Thread: Lather goes on strong but then wimps out

I have been using a DE for about 6 weeks and a shavette for about 3 and I think I got the lather building down fairly quickly and have been experimenting with different soaps and creams. The problem with that is that you don't get to know any one of them real well and that may be my problem but I have been experimenting with Mama Bear's Canadian Spruce Needle soap and it lathers so well I can stand my brush up in the bowl but it doesn't hold up well. When I lather for the second pass there are more visible bubbles in the lather and it doesn't cover my face as well. By the third pass it is about useless! I also use Omega, Proraso, and Taylor of Old Bond Street and don't have much problem with these. Is the Mama Bear soap more difficult to deal with or is there something different you must do to get a better lathe with it? Anyone have experience with the Mama Bear soaps that can set me straight?

Jim

I have been using a DE for about 6 weeks and a shavette for about 3 and I think I got the lather building down fairly quickly and have been experimenting with different soaps and creams. The problem with that is that you don't get to know any one of them real well and that may be my problem but I have been experimenting with Mama Bear's Canadian Spruce Needle soap and it lathers so well I can stand my brush up in the bowl but it doesn't hold up well. When I lather for the second pass there are more visible bubbles in the lather and it doesn't cover my face as well. By the third pass it is about useless! I also use Omega, Proraso, and Taylor of Old Bond Street and don't have much problem with these. Is the Mama Bear soap more difficult to deal with or is there something different you must do to get a better lathe with it? Anyone have experience with the Mama Bear soaps that can set me straight?

Jim

Jim,

Spend a little more time loading your brush with Mama Bear. The large bubbles indicate you have not whipped the lather enough. Spend more time creating that lather. Watch your water ratio and try not to make the water too hot. Properly whipped and with the right amount of water you'll have plenty of lather, because Mama Bear is a quality soap.

Larger bubbles can be a sign that the brush requires more soap. Try just adding some soap for the second and third pass.

Like has been said, I find very, very hot water in the soap/creams is counter productive. I use very warm water now, not hot water and things work fine.

Thanks, Obie!

I used this soap again this morning and had the same problem. Initially it goes on fine but by the time I go for the second pass the lather in the bowl is beginning to show signs of becoming sudsy. The thick lather that I originally started with is now starting thin though still usable for the second pass but worth little by the third pass and any touch-up needed must be performed with little more than sudsy water.

I will try what you suggest and not have the water quite as hot. I am presently spending about 2 minutes originally whipping... guess I'll try 3.


Jim

Jim,
Also don't forget to load the brush heavily. Start by gently squeezing as much water as possible from the brush — just damp enough. Then load. Heavily. When you start making lather in the bowl, drizzle in little bit of water. Keep doing that, watching your water carefully. Spend a good two or three minutes whipping up your lather, tamping your brush occasionally. Keep working on it. By now you should rich lather. And yes, keep the water warm and not hot. You'll get there. Keep trying.

Originally Posted by Obie

Jim,
Also don't forget to load the brush heavily. Start by gently squeezing as much water as possible from the brush — just damp enough. Then load. Heavily. When you start making lather in the bowl, drizzle in little bit of water. Keep doing that, watching your water carefully. Spend a good two or three minutes whipping up your lather, tamping your brush occasionally. Keep working on it. By now you should rich lather. And yes, keep the water warm and not hot. You'll get there. Keep trying.

Thanks again, Obie. I practiced some last night with this soap and used very little water and I did get a very creamy lather but did not actually use it so I don't know how well it will hold up. I will be using it tonight as I just received a Dovo Shavette in today's mail. Looking forward to the razor and nice rich shave lather.

Jim

Good advice... seems to be working better!

Are you wetting your face inbetween passes