Thread: Art of Shaving Sandalwood Cream

Hi, everyone. I'm new to the site and to straight razor shaving in general. I recently purchased a new Dovo razor( which as I've looked over the various guides seems like it wasn't the best idea ) as well as some Art of Shaving Sandalwood shaving cream. I've rectified the error and bought one of the razors from the classifieds, (I've just been using the brand new razor to practice technique) but I'm having a problem with the shaving cream. I can't seem to work up a decent lather. Is this common with this brand, or am I doing something wrong? I start out with a light bit of water and gradually add about a tsp at a time while working the brush. Too much water and it all becomes a soupy mess.

I have the Art of Shaving in lemon scent. It lathers just fine. I am new, so I can not offer advice beyond that.

Originally Posted by Scotswannabe

Hi, everyone. I'm new to the site and to straight razor shaving in general. I recently purchased a new Dovo razor( which as I've looked over the various guides seems like it wasn't the best idea ) as well as some Art of Shaving Sandalwood shaving cream. I've rectified the error and bought one of the razors from the classifieds, (I've just been using the brand new razor to practice technique) but I'm having a problem with the shaving cream. I can't seem to work up a decent lather. Is this common with this brand, or am I doing something wrong? I start out with a light bit of water and gradually add about a tsp at a time while working the brush. Too much water and it all becomes a soupy mess.

1st and foremost, welcome! I started my journey in an AOS store also. Dovo makes great razors, it just needs to be honed (I would recommend sending it out to one of our resident pros). The AOS Sandalwood is one of my favorite scents and it makes a good lather.
Some tips:
This is what I have success with YMMV.

• Soak your brush in water for 5-10 minutes (I let my brush soak while I shower) if you have hard water, try distilled water as it will yield a better result.

• Give the brush 3 hard shakes to get rid of excess water

• Use an almond sized amount of cream

• Try adding water less than a tsp at a time, like drops (I use a baby spoonfull at a time), allow about 30 seconds of whipping prior to adding each does of water (I normally use about 3 doses of water over about 2 minutes, this equals 3 baby spoonfulls of water).

• Look for lather that looks like whipped cream, not yogurt

• When applying to your face, use a circular motion to apply and a painting type stroke to build volume.

I hope this helps.

Glenn

never had an issue with the AOS products. love there quality and scent

Allow me to add my welcome to Glenn's. He gave good advice. You may find this helpful as well. (Pictures and so forth).

Making basic soap lather - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Thanks for all the tips, I'll be trying again in a bit. The link to the wiki was especially helpful.

Originally Posted by Scotswannabe

Hi, everyone. I'm new to the site and to straight razor shaving in general. I recently purchased a new Dovo razor( which as I've looked over the various guides seems like it wasn't the best idea ) as well as some Art of Shaving Sandalwood shaving cream. I've rectified the error and bought one of the razors from the classifieds, (I've just been using the brand new razor to practice technique) but I'm having a problem with the shaving cream. I can't seem to work up a decent lather. Is this common with this brand, or am I doing something wrong? I start out with a light bit of water and gradually add about a tsp at a time while working the brush. Too much water and it all becomes a soupy mess.

Dovo razors are great shavers! If you got the Dovo from AoS you might need to have it honed. Check the Classifieds under Member Services for people that can hone it for ya.

AoS cream lathers quite well. I have the AoS Lavender and have no problems with it. As others have mentioned I would pay attention to the water when lathering.

Take your time, there is no rush and just remember to enjoy yourself.

Hope this helps.

Originally Posted by Scotswannabe

Thanks for all the tips, I'll be trying again in a bit. The link to the wiki was especially helpful.

Glad to hear it. This forum is such a great resource. I know I found the wiki to be an invaluable guide when I was getting started. The answers to the vast majority of my questions where there. I also figured out that by immersing myself in the wiki I was getting questions answered that I didn't even know enough to be asking yet which really accelerated my learning. I am tremendously grateful to the dedicated volunteers who have taken the time to share their wealth of experience with us all.

I'm in Atlanta and would be happy to put an edge on your dovo (on me) if you'd like to give it a whirl.

PM me if you are interested.

-Rob