What causes snowflakes to occur in my mislathering...?

Some facts:
1. I'm a slow shaver (45 min)
2. Using T&F
3. Using badger brush and bowl

Wondering if it's something I did or if there's only an initial useable lather for 15 minutes. Let's open the lines - callers, what are your thoughts?

I would guess your lather dries within 15 min or so.
Have you tried more water to se how that affects the lather?
Also do you periodically stir the lather with the brush? Before every pass I do that, it seems to help with drying and also reloads the brush

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mainaman

I would guess your lather dries within 15 min or so.
Have you tried more water to se how that affects the lather?
Also do you periodically stir the lather with the brush? Before every pass I do that, it seems to help with drying and also reloads the brush

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1. Yuup
2. I think I used about a teaspoon over the course of shaving with 1/4 tsp initially - brush wet but not dripping
3. Restir - check

SHould I be using more water with a semi cream?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by klingenmeister

1. Yuup
2. I think I used about a teaspoon over the course of shaving with 1/4 tsp initially - brush wet but not dripping
3. Restir - check

SHould I be using more water with a semi cream?

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you need to experiment a bit to find out how much water is optimal

It's likely from the lengthy shave time. If you find that your lather is drying out there's nothing wrong with refreshing it: just dab some water onto the tip of your brush and give it a few swirls on your face.

However, if the flaking is happening within minutes of the initial application it's due to under-hyrated lather (wrong soap-to-water ratio). Just add water slowly until you get your desired consistency.

Thanks Ryan - it seems to be good for about 20 min. I've decided to only lather the are I'm working but it adds a few minutes due to the need to wait for the lather to soften the hair. On a side note- I'm actually curing a batch of shaving soap I just made that I have high hopes for.

I just received my sample pack of Truefitt and it's doing that same thing. I lather up, then do 60 strokes on the strop and when I re-lather there are snowflakes flying everywhere.... Am I using too much water? or not enough?

Thanks,
Jeff.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jeffegg2

I just received my sample pack of Truefitt and it's doing that same thing. I lather up, then do 60 strokes on the strop and when I re-lather there are snowflakes flying everywhere.... Am I using too much water? or not enough?

Thanks,
Jeff.

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From what I've seen - the TF can take quite a bit of water if added slow to start. I did my full 45 minute shave last night, 2 pass with very little flaking near the end. I'm pretty sure the proponent was keeping the lather hydrated. Try adding about 1/4 tsp at a time until you get it near 1-1.5 teaspoons. IE Ryan was correct.