Defecting - I've seen the light

[Tom Ford]

well, I've been busily researching straight razors and the techniques involved. Having read various threads over various forums I noticed most straight razor shavers used soaps. Having dry and sensitive skin I had a preconceived idea that soaps were light on in terms of lather, and couldn't moisturize as well as creams. I'm more a cream guy, however decided I should at least try what soap is like.

Having done my homework, I went out and bought some L'Occitane CADE, supposedly a highly recommended soap, both performance and moisturizing wise.

WOW!!! This stuff produced a wicked slick lather which delivered a BBS shave, and I had more lather to last at least another 2-3 passes having completed 4. Simply amazing stuff!! The scent is subtle but extremely manly. I love it!! The moisturizing properties are just as good as any normal cream.

After today's shave, I think I will convert to being a soap user particularly if soaps deliver the kind of lather and shave CADE produced for me this morning. I have some more soaps on the way through trades via BST (D R Harris,Tabac & Cella) and can't wait to try them.

Has anyone else seen the light and converted from creams to soaps??

 

[richmondesi]

I'm mostly a soap guy, but don't forget about Castle Forbes due to this new found appreciation for soaps.

 

[jakespoppy]

I had similar low expectations of soaps, having started with creams, and was very surprised at how "creamy" the lather from soaps can be. I haven't dropped creams, but have given soaps their rightful well-deserved place as equal participants in the rotation.

 

[OldSchoolYoungin]

I've seen this preconceived notion all over the place; soaps produce a "thinner and "less protective" lather. Nothing could be further from the truth

Anyone that still thinks this needs to sharpen their lathering skills.

Glad you've seen the light

 

[Sticky]

I like them both.

 

[AJ72]

I have some more soaps on the way through trades via BST (D R Harris,Tabac & Cella) and can't wait to try them.

You have traded for some of the best lathering and performing soaps currently available. I own all three and all are fantastic. Congratulations you have made the right transition. I still use creams from time to time but only when superlathered with an unscented tallow soap.

Tony

 

[sigmasix]

I've seen this preconceived notion all over the place; soaps produce a "thinner and "less protective" lather. Nothing could be further from the truth

Anyone that still thinks this needs to sharpen their lathering skills.

This is the truth, I had those same preconceived notions and they're just not true. Now I think as soap/cream as the same entity and different forms able to create the same lather with expereince.

Having said that I still only face lather with soaps as my soap bowl lathering skills leave something to be desired still for some reason ....

 

[broncolobill]

I started with only creams but now I'm mainly a soap guy. CADE definitely tipped the scales for me toward good soaps after I first tried it.

 

[Tom Ford]

I'll have to acquire some Castle Forbes, by the sound of it. Which is the best?

 

[LittleJon]

Cade is great stuff, but if you haven't tried Tabac... you're gonna love the lather. Creamy and slick. I haven't tried the others on your list but Cade and Tabac are wonderful soaps. Cheers.

 

[mdunn]

harris & tabac on the way? youll be a soap convert for sure!

 

[Augustiner]

harris & tabac on the way? youll be a soap convert for sure!

+1.

I can't speak for Harris since I haven't tried it (but I've heard great things), but once I tried Tabac I was a full convert to soaps and haven't looked back. For me the difference was profound.

 

[mmack66]

Wow. Read that thread title wrong.

 

[professorchaos]

Straight user here who likes creams and soaps. All I require is some tallow or lanolin...

 

[BlackBard]

I started with soaps, not knowing 40+ years ago that there were creams. I have tried creams in recent years, but still prefer soaps. I feel like I have to participate in the process more, but have more control over the outcome. Also, I think soaps are more economical. YMMV, however.

 

[beginish]

I'll have to acquire some Castle Forbes, by the sound of it. Which is the best?

Lavender!

 

[beginish]

I definitely prefer soaps, but CF creams and Musgo Real should be in the medicine cabinet.

 

[pal]

Soaps here! I gave all my creams away quite some time ago.

 

[WhosYerBob]

Yup - jumped ship when I discovered tallow soaps.

 

[VaHomebrewer]

Started out with tallow soap and haven't looked back. Only use creams when I travel.