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Just when I was going to forsake soaps for creams.

Dozer

Dozer

I've got really hard water here, and have always had issues with soaps. I've wanted to be a soap guy, if that makes any sense. There are still some big names I haven't tried (Tabac and MWF are still high on my list, but not holding out for the MWF due to the hard water). And recently I was thinking that I would just have to start using creams almost exclusively. But then, Cella came to the rescue. While technically a soft soap, I got a great lather with minimal effort this morning. So while I think I'm going to start using creams more, I'll still be s soap user. Also I'm still going to get Tabac in the next couple of monnths.

What makes you a soap guy? I think I wanted to be soap guy becuase it's "more" traditional. I am practical however, and if I need to use creams for better shaves, I guess I will.
 
intotheforge

intotheforge

I waste less product when I use soaps. I still have plenty of lather left in the brush when using soaps; but nothing like the excess I get from creams. That's one reason I like soaps better. I also like that I can keep them in an open container and not have to worry about anything changing other than the strength of the scent. I still use creams and soft soaps; but I prefer the harder soaps.
 
Dozer

Dozer

intotheforge said:
I waste less product when I use soaps. I still have plenty of lather left in the brush when using soaps; but nothing like the excess I get from creams. That's one reason I like soaps better. I also like that I can keep them in an open container and not have to worry about anything changing other than the strength of the scent. I still use creams and soft soaps; but I prefer the harder soaps.
Click to expand...

It's definitely a YMMV thing. It just takes soo much soap to make lather with most soaps. I mean it's hard to load the brush enough. If I move somewhere with softer water, I'm sure I'll put more soaps back in my rotation.
 
Dozer

Dozer

beardybrewer

beardybrewer

For my milage, I feel more slickness with the (tallow) soaps I've tried compared to creams. But I only have a small collection of 10 or so products to go between. :biggrin1:
 
djh

djh

I enjoy the lather which I make from soap more than that which comes from cream. Not sure if it is entirely in my head, but I believe that the shaving is better. With practice, you should find that loading enough soap will enable you to make great lather with any kind of water.
 
SliceOfLife

SliceOfLife

Soaps lather better for me. I lather with minimal air and maximum water, so creams (which have air whipped into them) start at a disadvantage. So far I've only found one I consider worth using.
 
mattdenicola

mattdenicola

I'm certainly no expert, but I also find the lather from soap to be noticable superior. I think there is a lot more "buildability" to the lather - if that is a word. Not that you can't titrate your water ratio in a cream, but the spectrum seems to be broader with soaps. Sure, soaps take longer, but I like having the control so I can build the lather to that shave's specific needs. For me, creams tend to just explode a similar lather right off the bat every time, when maybe I want it to be a bit different.

Plus, soaps seem perfectly suited for face lathering, which is what I prefer.

Oh, and not that it's a big thing, but they are also very easy to transport, as they don't count as "gels" at the security checkpoints.

And I think the OP was alluding to this - but there is just something about "building" the lather that is simultaneously focusing, reflective, and satisfying. In comparison, creams might as well turn into lather spontaneously in the bowl.
 
kskwerl

kskwerl

I had the same issue as OP, my water was rock hard and Cella was the one that lathered with the least effort. I'm staying at a friends house now and their water is like slimy soft, it's awesome to lather with but its almost too soft
 
gash

gash

mattdenicola said:
I'm certainly no expert, but I also find the lather from soap to be noticable superior. I think there is a lot more "buildability" to the lather - if that is a word. Not that you can't titrate your water ratio in a cream, but the spectrum seems to be broader with soaps. Sure, soaps take longer, but I like having the control so I can build the lather to that shave's specific needs. For me, creams tend to just explode a similar lather right off the bat every time, when maybe I want it to be a bit different.

Plus, soaps seem perfectly suited for face lathering, which is what I prefer.

Oh, and not that it's a big thing, but they are also very easy to transport, as they don't count as "gels" at the security checkpoints.

And I think the OP was alluding to this - but there is just something about "building" the lather that is simultaneously focusing, reflective, and satisfying. In comparison, creams might as well turn into lather spontaneously in the bowl.
Click to expand...

I like the logic and thoroughness of your explanation.
 
RevSmoke

RevSmoke

I have seriously hard water and love my MWF, get a great lath. Simply put some water on the puck of MWF and let is sit while in the shower. Love it!
 
carldamnit

carldamnit

Have you tried shaving sticks?
You rub the stick on your face, plenty of product. Then face lather with a wet brush.
I don't think you can go wrong with this. The lather won't look as pretty as working it in a bowl for 5 minutes, but it sure does the job.
 
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