Thread: Soap Problem

Zaph,

I live where the Marvy Co. is located and like their soap for its fragrance and shavability, but also have not been able to get picture book lather from it. I suspect that, being an un-closeted creamer, my soap lathering skills are poorly lacking. The Marvy soap, however, even when apparently quite thin, still has enabled smooth, close shaves. I''m going to try giving it the hot water soak while showering to see if I can get the whipped cream texture we all think is the cat's PJs.

I have some extra pucks which I got from Mr. Marvy, so if you need some for further experimenting and find yourself lacking in subject material, lemme know and I'll send some your way.

Are you putting hot water on the puck for a while before you try to lather?

Originally Posted by Zaph

I have been trying to build the later in the same cup as the soap. I have been checking out videos on the internet and they all seem to be building in the same cup as the puck.

Can't say I've seen any vids that do this. Mantic certainly doesn't and he the most oft linked.

The bowl/jars soap come in, or a cup you put them in, is only suitable for loading up the damp, not wet, brush. And it's always easier to start with a brush that is a little too dry and add water.

You can't build a proper lather on the puck. If you just stay working it on the puck, it eventually just dries out, as you've found, because the soap eventually takes up all the excess moisture. So take the loaded brush to a bowl or your face, and add a little water at a time, and build from there.

Best thing to do is practice it, and make a few bowls up without shaving, you'll get it quicker that way.

A really easy method for making lather with soap that I use is this one. It really takes the guess work out of the quantities..!

- Fill your mug with hot water and soak your brush. At the same time, put a tablespoon of hot water onto your soap and leave it to soften.

- Strop your razor

- Empty the water from the mug and shake most of the water out of the brush.

- Tip the tablespoon of water from the top of the soap into the mug.

- Load the brush with soap. The softening caused by the water should make this easier, and I find I only need 10 - 15 swirls to load the brush.

- Make your lather in the mug using the soapy water and the loaded brush.

For me, this consistently results in a complete mug full of lather and the right "whipped cream" consistency that you talk of.

Give it a try and see what you think!

Good luck!