Lathering On My Hollywood Face
Gentlemen,
For years I had lathered directly onto my Hollywood face. I would shake much of the water out of the brush, load it with cream or soap, sometimes combining both, and then lather by adding a little water at a time to the brush to create a luxurious foam. The method worked well for me, especially since I felt it aided beard preparation.
For a time after I bought my Georgetown scuttle, I used it to keep the brush warm. Then I thought I would experiment and also make lather in the scuttle. That worked well, too, because the Georgetown has a big enough bowl for creating lather. Although, as I understand it, the main purpose of the scuttle is to keep the brush warm. Not that variation is outlawed.
Since I shave at the gym most weekdays, I continued to stick to tradition and lather directly onto the face, reserving scuttle lathering for the weekend shaving at home.
This morning I finally decided to return to my old ways and lather directly onto my Hollywood face. Not that I found anything wrong with making lather in the scuttle. No, of course not. Many gentlemen prefer that method of lathering, while others opt for lathering directly onto the face.
I felt something missing in my shaving ritual when not lathering directly onto the face.
No way is better than another; rather, it is a matter of preference. The world of straight razor and wet shaving is peppered with personal preferences and idiosyncrasy. That adds even more enjoyment to the art and craft of gentlemen shaving.
For me, I like the feel of the warm, lather-rich shaving brush sweeping across my face in circular patterns. The practice gives me a sense of comfort. I don't know why. Somethings I prefer not to question, but, rather, enjoy for what they are and for what they do. Thus lathering on the face: I just like it more than lathering in the scuttle.
Any thoughts, gentlemen?
Regards,
Obie
Lathering On My Hollywood Face
My dear Jax,
Bless your heart for such kind words. I appreciate that very much.
I dip the tip of the brush as needed in the hot water that still remains in the scuttle bowl and continue lathering in circular motion.
Little by little you can see the soap or cream has swelled into a rich and creamy lather on the face. Then I empty the scuttle completely and only refill the tank to keep my brush warm. After that it's time to start shaving.
Lathering directly onto the face also gives me a sense of having my face caressed by an angle with fragrant breath. Who would not welcome that every morning?
That's when I know my face has reached that elegant level reserved for Hollywood stars. So your perception of my "Hollywood Face" is right on the mark. You are quite perceptive. That's an admirable trait by a gentleman.
Many thanks again.
Regards,
Obie
Lathering On My Hollywood Face
My dear Rob,
Thank you for the kind words. I love writing the posts, especially knowing I am in the company of gentlemen.
What's more, I am grateful for reading posts by other SRP members: I learn so much. Some of these gentlemen astonish me with the extent of their knowledge and experience in traditional and straight razor shaving.
Best to experiment with what works for individual shaver. Having used brush and soap for years, far longer than I have shaved with a straight razor or double edge, I experimented extensively before settling on making lather on the face rather than in a mug or scuttle. Still, I don't think we stop experimenting. Human nature calls for trying things out.
Obviously no method is the ultimate for shavers collectively, since traditional shaving is more an individual art rather than painting by numbers. The best method is that which is best for the individual shaver. For me, lathering directly onto the face is best.
With wet shaving and straight razors, experimentation is not only crucial, but it also adds to the enjoyment of the art.
Regards,
Obie