First Post. Issue with Shave soap. Am i doing it wrong?

[Hamspiced]

Hey Guys,

This here is my first post. started shaving with a DE about a month and a half ago. Current setup is Merkur 39c Slant Heavy. Silver Tipped Badger Brush, and the green tub of Proraso.

The issue i am having, and what finally got me to register, is that the shave soap has seemed to become... soggy? Is this normal? How to i make it go back to firm? Ive had it sitting out over night with the cap off. I dont know what more to do.

 

[njpaddy]

I use hard soaps and never tried Proraso, but I would put it in the fridge overnight. I've done that with a cream or two.

 

[Niles]

Letting it air dry might work, as well.

 

[strop]

Do you use a very wet brush? You may just be adding a little water to the tub every day. Even hard soaps get a little softer with daily use, as they absorb a little water.

It shouldn't affect the performance, but if you like it drier, I would agree that leaving the lid off repeatedly should help.

 

[bassopotamus]

Do you use a very wet brush? You may just be adding a little water to the tub every day. Even hard soaps get a little softer with daily use, as they absorb a little water.

It shouldn't affect the performance, but if you like it drier, I would agree that leaving the lid off repeatedly should help.

This is right on the money. If anything, it should lather more easily

 

[olschoolsteel]

I am not a lover of the Proraso line. I never had "razor chatter" till I tried to use my green tub. Now it gets used on occasion only for frankensoap cement. I can tell you though if it gets to mushy you might want to just leave the top off all the time especially if you are using it everyday. I leave the lids off my hard soaps for at least a week after the final time I use them to ensure they are dry. (when I am switching soaps)


Personally, I'd rather spend 5 minutes making a proper Williams lather than try Proraso again.

 

[inspiringK]

Hi, welcome to B&B.

I also started with Proraso green as did many other members here, and I still buy their products because the performance is top notch. So, you are starting off on the right foot

Where are you located? You don't have your location filled out in your info. I ask because I know that when it gets really humid in Nova Scotia, I also have some trouble keeping my soft Italian soaps dry/hard. Airing the soap out is about all you can do. Also drain any extra liquid off the soap once you are done shaving. That being said, it won't affect the performance at all, so no reason to worry too much.

 

[Nadir M]

Good advice here. Welcome to B&B!

 

[keepcalm]

Hey Guys,

This here is my first post. started shaving with a DE about a month and a half ago. Current setup is Merkur 39c Slant Heavy. Silver Tipped Badger Brush, and the green tub of Proraso.

The issue i am having, and what finally got me to register, is that the shave soap has seemed to become... soggy? Is this normal? How to i make it go back to firm? Ive had it sitting out over night with the cap off. I dont know what more to do.

Welcome to BB! What I do with my soaps is after im done I turn the mug upside down so the water doesn't pool on it. But you can only do that if yuou have the soap baked (microwaved - 15 sec) to your mug

 

[rand77]

I'd leave it to dry for a few days if possible, then I would leave the lid off after every use.

Nice choice on the razor!

 

[Hamspiced]

Thanks for the quick responses.

Ill try to answer everyone. I live in Dallas Tx. My apt stays about 70* all day so humidity isnt too much an issue. Caps been off for about 3 days now still kind of mushy. Would the microwave speed this up?

Also, i dont have a "Proper" shave mug. I have a frankenmug. I got the 3$ warming pitcher that was on here that you guys posted from World Market. Its a discontinued item so i had to drive about an Hour away to find a place with one left. But its this Mug. http://www.worldmarket.com/product/warming-pitcher.do To help build lather i got 100% silicone and i made lines that span vertically from the inside of the bottom of the cup to the top lip.

Currently, my routine is as follows. prior to getting in the shower, i place my mug, with razor and brush inside mug underneath the faucet as it runs hot water. I then take my shower, dump the water and fill the pitcher resovoir with hot water. I shake out the excess water from the brush and load up the soap in the brush from the proraso container for about 30 sec. I then build my lather in my mug.

But my soap currently has the "squishyness" of what i would call bread. i pulled it out yesterday of the container. Molded it into a bar and tried to squeeze excess moisture from t, and then i tried pressing it back into it's container.


In the mean time i bought a cheap container of Col. Conk soap. I just got it in today and i can tell im not going to be a fan of it. When i ordered it i didnt have a choice of fragrence. Its translucent Lime Green, and smells like Dial dish soap.

One of the down sides of ordering exclusively online is i dont get a chance to smell, sample, or see the actual soaps prior to trying them. which was going to start my second thread here.

What are the best shave soaps?(horridly subjective i know)

I just want a list, and from the list ill pick. I only picked poraso origionally because it comes in its own container. Now after using it i love the scent and the menthol.

Here is the list ive been reading on that i seem to see pop up in every soap thread from here to shaving101 forums.

1. Tabac
2. Mitchells Wool Fat
3. Yardley
4. AoS Sandlewood (What exactly does sandlewood smell Like?)
5. Omega (Any reccomendations on which one?)
6. Taylor of Old Bond (Again reccomendation?)
7. Dr. Harris Marlborough
8. Arrko
9. Mikes Natural Shave Soaps
10. Cella
11. MDC (Martin De Candre)
12. Aqua De Parma
13. Barrister & Mann

Those across 2 forums seem to be the most reccomended soaps (ive done my reading) and I think what would be super helpful, is for this list to get mass compiled, and then put into a poll, so people like me just starting off can get an idea of what the veterans are using and can buy a few of the most recognized and make their opinions from there. because just starting off, this is the biggest headache. Starting a poll with the most used soaps and having people vote and comment on why they voted for their particular soap would be super helpful.

 

[Cobra0369]

It's a soft soap so it's supposed to be a little soft, kind of like play doh. Air dry would be the best as Dennard said.

Welcome aboard!

 

[takeshi]

Would the microwave speed this up?

I'm not sure what ingredients Proraso uses but the microwave will ruin some soaps.

One of the down sides of ordering exclusively online is i dont get a chance to smell, sample, or see the actual soaps prior to trying them. which was going to start my second thread here.

What are the best shave soaps?(horridly subjective i know)

It's a bit of a catch-22 when you're starting out but you just have to pick some soaps. Once you have some experience with them come back and provide your feedback on them and point out where you want to go and others can guide you.

As for scent, you probably have an idea of what scents you like and dislike. Include that info when asking for recommendations.

Those across 2 forums seem to be the most reccomended soaps (ive done my reading) and I think what would be super helpful, is for this list to get mass compiled, and then put into a poll, so people like me just starting off can get an idea of what the veterans are using and can buy a few of the most recognized and make their opinions from there. because just starting off, this is the biggest headache. Starting a poll with the most used soaps and having people vote and comment on why they voted for their particular soap would be super helpful.

The popular ones tend to be popular discussion topics and skimming threads for trends is what I used. I found my favorites were not necessarily the most popular though so relying on popularity isn't something that I'd recommend except maybe as a starting point on what to try. Ultimately, each has to try the various options to see what works best for the individual. It's not just a matter of performance but of scent as well and scent is extremely subjective.

It's a soft soap so it's supposed to be a little soft

There is this. Your tub may have been older and started out firmer but Proraso will be soft given its nature.

 

[Havok305]

From your list I especially like:
Tabac
Barrister & Mann (Bay Rum)

Not listed - Stirling
DR Harris Arlington
Speick Stick

Go for samples of different soaps and check out what you like before committing to a puck that will last you for a year.

 

[treewhale]

What are the best shave soaps?(horridly subjective i know)

I just want a list, and from the list ill pick.

1. Tabac
2. Mitchells Wool Fat
3. Yardley
4. AoS Sandlewood (What exactly does sandlewood smell Like?)
5. Omega (Any reccomendations on which one?)
6. Taylor of Old Bond (Again reccomendation?)
7. Dr. Harris Marlborough
8. Arrko
9. Mikes Natural Shave Soaps
10. Cella
11. MDC (Martin De Candre)
12. Aqua De Parma
13. Barrister & Mann

I suggest that you read the 3017 thread to see how maqny different soaps have held up for many diferent users over weeks or months of constant use.

My own comments on your list:

1. Tabac - Great easy lather, some don't like the scent, I do.

2. Mitchells Wool Fat - super slick, little scent, some have had trouble lathering it, many don't have any problems at all.

4. AoS Sandlewood (What exactly does sandlewood smell Like?) Many think it is overpriced, and it was reformulated early this year to mixed reviews. Maybe avoid unless you can find the old version that says "Made in Italy" on the box.

5. Omega (Any reccomendations on which one?) Is very similar to Proraso.

6. Taylor of Old Bond (Again reccomendation?) The soaps are less well regarded than the creams, particularly since they were reformulated to a vegetable rather than tallow base.

7. Dr. Harris Marlborough - very well regarded as being easy to lather and having a manly woodsy scent. (I find the scent somewhat similar to Tabac)

8. Arrko - Super easy to use, super slick and cheap like borscht, but some people don't like the smell. I don't care much for it myself, but I can get past if for the great lather.

9. Mikes Natural Shave Soaps - easy, slick, protective lather and a great after-shave feel - great scents. Try some samples.

10. Cella - Cheap if you buy the Kilo, mild almond scent, tons of easy lather. A good one to try.

11. MDC (Martin De Candre) A bit out of my price range.

12. Aqua De Parma - way out of my price range, but if you can find RazoRock XXX on the BST, it is the same thing, but is now discontinued.

I also recommend RazoRock products generally, particularly the artisan soaps, S. Maria, Classic and expecially the XX, which is super easy to get a slick lather from.

 

[GencoOliveOilCompany]

Welcome to B&B; enjoy the forum and your shaves. It's called wet shaving for a reason...things get wet. Nothing's wrong; you are doing great!

 

[mistercitizen]

Ben

 

[Hamspiced]

I suggest that you read the 3017 thread to see how maqny different soaps have held up for many diferent users over weeks or months of constant use.

My own comments on your list:

1. Tabac - Great easy lather, some don't like the scent, I do.

2. Mitchells Wool Fat - super slick, little scent, some have had trouble lathering it, many don't have any problems at all.

4. AoS Sandlewood (What exactly does sandlewood smell Like?) Many think it is overpriced, and it was reformulated early this year to mixed reviews. Maybe avoid unless you can find the old version that says "Made in Italy" on the box.

5. Omega (Any reccomendations on which one?) Is very similar to Proraso.

6. Taylor of Old Bond (Again reccomendation?) The soaps are less well regarded than the creams, particularly since they were reformulated to a vegetable rather than tallow base.

7. Dr. Harris Marlborough - very well regarded as being easy to lather and having a manly woodsy scent. (I find the scent somewhat similar to Tabac)

8. Arrko - Super easy to use, super slick and cheap like borscht, but some people don't like the smell. I don't care much for it myself, but I can get past if for the great lather.

9. Mikes Natural Shave Soaps - easy, slick, protective lather and a great after-shave feel - great scents. Try some samples.

10. Cella - Cheap if you buy the Kilo, mild almond scent, tons of easy lather. A good one to try.

11. MDC (Martin De Candre) A bit out of my price range.

12. Aqua De Parma - way out of my price range, but if you can find RazoRock XXX on the BST, it is the same thing, but is now discontinued.

I also recommend RazoRock products generally, particularly the artisan soaps, S. Maria, Classic and expecially the XX, which is super easy to get a slick lather from.

Excellent.

Any others to add that are talked about frequently? This i like, it gives a nice breakdown of each. Ive come to see i dont like the Col. Conk Glycerin, And i dont know if that is conk specific or just glycerin in general.

Also, whats it like shaving with the ARRKO stick? Do you rub the stick on the brush? your face? Im curious. Never tried stick shaving.

Also, Proraso Cream vs tub. I just ordered a tube of the cream to throw in with my travel kit. Going to see how that turns out. Is Cream frowned upon as i see very little people reccomending it.

 

[bemiller]

Of your list these are the ones I have tried

1. Tabac - Probably the easiest soap I have to lather and I personally love the scent but you have to accept that it is oldschool powdery floral/rose. This is not what I would consider contemporary.

2. Mitchells Wool Fat - When I got it, I got it, when I don't, I don't. Some days I have amazing lather and some days it just doesn't work out for me. It is the only soap I have that is literally brush-dependent (i.e., I can only use a certain brush to get it right). The scent is nice and light (floral) and the ingredients are top notch. Very moisturizing too.

4. AoS Sandlewood (What exactly does sandlewood smell Like?) - I haven't tried this soap but sandalwood to me is a slightly sweet, slightly woody, creamy scent (however it varies dramatically by product)... sandalwood is one of my favorite scents when done right (imo, refer to Saint Charles Shave sandalwood soap, EDT, or AS for reference of awesome well-done sandalwood)

6. Taylor of Old Bond (Again reccomendation?) Never used their soaps but I was personally not a fan of the creams. I've tried several and they don't lather well for me. The scents are nice though (I liked Mr. Taylor, Almond and James St.)

9. Mikes Natural Shave Soaps - Very easy to lather for me, I only have experience with their Vetiver soap which is unbelievably strong-scented. I love it and am very happy with it.

I would also add Strop Shoppe as an awesome contender (I have personally tried Black Tie w/ tallow and Lavender w/out tallow and both are excellent strong scents and extremely easy to lather).

Also, shaving with a stick for me is not pleasant. I don't like the sensation of it at all, you rub the stick on your face and for me it just feels weird and I hate lathering that way. In my experience I have gotten Palmolive and Speick sticks and milled them both down into tubs. Both are excellent (and inexpensive) tallow based soaps as well.

In response to your Proraso Cream question, I wasn't a fan, personally. Found it to be a mediocre lather-er and to me straight mint is not really a great scent to shave with (personal preference).

 

[mharris127]

Welcome to BB! What I do with my soaps is after im done I turn the mug upside down so the water doesn't pool on it. But you can only do that if yuou have the soap baked (microwaved - 15 sec) to your mug

DO NOT MICROWAVE PRORASO SOAPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You will ruin the soap. Do not microwave any tallow soap nor any soap that isn't glycerin based (usually translucent or transparent in nature). I would just leave the cap off for a while (probably a few days). You can gently hold the soap in and hold the container on its side over a sink to allow excess water to drain off as well -- I had to do this with Proraso green once when I was using it every other day for a couple of weeks.

I agree that Proraso is a great choice for a noob. It is relatively easy to lather and is economical to use, Nationwide Campus had tubs for $5.99 plus shipping recently, in my experience a tub will last for approximately 60 shaves. Even if we allow for a high estimate of $10 that is only about 17 cents per shave, cheaper exists but that isn't exorbitant. With a cheap blade such as Astra DE blades ($9 per 100 shipped) or the Atra blade clone sold at Dollar General ($1.50 for 6) and two shaves per blade for Astra and four for Atra (about what my experience is) you are at 9-12 cents for a blade. The per shave cost of a razor and brush per shave (I can get a couple hundred shaves out of a $5 Burma Shave brush, a good brand will last for decades and the razor should last for years or even decades -- I have razors that were made in the 1940's) is miniscule if you take care of your equipment so with Proraso you are only at approximately 30 cents per shave. If you are an aftershave person you can add a couple of cents per use for Aqua Velva, bringing the total to 32-35 cents per shave -- definitely cheaper than the Mach 3 or Fusion by a country mile.