What I meant is that softer soaps tend to be easier to lather.
I see now.
What I meant is that softer soaps tend to be easier to lather.
I know its $ but everyone who has used raves about it so for sure going to have to try itI live in a place with very hard water too. If you're looking for just one soap that will be fool proof and perform wonderfully, I'd suggest trying Saponificio Varesino.
I know its $ but everyone who has used raves about it so for sure going to have to try it
thanks
My post was only about my personal experience. I make no assumptions about the general shaving community.I honestly think your hypothesis is based on your own anecdotal experience and may not be true of the general shaving community. Firstly, as already stated, there are plenty of old school soaps out there that are perfectly capable of giving excellent shaves. In addition, while you may have only gotten mediocre shaves for 15 years, people have been getting excellent close shaves for decades, well before the rash of designer soaps. I agree that there are lots of new soaps out there that can provide excellent shaves, but, I just don't feel there is any revolutionary change in shave closeness because of new soaps alone.
Good shave, perhaps.Some folks here have been shaving with Tabac, Palmolive, La Toja, Speick, Cella yes Arko and even Williams for decades and getting a fine shave. Some have said Vintage Williams was (is) as good a shave as anything out there. If you feel the need to spend money to get a good shave then MdC has been around since '74, SV since 1945, Valobra, C&S, the list goes on.
Just pointing out there's been world class soap of all varieties and price points available long before most of us started using a brush and a mug. Since we're coughing up bona fides here that would be when Abbey Road hit the shelves for me.
Honestly I think the bigger game changer for getting good shaves is most likely the internet.
I think the difference now is the proliferation of ARTISANAL makers, much like the proliferation of microbreweries.
I have been wet shaving for 30+ years. As recently as 15 years ago, mediocre to good shaves were the rule, and great shaves were rare. Today, with so many great bases to choose from (B&M Excelsior, WK Siero, A&E Kaizen, DG Milksteak, SV, to name a few), great shaves are the rule, and anything less than a very good shave is rare. I don’t think the hardware has changed much over the years, I think it’s the soaps that have made a huge difference. Thoughts?
Haha. I like your description, unfortunately I’m nothing like that.Gotta admit, even though I’ve also been shaving as long as you (hey, does that AUTOMATICALLY make me an OLD man? ), I have NO clue what all these “bases” mean (mliksteak, serio, etc.).
(BTW, love the title of the thread! I could imagine some older gentleman, in a bar, wearing a raincoat and a fedora, nursing an “old fashioned,” while standing next to a piano, reminiscing about shaves of old. )
“…I order my standby, a double Beefeater & tonic..”From1963-2009, I shaved with electrics, or injectors & carts using canned foam. It wasn't until I was in my '60s, nearing retirement, that I found B&B and switched to DE. Other than Harris Almond and Lavender, all of my preferred soaps are artisanal (Captain's Choice, Stirling or RazoRock). Modern brushes also make a big difference. I hated my first pure badger and several boars. If it wasn't for Rooney & Simpson 3-bands. then Thater & Shavemac 2-bands, I might have reverted back to cart.
As far as microbreweries, I only drink Smithwicks Pale or Bass Pale Ale (even USA Bass). I find that micros are either over-hopped, or flavored for the youngins. If a bar or restaurant doesn't offer Smithwicks or Bass, I order my standby, a double Beefeater & tonic.
Interesting. Curious as to what your canned goo of choice is.From my experience, the prep, razor and blade have made a great shave the norm. I use canned goo and have more consistent quality shaves vs. using a brush and soap or cream.
Skilled hands.I know people who can get bloodless BBS even without razor. Imagine what they could do with something like Arko!
What soap they use, is a mystery! Secret artisanal transparent soap recipe?
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Skilled hands.
I honestly think your hypothesis is based on your own anecdotal experience and may not be true of the general shaving community. Firstly, as already stated, there are plenty of old school soaps out there that are perfectly capable of giving excellent shaves. In addition, while you may have only gotten mediocre shaves for 15 years, people have been getting excellent close shaves for decades, well before the rash of designer soaps. I agree that there are lots of new soaps out there that can provide excellent shaves, but, I just don't feel there is any revolutionary change in shave closeness because of new soaps alone.
There are lots of shaving soaps and creams that will give a close shave. However, getting a close shave is only part of a great shaving experience, especially for those of us with sensitive skin. While I can still get a close shave with many traditional products, many of those soaps and creams leave my face feeling terrible afterward. The only two traditional products I have used that I recommend are Mitchell's Wool Fat and Tabac, although they still do not come anywhere near the best soaps in my collection.
Some of the newer artisan soaps provide a nice scent, a close shave, minimal irritation and leave my skin feeling soft and conditioned for up to 24 hours. There are no traditional products that can come close to providing that overall experience.
I realize that those whose skin is not sensitive might not need or want the type of experience I welcome. For those folks, traditional products, even Arko, might be just fine.
ion.