Thread: how to use shaving soap?

Can someone spell out how to prepare shaving soap? My first couple of shaves I've been using cream and I just dispense it on the tip of my brush and wet it a little when I re-apply it. I do not have a bowl yet, but will probably buy soap instead of gel next (just to say I've tried it).

Swirl the brush round the top of the soap till the brush is loaded. This can be anywhere between 15-60 rotations, depending how closely you wish to resemble Santa before you shave. It's a personal preference to some extent, so find what works for you. Don't try to see too much into it, remember it's just making lather, not rocket science.

Also, remember that the Wiki & search functions are valuable tools. Look here.

Here's a good Wiki article on it.Might help:

Making basic soap lather - Straight Razor Place Wiki

The trick with soap is knowing how much water you need with the brush soap combination and how much twirling you need to do. It's another skill like everything else involved with straights and wet shaving and depending on those variables the routine can vary by quite a bit.

GodRej shave soap from Men's Shaving, Grooming, Skin and Hair Care - West Coast Shaving

I swear this soap is REAL cheap and it's their 1st of its kind..you don't need to do anything other than (for me) cut into 1/4 pieces and lather away..it lathers amazingly well! (with water of course)

pcdad

Star of with a good soap. The amount of water makes a diffirence. Just add a little at a time until you get the results you are looking for

Making lather is like making cement, too much water and you got soup, not enough water,well you get the picture. After you soak your brush in water,remove brush and shake 3 times to get excess water out of brush,then swirl brush on top of soap puck 10- 15 times and then put it onto face with swirling action, if you find the lather a bit too dry just dip the tip of the brush in water and repeat. Hope this helps

Here: Making basic soap lather - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Originally Posted by matthiew

Can someone spell out how to prepare shaving soap? My first couple of shaves I've been using cream and I just dispense it on the tip of my brush and wet it a little when I re-apply it. I do not have a bowl yet, but will probably buy soap instead of gel next (just to say I've tried it).

While you are hunting a lathering bowl.
You can build a lather in the palm of
your hand (or face).

Splash some clear water on your face.
Run some water on the brush and shake most of it off.
Leave the tap dripping a bit.
Put a small bit of shave cream in the brush or on the palm of
your other hand. Apply the brush and work
the lather up. You will need to add water in
small dribbles as you lather. When your hand
has a decent lather on it set the brush down
and then rub the handful of lather on your face.

A good lather is a bit slippery so
rinse your hands so you do not drop the razor.

Shave away. If you need more lather the
brush is full of lather.... and you can face lather
too: lather, dribble more water on the brush, lather
dribble more warm water, lather until it is lathered
to your liking. Use half as much cream if you are
face lathering.

Some folk use a lathering horn. If you are feeling
flush give this a look. I secretly want one....(^)

Shaving Lather Mugs and Bowls

But any hand size shallow dish from the cooking section
of the market or used stuff shop will do. A plastic or tin mug
that will not break is good... Running hot water on the outside of a tin
or pewter mug lets you warm the lather.



(^)Darn, I guess it is not a secret anymore.

Mama bear has a nice lather making video.

Handmade Shaving Soaps, Mama Bears Soaps