Getting a good lather?

I read the classic shaving article on lathering but i have some ?'s

1) is the water in the brush enough? or should there be more water in the mug?

2( how much water? couple of drops or enough to submerge the cake?

I am getting an ok lather but it isnt enough for 2 passes , i know i need more water but my real ? is how much is too much?

Here's something I posted awhile back. Maybe it will help:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/showthread.php?t=9162

I like to use William's soap and this method works great. Should work great for the Col Conk soaps too.

Too much water in your lather is indicated by lather running down your neck and onto your chest. :)


Scott

I don't use soap often (I'm more of a cream guy) and when I do it's with a scuttle. I've generally found that just the water in the brush works ok. As Scott said, you know when you've used too much water.

James.

I'm now building the lather on my face and the following works well for me:

1) I wet the brush but shake out the excess water
2) A small dip of cream or swirl on the soap cake
3) Coat face with soap - it will be thin and dry

Here's the key for me:

4) I put a SMALL amout of water into the base of the bristles by putting the bristle base under slow running water
(warning: putting too much water into the brush will result in water flying everywhere in the next step - go slow when adding more water)

5) I swirl the brush over my face - water will move into the lather on my face
6) I repeat adding small amounts of water to the BASE of bristles and swirling until I've built a very fluffy and moist lather

Caveat 1: I've read where others don't get a fluffy lather directly on the face - this method fixes that.

Caveat 2: Not working enough water into the lather will result in a dry, tough shave :mad:

Here is what I have done lately, it seems to work for me. Still experimenting.

Large mug, smal soap cake. Melted it in the microwave for about 15 seconds, now covers the entire bottom of the mug.

Got the water absolutely steaming hot, placed about 1/4 tp 1/2 inch of the hot water to cover the (now melted) cake completely. Insert brush and leave alone.

Filled the sink with enough hot water to place mug in, not so much that it goes over the lip of the mug.

Left the entire affair alone for about 3-5 minutes.

Emptied water in sink and poured water out of mug.

Shake off brush, swirl, push, whatever vigorously until it looks kind of like meringue topping.

Apply and enjoy.