First try with a soap

[gasdoc]

This afternoon I made my first attempt at shaving with a soap. Had a sample of stirling 'barbershop' and just had to try it out. Here are a few thoughts...

1) I can smell the fat. I know some people say that you can't, and some say you can. Well I can. I also smell the talc-like scent of the barbershop and it isn't bad, but when it's on my face, I can smell the fat.

2) I apparently have a lot to learn about lathering a soap. I have read the two stickies and the wiki and watched lots of you-tube vids, but I still suck at it. Took me a long time. Tried to face lather and tried to lather up right on top of the puck in the container. Neither was very effective. Eventually I got a nice slick lather on my face and got a pretty comfortable shave out of it, but it was NOT graceful or efficient.

3) I really had no idea how long a soap can last but I was surprised at how much is still left of that little 1/4 puck even after I scrubbed on it for what seemed like 3 or 4 minutes over the course of my shave.

4) I will continue to try the soaps and use up my samples. I have a few pucks coming from Mike's at some point in the next month or so; will try those too. However, given how quickly and beautifully my new jar of AoS ocean kelp cream lathered up, I may just stick to creams or croaps. I guess we shall see which way the wind blows next shave.

Warm lather to all, and to all a close shave.
Matt

 

[bassopotamus]

1. Never noticed that, but my nose isn't very sensitive
2. It takes some practice. Start with a brush that isn't too wet, load for a long time (I usually go for 150 swirls or so), and gradually add water (when face lathering, just dip the tips occasionally as you build).
3. I have a hoarding problem, but i've never finished a soap. I'd guess you could get 25 shaves out of a Stirling Puck.
4. I've not spent much time with creams, but once you get the hang of it, lathering soap is kind of fun. Stirling is a great soap. Keep at it.

 

[Ru4scuba?]

Welcome to the soap board! A lot of folks have the same experience as you the first time they swirl a soap. Follow Jim's tutorial on how to lather a soap in the sticky section....drier brush than you would expect to start. Or look up Marco's method if you're using Italian soft soaps or "croaps"

good do luck and post your results!

 

[jrtaster]

some shavers, like me, find trying to get the optimal lather from other than a full size puck a real challenge.
I can rarely make a buy decision on a sample size experience
which is probably why some many shave soaps end up as shower soaps

 

[es99]

I am with you on being able to smell the fat, but, personally I do not mind. Also, for whatever it's worth, some of the soaps have much, much less of the fat smell.

 

[gasdoc]

I am with you on being able to smell the fat, but, personally I do not mind. Also, for whatever it's worth, some of the soaps have much, much less of the fat smell.

When you say "some of the soaps," do you mean from other vendors or other scents from stirling? If other vendors, which ones in particular?

Thanks.