I am all for preshave lotions, gels, oils, creams, etc. But I dont believe in adding drops of this or that to my lather. I dont even think its right to mix creams and soaps. But am I missing something? What are you guys adding to your lather and why?
Additives to your lather? No!
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You can read this wiki article which might change your mind: http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Uberlather
I add water, nothing else.
I am at the stage where if it doesn't stand on it's own, without adding glycerine or uberlathering, I won't keep it around.
I am at the stage where if it doesn't stand on it's own, without adding glycerine or uberlathering, I won't keep it around.
I mix some cream (usually Kiss My Face) with my cheap shave soap (VdH) and then I toss in a few drops of glycerin. Makes a sensational lather--equal to a product far costlier, IMO.
In fact, I was wondering, with all the sub committees and groups, do we have a Glycerin Lovers Group here on B&B. If so, I want to be a member. I'm adding glycerin to everything these days.
In fact, I was wondering, with all the sub committees and groups, do we have a Glycerin Lovers Group here on B&B. If so, I want to be a member. I'm adding glycerin to everything these days.
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Why not?
If adding "something" can improve the lather, then what's the point in being a purist?
Nobody else can see you do it. You aren't doing anything wrong.
I thought the point in using a quality brush and premium soap/cream products was to produce a superior, comfortable lather?
If a small amount of cream and a couple of drops of glycerine along with water can produce a vast improvement in slickness and hydration of an inexpensive soap, why not?
If adding "something" can improve the lather, then what's the point in being a purist?
Nobody else can see you do it. You aren't doing anything wrong.
I thought the point in using a quality brush and premium soap/cream products was to produce a superior, comfortable lather?
If a small amount of cream and a couple of drops of glycerine along with water can produce a vast improvement in slickness and hydration of an inexpensive soap, why not?
I'm in agreement. I believe in learning to shave with a good cream/soap which stands on its own along with a good razor and blade. Adding things like Pre-shaves and the like just complicate matters. Once you select a good razor/blade/soap combo and develop technique you don't need to mask the lack thereof with additives. Stick to the fundamentals. Grandpa didnt need the extras.
I add a dollop of Cremo whenever I use Williams. It makes it tolerable.
I add creams to underperforming soaps that I want to finish. However I prefer using products that give the kind of lather that I like without tampering mostly because I am too lazy to tamper.
Williams and KMF ... which I can get locally.
+1
But some other reasons would be that it allows you to test what it would feel like if you bought an item that has the characteristics of both, or simply adding the scent you like with the performance that you are looking for, or simply add glycerin to everything that doesn't have it.
What if your most favorite soap regarding lathering, scent and performance is glycerin free and you like glycerin soaps? Simply add glycerin!
With my hard water I add a little bit glycerin to my lather. Even my high end soaps perform better when I do this. I always try a new soap or cream by itself then I'll add glycerin to see if there is a real difference and for me there is. I have found most hard soaps need about a 60sec load to even come close to a respectable lather and one pump of glycerine takes it to a completely different level let alone to overflowing.
I've tried a little glycerin, I can't really see a difference, maybe I'm not using enough (or too much?). most of the time it's just water and elbow grease though I do like to superlather from time to time.
AGREED..but for me, I want it simple and don't like adding things to it.
everyone can do as they please.
Sure thing, adding glycerin is one thing that is on my list of things to try. What is the best way to do this? Do you get liquid glycerin from the pharmacy and mix it in with the lather or do you load your brush on a glycerin soap before or after loading on another soap?
I'm still trying to find my staple soaps. I have a tub of Prorasso and a bunch of samples from different places. If I feel a soap may be under performing I add some glycerin to the mix to find out. With my hard water, almost every soap becomes slicker with the glycerin, but the better ones seem to be impacted the least by the addition. This applies to milled and glycerin soaps alike.
A big difference between soaps is what has been added to them. No shave soap is pure soap. I don't see a difference between adding it myself and paying someone else to do it for me. But to each his own.
Hahaha. Grandpa didn't need the Internet or computers either. How about cell phones? Microwaves? Well maybe microwaves.
just go to your local pharmacy, get some generic glycerine in a bottle. it's usually in the first aid section I believe.
make your lather and add, or put a couple drops in your brush or in your bowl, it doesn't really matter. as long as it gets added to your lather making process.
if you buy a glycerine puck, i'm guessing it's just load a bit from that, then a bit from the cream and combine the lather making process of both forms.
I kind of equate it to steak. if you buy a good steak, you shouldn't have to marinate and season it with a bunch of extra things. but if you buy a lesser quality cut of meat, in order to make it work, you have to season or marinate it.
at this point in my shaving stage and steak eating stage, I strive for product that don't need extra effort to get them to work, or taste good in the case of the steak.
nothing wrong with either way, so please don't think i'm running down anyone who uses one way or antoher, it's just the way I see it.
whatever works for you, is what you should do.
I seek out the best performing products and use them. I really don't want to sit like a mad scientist and concoct anything....keep it simple imo. If you want to...have at it.
