Thread: First Soap Shave

I recently purchased the D.R. Harris & Co marlborough soap. I got it in the mail yesterday along with my first badger brush by Rooney. Today was my first shave with it, and even though used a disposable (don't shun, I haven't gotten a straight yet, fiancee told me to wait till after christmas hmmmm) I really liked it. I may have gotten the lather a little off, it didnt seem quite like i had expected, it felt a little thin. But it shaved great and it didnt leave the residue that other shaving creams out of a can can leave. I did an on the face lather, and I let the brush sit under warm running water for about 15 seconds then i took it and swirled it on the soap to load it up and then started swirling it on my face and moving it around till it covered fully. Like I said it shaved great but it wasnt quite what i expected but it was my first time. If any of you more experienced guys have any advice it would be much appreciated.

It can take a while to get lathering down, just like most of the skills associated with straight and generall wetshaving.

I usually start with just a little water when I use DR Harris and add more as I go.

You could watch some of mantic's videos on youtube to get some tips Shave Tutor - YouTube

I would watch the video's but alas I am in the great country of Afghanistan and the internet sucks for one and youtube is blocked. So i'm kinda going off feel till i order a video or get back to the states

You picked well. DR Harris is a great soap. I have Marlbourough myself. Let warm water sit on the puck for a few minutes. Let your brush soak in a bowl of water or the sink as well. When you get ready to build lather, shake out the brush, (you want a damp brush,not soaking wet) and pour most of the water off the puck, leave a teaspoon or so. Then start swirling. You can alawys add water, but you can't take it away.

I build lather in a scuttle with DR Harris, You can use a coffee mug, or a ceral bowl, anything will work. load your brush, and transfer it to the bowl, swirl and add water as you go. Small amounts, and just practice.....Check Mantic59 on Youtube.

Congratulations! D.R. Harris makes excellent tallow soaps. The most common mistake used when using soaps after creams is not using enough product. I wet the surface with a wet finger half a dozen times, soak my brush for around half a minute, a gentle shake to get some(but not all)of the water out, then swirl on the soap for a full minute. Some lather will start to develop on the puck which I scoop up and add to the brush. I then face lather.

I chose DR harris after doing some research on here and alot of people said its pretty good. I also got vintage blades sandalwood when i ordered the shaving mug and brush combo. I have yet to use that one but i read it is good also. I'll have to try yall's advice next time i shave

Originally Posted by HickLife

But it shaved great and it didnt leave the residue that other shaving creams out of a can can leave. I did an on the face lather, and I let the brush sit under warm running water for about 15 seconds then i took it and swirled it on the soap to load it up and then started swirling it on my face and moving it around till it covered fully.

The lack of the residue feeling is why I love soap pucks in the first place. Just as a suggestion: If you can get a cup of warm water, let the brush soak in it for a minute or so and then shake out the excess. That helped me a lot when I first started.

Originally Posted by Pyrateknight

The lack of the residue feeling is why I love soap pucks in the first place. Just as a suggestion: If you can get a cup of warm water, let the brush soak in it for a minute or so and then shake out the excess. That helped me a lot when I first started.

+1 Personally I've never understood why brushes are left to soak for many minutes. It isn't necessary IMO.

Originally Posted by Optometrist

+1 Personally I've never understood why brushes are left to soak for many minutes. It isn't necessary IMO.

It's more important with badger hair, which is the most water absorbant of the various brush materials. It helps with the loading process and lather retention, especially for face latherers.