to add to the repertoir!

Best,

I agree that the soaps are the authenic and real deal when it comes to straight razor shaving. I have tried the creams and they are ok but they seem almost too easy to use. getting that lather up with the brush is just part of the experience, I prefer the soaps. I like the trumpers and shavemac soaps the best. I use the cream mainly when traveling since they are very convenient for that.

As I said earlier it normally depends on my mood. Bigspender stated:

I have tried the creams and they are ok but they seem almost too easy to use. getting that lather up with the brush is just part of the experience, I prefer the soaps.

When I use creams, I put a little in an empty shaving mug and then beat it with a brush to get the lather. I'm not happy with creams by just rubbing them in my hands & face to create the lather.

Also of the soaps I've tried, I prefer hard soaps over soft soaps as I like to let the mug soap and brush soak in hot water while I'm prepping. Soft cakes like the glycerin ones melt too easily for that.

- Clyde

In my limited experience (one cake of Colgate shave soap, and one tub of the art of shaving cream) I’d have to say I use the soap more often (its almost gone), but the cream is really luxurious, and gives a smoother shave. However the cream is harder to rinse off the blade, were as the soap rinses of with a quick pass under the faucet. Also the cream leaves my face feeling nicer, less dry, after my shave.

Bones59 hit the nail on the head about the creams. If you like the expensive creams get a glass candy dish, mine is clear glass with a clear glass lid just a little larger than a cup, after you have finished shaving recycle the lather by squeezing the exess from your brush into the dish then cover it with the lid. The next time you shave just wet the brush and the lather will work up like new. I can get two or three more shaves without going back to the tube.

I like the soaps mostly because of the ritual of stirring up the lather as part of my routine. It's my relaxation terapy....Lynn

I like both the soaps and creams. I get a little less irritation from the creams with multiple passes but I have not tried any of the better soaps out there. And if in a bit of a crunch for time the creams are alot faster. But if I have very little time to shave I keep a can around to speed up the process even further.

I like the soaps because they just seem a little more traditional. But if my face ever gets a bit irritated, either Proraso Wheat Germ or Trumpers Coconut work wonders.
Bob

I forget how I voted originally, but now that I've tried using a variety of creams, I feel more like the current status of the poll: 50/50.

Hal

I too am becoming more partial to the creams. I like Musgo Real preceeded by some shave oil. Leaves a nice smooth face with little irritation.

I like the soaps, but think that I must have a crappy technique for lathering them up. My soap lather always seems a bit watery and lame.

Can anybody out there give a good lesson in proper soap lathering?