A Col Conk Question

[Nickedmint]

Hey B&B Forum Goers,

I'm extremely new to straight razor shaving (only 2 shaves in) and I've been having a problem making a thick and slick lather with my col conk bay rum shaving soap.

I've seen the links on how to make a proper lather (eg: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/21136-How-to-make-great-lather-from-a-soap-Tutorial) and I feel like I'm completely following the instructions, but the final product just isn't what's expected.

The only problems I can think of is that maybe I'm not loading my badger hair brush with enough soap (although I swirl it on the soap puck for over a minute) or perhaps I'm not adding enough water bit by bit as I build the lather?

I've heard adding some glycerine into your lather bowl may be helpful, does anyone have any knowledge about that?


Thanks for any help you can give! I really appreciate it.

 

[OldSaw]

I've never been able to get decent lather from it either. The almond, on the other hand, has been a long time friend.

 

[Deano]

I use the Conk Bay Rum and it doesnt lather for me like some of the other soaps but at the same time its quite slick and I get a good shave from it.

 

[Big Jim]

I get good lather from it, from any of several brushes. It's my favorite shaving soap. You are on the right track, just work it longer. It works best for me with a wide shallow cup (Old Spice) and one of my larger brushes.

 

[Giant Kiwi]

I've used the almond conk soap but not for straight shaving.
I found I can't get a decent enough lather.
If you're still learning how to straight shave I would suggest getting something that is slick and foolproof ie. arko or a palmolive stick
Don't forget to make your lather a little wetter than you would for a DE

 

[global_dev]

Toss the colonel conk..

 

[Gingerbread]

I enjoy the Conk Bay Rum from time to time. It's a very hard soap that's finicky about water balance. I find it easiest to later with boar brushes, but have never had issues loading badgers with it. Just keep to our mantra - more water, more product. It'll give you quite a nice lather if you're patient and careful.

 

[Nickedmint]

Thanks Everyone.