Thread: Well I'm officially a soap guy

Well tonight I thought I would use some of the creams I have in my bathroom (THe Body Shop). I don't normally use a bowl but this time I thought I would take my time and use a bowl. THe lather was super thick but wow what a rough shave...

I think the problem that most people experience is that they almost always make their lather too dry. This could be a problem for both soaps and creams but it is particularly bad with creams as they tend to produce thicker lather. If your lather is properly hydrated, you should not have this problem at all.

Al raz.

You know, every time I think I like one more than the other (soap vs cream) I am always reminded that I love both, usually by the product that I'm using on any given day. I don't think I could ever switch to either one exclusively.

I also think Alraz has it right - your lather may have been too dry, leading to a rough shave. The tendency to under-hydrate lather is usually born from the fear of over-hydration, which of course leads to its own problems.

I've never had that problem with any creams, I like both, creams and soaps that is... The only time I've ever had a "rough" shave is if the blade is dulling...For shave cream to give you a rough shave, it'd have to be super dry.....maybe I'm misunderstanding your terminology?

But, Listening to my friends, I'll entertain the possibility that you made it too dry. Next time, if you still want to try cream, Add a few drops of water to your brush, after you've whipped up your lather, That should help, and if you can, get some Glycerin, it's a humectant, it'll draw moisture to your skin. Try adding 5 drops to your lather mixutre. See if that helps..

Glen's MWF+Musgo Real+5 drops of Glycerin recipe should blow you away moisture wise...Give that one a try....

I've not tried the Body shop creams but had a similar experience with Casey Maswell, which was one of the first creams I tried when I got in to wet shaving. Smelled awesome and lathered fine but kept getting cuts and stuff that I attributed to my techinique. I put it on the shelf for the past 3 months then the other night thought I'd give it a try. I added 5 drops of glycerin just in case and went to town. Couldn't believe it...I haven't got a cut in somewhere close to 4 weeks and I will be damned if I didn't cut myself 3 times on the first strokes on the upper lip which is where I start my shaves. I was so ****ed off I dumped it down the drain and went to another cream and didn't get a single other nick.

So yes I fully believe that it can be the creams fault even if the lather is perfect.

I think that's coincidence. You added Glycerin and didn't get cut, That adds moisture..
and after 4 weeks of good shaves, you get some nicks, and you think it's the shave cream...? I don't know.....? I never heard that one before....The upper lip is notorious for nicks anyway, especially in new wet shavers, it's a good place for your angle to go south.
If you get another nick, and want to get rid of your shave cream again, I'll give you my address....heck, I'll even pay for shipping...

I've never had cream or soap account for a nick. Technique, or the lack of it, is usually the problem IMO. Read my sig below to avoid nicks and cuts regardless of your choice of soap or cream.

When using quality creams and soaps targeted for your skin properties they should both give you an excellent shave.
Don't blame the product, blame the variables. Having a bad day, concentration if off, technique lacks, didn't sleep well, thinking about work, issues, kids running around, wife yelling, not properly lathered enough, full moon,...

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I've never had cream or soap account for a nick. Technique, or the lack of it, is usually the problem IMO. Read my sig below to avoid nicks and cuts regardless of your choice of soap or cream.

Jimmy speaks truth (IME). I prefer soaps, but creams work too. Nicks and cuts are down to technique.

yea, I think guys use the soap or cream as a cop out. Even when I was starting out and used the usual starter products like Williams and VDH even though the lather might not have been the best I never nicked myself because of bad lather. After-all many guys shave perfectly fine using just water.