Thread: Are there a difference in soaps.

Originally Posted by flteng

Is there really a difference in shaving soaps? I use a mug and brush and a soap available at the local store. I can tell the difference in commercially available shave creams and gels but what about cake soap.

First off, welcome to the forum!
I have not used a canned foam or gel since early April of this year. I started like you, a brush and a cake of shaving soap from the local drugstore. I still use Van der Hagen (aka VDH) which is a cake soap (I bought it at my local drugstore) and it takes a little work to get a nice lather and I also get a good lubrication from it when I shave as long as I add sufficient amount of water. I also use Straight Razor Designs Essential Oil soap which for me needs more water and as long as there is enough water mixed in, again, great lubrication. I found my skin gets a little dry after shaving with a soap, but I would not make that a negative; some after shave balm takes care of that.

I also use C.O. Bigelow (made by Proraso)which is the fastest lather forming cream I have yet experienced and I like mixing that with VDH or ESD Essentials for a nice ultra lather which works well with my Dovo Best Quality 6/8 and 5/8 razors. Then there is Cella, a cream that needs a fair amount of water and I found it works best with my Dovo B.Q. 6/8 straight razor. Where I notice the difference with all of them is the amount of water I add. As for shave-ability, I will confess that I lean more towards the two creams; they give me the best lubrication and thus far, the closest shaves. My skin is still moist after the shave and before I use the post-shave balm.

The main difference for me is how the lather feels on my face just before the shave and what I have noticed is that all four products I use really get my beard hairs sticking straight out which is something I never experienced with the canned products I used to use. Mind you, I also shave right after my shower and I wash my face well and I use a pre-shave oil, I have a good personal pre-shave regimen which helps also.

But if you feel more comfortable sticking with one product, by all means, go for it!! If you decide to try different products, remember, each product, everyone's skin, and facial topographies are different so results will vary. That's what makes this hobby so enjoyable.

Let me share some advice that one of the forum's mentors, Obie gave me, stick with one that you like, or try as many products you desire and experiment with mixing them but still have fun with wet shaving.

Again, welcome to the forum and I wish you many great shaves!!
Patrick