Elusive lather quality

[ShaverGN]

Shaving lather has many objective and subjective qualities. It can be thick or thin, last for a long time or dry fast, be nicely perfumed or unscented, etc. Recently, however, I noticed yet another lather quality that makes a difference in my shaving experience. I just don’t know what to call it. Let me give you a few examples.

This morning I used the QCS cream; builder nice lather in a bowl with a silvertip badger. After the first pass, I ran my fingertips over my face. The skin felt “dry” and clean as if just washed with soap. After the last pass, a single splash of water removed the remnant of the lather from my face.

Yesterday, I used Dr. Selby 3x cream; same prep, same razor. After the first pass, the skin felt “moist” and slippery as if covered with small layer of brushless cream. Rubbing the skin with moist fingers brought the lather back to life. It also took three or four splashes of water to wash off the rest of the lather after shaving.

Subjectively, I rather prefer the second type of lather. It makes my shaving a bit “smoother.” Has anyone else had similar experience?

 

[TallyShave]

I know the quality you are talking about and also am at a loss for a good description for it. I always think of it as a "slime" layer left over after a pass. It is nice to have if you want to quickly touch up a spot or two on later passes.

 

[RobAtSGH]

Some soaps/creams are more tenacious. If a soap or cream has oils or fats that haven't fully been saponified (turned to soap), they'll help lubricate and moisturize. Different products have varying degrees of free oils. Additionally, it may also be a matter of proportion - some products are more concentrated than others, and produce a thicker lather with the same amount used. For those creams or soaps that produce a less substantial lather, use more product. Lather all you want, they'll make more.

 

[gsurko]

I find I get this slick after feel when I use enough product. Load,load, load and when you think you have enough, load a little more.

 

[Oscroft]

Yes, I know what you mean, and I think it reflects the protective properties of the soap - if a soap clings like that and leaves my skin feeling still lubricated after a pass, I generally find it's one that provides better cushion and protection.

 

[ShaverGN]

I think that this "sliminess" is inherent to the product (soap or cream) rather then the function of the volume loaded.

 

[dparish1952]

In my experience, Proraso, Cella, and RR Classic all fall into the first group--when I do the cold water rinse, my face is literally squeaky clean, almost "tight."

Although I am still trying to master Mystic Waters soap, several shaves left my face so moisturized that I totally skipped the after shave balm.

I am looking for the second type as well.

Perhaps it is the coconut oil that causes that drier feeling. MW uses a minimal amount of coconut oil.

Dennis

PS MW is will be adding a higher dose of shea butter to their shaving soap this summer.