Thread: Soap vs Cream

I am currently using soap in a mug for my lathering needs. My question is do you use soap or cream and why.

Also for those soap users, do you keep the soap in the bottom of the mug or do you start the lather and transfer it to something else?

I want to use a scuttle, but not sure if I should stay with my soap or switch to a cream.

I am a soap guy. There are supposed advantages and disadvantages to both. Most say that soaps will give better glide and creams better cushion. I have found that the high quality soaps just preform much better than comparable high quality creams for me. Others have different opinions.

I think it is best to learn with soap, as lathering with cream is typically easier. Soap is more of a feel thing.

As far as a scuttle. I use one and I recommend one highly. There is nothing better than hot lather and it gives you more control over the amount of water you will add. If you don't use a scuttle, I suggest at least using some sort of lathering bowl as it will give you a clear idea of how to build lather with the correct water/air/soap ratio.

i'm more of a soap guy.. they just seem simpler and less messy to me.. i have planter type scuttle and generally don't use it.. but i'm pretty sure people use soaps with scuttles as well.. here's a fine example

YouTube - Chimensch's Shaving Video

Gentlemen:

I use both soaps and creams, and like them in different ways.

Both give me everything I want in the shave: comfort, glide and cushion. Luxurious lather, for sure. Since I started with soaps way back in the 14th century, I still have a soft spot for them.

As a rule, my creams go with the softer badger brushes and soaps with the others, including the boars and the synthetics.

Regards,

Obie

Originally Posted by Obie

Gentlemen:

I use both soaps and creams, and like them in different ways.

Both give me everything I want in the shave: comfort, glide and cushion. Luxurious lather, for sure. Since I started with soaps way back in the 14th century, I still have a soft spot for them.

As a rule, my creams go with the softer badger brushes and soaps with the others, including the boars and the synthetics.

Regards,

Obie

+1
I do it the same way

I bet you guys didn't know Obie was a "Highlander".....Ooops, Sorry Obie, your secret is out....Try and keep you head....Ha....

Me too, I use both regulary. I like to switch it up now and again, As they say, Soap offer's more feedback, you get a better feel of the blade to your skin, and Cream offer more cushion. You have some creams that remain thin, and are like a thick soap.
Both are good, Some guys use a mix of both, Uber'ing...You might take a nice brush load of soap, add a small amount of your favorite shave cream, and a couple drops of glycerin, and Ouila, you have loads of rich creamy lather...It's fun to experiment, and this what it's all about...As Lynn always say's, "Have Fun"...

Rich

Why agonize over choosing one over another? Get and use both. They both give me great results, alone and in combination

I've always been a soap guy and like soaps as the classic way. However there is one exception and that's Castle Forbes. It's the only cream I use and I think it's the best shave prep in the Universe.

Originally Posted by BladeRunner001

Why agonize over choosing one over another? Get and use both. They both give me great results, alone and in combination

Absolutely! Buy a good quality soap and cream and I promise you won't be sorry. They will also last you a long time, too

Ive got them both. Ive never used just the cream. I use just soap regularly but make super lather most days.