Thread: Lathering: Mug vs. Face

I whip up a uber lather in scuttle. Rinse out brush and face lather with Proraso Pre-shave with lightly loaded brush. Strop razor then apply uber lather.

I used the wet shaving method for a couple of years but still used cartridge razors. The wet shaving method helped to a point (my straight moved me to a whole new level of comfort). During this time I face lathered cream and thought I did a good job. When I got my straight I went to a mug and found out I needed way less cream and way more water in stages and have a much superior lather. I might be able to do a better face lather now but I enjoy using the mug.

I've done both, and unless I'm really in a rush I use a mug. Just prefer that way.

Originally Posted by pesa

I would like to know how many of you guys practice lathering the soap using shaving mug or practice face lathering?

I've always been a face latherer. If I lather in a shaving mug, I still have to transfer that lather onto my face and still have to massage-in the first lathering (and then re-lather); plus, I have to keep the mug lather warm/hot, and have more to clean-up, afterward. So, unless I plan on posting a "fancy" SOTD entry, I lather both shaving soap and shaving cream on my mug, rather than in one.

i always face lather but i think when i pick up MWF, I will practice in a bowl

I usually use the mug, well scuttle really, unless I'm in a hurry or traveling. I especially like the warm lather on cold winter mornings.

I enjoy practicing both mug/bowl and face lathering but lately I've taken more the simplicity of face lathering more often with the Arco stick.
I've even gone so far as to insert Cella into an applicator so I can use it as a stick as well.

For many years I face lathered, last Christmas my son bought me a very nice scuttle and for the last year I have used it most days. Lather is about the same, but if you really want quick thick lather, hand lather.

I think the roughness between your fingers whips the soap into a thick lather by allowing more air into the soap. Work up your lather, apply to your face and store the brush in a mug or bowl. A bit more water and whisking in your hand will revive the lather.

The only times I consider face lathering is when I'm using either a boar or a smaller and less dense badger brush (in my case, my Plisson grey/pure badger). When I shave, I'm not in a hurry as from start to finish it takes me at least 25 minutes. I have no need to rush it, if I can't take my time, I won't shave.

The reason I only use boar and less dense brushes for face lathering is that they rinse out cleaner than a dense two-band Thäter. When you face lather, you inevitably put more pressure on the brush than when bowl lathering, which will wear the tips faster. But that is secondary; the main issue here is that you're driving lather into the brush, where it really doesn't serve any purpose apart from clogging up your brush. With dense brushes it is much more difficult to rinse out all the lather, which then dries up and possibly reduces the life span of your knot.

A nice test to see if you have any dried up lather in your brush is take it when it's dry, hold it against the light and lightly rub your palm over the tips. If you have soap residue in there, you'll see a big dust cloud.

Of course, if you like face lathering, knock yourself out, it's your brush and you do what you want. Personally, it's not for me.

Either way, face or bowl, remember to clean out your brushes regularly with a mild detergent, such as a shampoo. You'll be amazed what comes out after two months of regular use.

I always face lather as I head shave in the shower (with a D.E) lather my face as well,get out of the shower,re-lather my face, shave.
no time to dink around with scuttles.