D.R. Harris just not keeping up with Proraso...some help?

[nycebo]

It has been my experience over the past few days that I have been sampling D.R. Harris soaps (Arlington and Windsor) that they just are not as 'slick' as Proraso Sensitive shave soap. They have lovely fragrances AND I can get the DRH to lather beautifully, perhaps even easier than Proraso, but it always seems to 'dry out'. To clarify, it's not the lather that is 'deflating'; rather, the DRH just doesn't seem to provide as much lubrication and consequently I'm getting some very subtle razor burn that never occurred with Proraso. Since DRH is RAVED about on this site, it's my suspicion that I'm doing something wrong. So, I thought that some of you more ardent DRH fans would be able to offer me some tips in order to help me keep it working as it should (slippery and protective).

Thanks in advance, and here's hoping that this doesn't turn into a flame war since I'm just looking for other folk's observations/assistance.

 

[VT_Hokie]

More soap and more water.

I suspect that since you're used to using a cream like Proraso, that you're underestimating the amount of soap you need to load to get a good lather out of the much harder Harris soaps.

You should be spending a good 30 seconds on your puck and load until the tips of your bristles are thoroughly caked in soap. When you move that to your face it will be very thick, tacky, and "dry". Add water slowly by dipping just the tips into your water. Doing this 3-5 times will result in a lather that is thick and glossy.

A slick, well hydrated lather won't deflate on you. Promise.

 

[Foyle]

I didn't like Harris soap either. I had a puck of Arlington. The scent was amazing but the lather was lacking in protection. After shaving about half way through the puck I sold it. I gave it a really good try but it was not to be. If you've given Harris a good try then it's probably not anything you're doing, it's just not the right soap for you.

 

[blackman]

I've noticed this with DRH. It's a very thirsty soap and the ratio is a lot more fickle than Proraso. Try adding a bit more water but not enough to deteriorate the beautiful lather you already have, just enough to hydrate it a little.

Good luck man. It's such a wonderful product once you get the ratio down. I hope you give it a few more chances.

 

[VT_Hokie]

This is what I mean by really caked by the way. See how even the little stragglers on the outside of the knot are coated with some thick soap residue? There's a lot of soap in that brush. More than enough for a full 3 pass shave.

 

[nycebo]

Thanks guys. Alright, tomorrow my plan is much more soap for coating the brush and THEN more water when lathering. Does that sound about right? I have quite a bit of sample left so I want to try and get it completely right so I can best evaluate it. I will say I really want to like it because the aromas are divine. Not too strong; just strikingly pleasant!

...Will report back tomorrow!

 

[VT_Hokie]

Sounds like a plan to me, my friend!

Remember that the goal is a thick, slick lather that's glossy without getting to the point of breaking down. Lots of soap, work it well, and add water slowly but don't be stingy. Take your time and you'll be very pleased with what you end up with.

Have fun and let us know how it goes

 

[RichieRich3902]

If you feel like it you can always make some practice lathers. You don't have to wait until the morning when you're rushed for time. When I get a new soap I always make a practice lather or two, sine these soaps last forever you are t really hurting the longjevity any.

 

[nycebo]

@RichieRich....not a bad idea, thx. My only concern is that since they are samples, I think I only get about 4-10 shaves/lathers out of it. But, maybe it's worth the effort waking up a bit earlier so I don't have to rush.

 

[njpaddy]

I like using a very wet brush with Harris. Sometimes I don't shake any water out of the brush before loading. I also cover the puck with hot water for a few minutes while I'm doing my prep and pour it off before loading with 100-120 swirls on the soap. Yes, lather occasionally does go flying but it's such a nice creamy lather. While I do have creams that are faster and maybe a bit slicker (Salter) the shaves with Harris are far more enjoyable.

 

[gaj90027]

Some of my customers also prefer to mold the shaving soap samples into a mini puck or stick and apply it by rubbing the soap directly on their damp face. This should ensure an even layer of soap on the face and then you can take your damp brush and start working the lather directly on your face. Dip the brush tips in water as needed to get more water in the mix.

I must admit that I am also not the worlds biggest fan of Harris soaps but I know they are very capable products and have a great following.

 

[takeshi]

They have lovely fragrances AND I can get the DRH to lather beautifully, perhaps even easier than Proraso, but it always seems to 'dry out'.

If it's drying out you're not loading enough and using enough water. Don't rely just on the appearance of the lather. If you haven't used the lathering guide linked in the sticky at the top of this subforum then check it out. Pay particular attention to the section on loading.

If you've given Harris a good try then it's probably not anything you're doing, it's just not the right soap for you.

It really depends on how the individual is lathering. Many seem to memorize "recipes" based on swirls and time. A fixed amount of swirls/time may works for certain soaps but it won't work for others. It can also fail if other variables such as water hardness, brush, etc change. If, instead, you can learn to tell by sight, feel and sound when your brush is loaded then you won't have problems with most soaps out there.

I like using a very wet brush with Harris. Sometimes I don't shake any water out of the brush before loading. I also cover the puck with hot water for a few minutes while I'm doing my prep and pour it off before loading with 100-120 swirls on the soap.

I use a dry brush per the guide but ultimately you have to go with whatever works for you.

 

[nycebo]

So here's what I did today (and my apologies for no photos but it was 6am):

-Began by flooding the top of the DRH Arlington soap with water while I showered.
-Soaked my badger brush (T&H Carlton silvertip) in a bowl of warm, but not hot, water while I toweled off.
-Poured off the water from the soap and squeezed the brush gently to remove some but not all of the water.
-Loaded the brush with soap by gently swirling it clockwise and counterclockwise until the lather/soap made that 'clicking' thick sound...think it was for about 1-2 minutes.
-Transferred to a lather bowl and started to whip up the good stuff. It lathered quickly but had bubbles so I kept going until it was smooth...probably for about another 2 minutes.
-The lather looked very creamy and very stable.
-Began my shave.

First, let me state the DRH lathers quickly, but as you all know, the problem for me has been getting a good, slippery, thick lather. Today, I think I achieved it. No real bubbles were seen. The lather, as stated above, was creamy and looked friggin' delicious. It also smelled delicious. I can see why DRH is loved.

After I lathered my face completely, I set about shaving. Now here's the nub: the soap just doesn't feel that slick to me. BUT, it works well, I didn't have any razor burn and I had no nicks whatsoever...so it's doing its job perfectly. My face feels well moisturized and protected. Yet, I just can't get past the feeling that my razor sort of 'skips' occasionally with DRH. Well, skips isn't exactly the right word, it's more like drags a bit occasionally and feels a little rough in places, particularly around the jawline. I don't know how else to explain it. Anyway, my plan is to shave with Proraso tomorrow and see if I'm just imagining things now and being overly picky. Plus, I have a bunch of other samplers to try as well. As usual, I will report back.

 

[VT_Hokie]

I demand pics. Try it tonight when you have time and aren't rushed.

I don't own any Harris soaps but if you want, I'll shoot some pics or video or me lathering AoS which I've been told are similar.

 

[nycebo]

@VT_Hokie, I know you would say that! I'll do it tonight after work.

 

[VT_Hokie]

@VT_Hokie, I know you would say that! I'll do it tonight after work.

I'm waiting.....

 

[Kenno]

D.R. Harris just not keeping up with Proraso, any reason that suprises you?

I have both and vintage Proraso can keep the pace with anything.

 

[El-a-Menthol]

I didn't like Harris soap either. I had a puck of Arlington. The scent was amazing but the lather was lacking in protection. After shaving about half way through the puck I sold it. I gave it a really good try but it was not to be. If you've given Harris a good try then it's probably not anything you're doing, it's just not the right soap for you.

Maybe he should try the given solutions here before he sells it.
Besides you are experienced and know to use enough product.
He might not be. Doesn't mean he has to like it of course, but he came here for help.

 

[oc_in_fw]

Face lathering is the best way to get feel for a soap you are not familiar with, IMO.

 

[Kenno]

So here's what I did today (and my apologies for no photos but it was 6am):

-Began by flooding the top of the DRH Arlington soap with water while I showered.
-Soaked my badger brush (T&H Carlton silvertip) in a bowl of warm, but not hot, water while I toweled off.
-Poured off the water from the soap and squeezed the brush gently to remove some but not all of the water.
-Loaded the brush with soap by gently swirling it clockwise and counterclockwise until the lather/soap made that 'clicking' thick sound...think it was for about 1-2 minutes.
-Transferred to a lather bowl and started to whip up the good stuff. It lathered quickly but had bubbles so I kept going until it was smooth...probably for about another 2 minutes.
-The lather looked very creamy and very stable.
-Began my shave.

First, let me state the DRH lathers quickly, but as you all know, the problem for me has been getting a good, slippery, thick lather. Today, I think I achieved it. No real bubbles were seen. The lather, as stated above, was creamy and looked friggin' delicious. It also smelled delicious. I can see why DRH is loved.

After I lathered my face completely, I set about shaving. Now here's the nub: the soap just doesn't feel that slick to me. BUT, it works well, I didn't have any razor burn and I had no nicks whatsoever...so it's doing its job perfectly. My face feels well moisturized and protected. Yet, I just can't get past the feeling that my razor sort of 'skips' occasionally with DRH. Well, skips isn't exactly the right word, it's more like drags a bit occasionally and feels a little rough in places, particularly around the jawline. I don't know how else to explain it. Anyway, my plan is to shave with Proraso tomorrow and see if I'm just imagining things now and being overly picky. Plus, I have a bunch of other samplers to try as well. As usual, I will report back.

Try soaking your brush for at least 10 min while you shower and don't flood your soap while you shower, a teaspoon is nuff. squeeze brush so all of the water is out, give it a few shakes, chuck the water off the soap, load your brush for around 40 sec or whatever, wet your face, put your loaded brush to your face and start swirling around to fully cover face n neck, dip your tips lightly in water 2-3 times and your sweet to shave.