Mike's Natural Shave Soaps

[k2clones29]

After reading some high reviews, I ordered some soaps from Mike. I had my first shave with it today, and I gotta say the hype is warranted! I got BBS with zero effort. Great protection, great performance, and terrific scent. The tin is a nice touch.

Here's my issue: how much water does this soap need? I kept adding water, and I couldn't get the air pockets out. The soap still worked, but I was afraid of adding more water. What has been your experience with this soap and the amount of water it requires?

 

[SEnSE]

If you're having air pockets then I'd suggest loading more soap.

 

[BladeDE40]

+1 on more load time. I find Mikes does require a good amount of drink to satisfy it's thirst.

 

[Predict]

If you're having air pockets then I'd suggest loading more soap.

+1 if you havent already, try puuting some water on the puck for a few minute before you load your brush. it softens the soap and makes it easier to load

 

[cluelessdude]

What do you mean by air pockets?

 

[k2clones29]

What do you mean by air pockets?

I mean the the lather is lighter than ideal. The issue isn't the amount of soap. I had enough lather left over to do another three-pass shave after I finished my own three-pass shave. The issue is that the soap never really formed into that dense, thick, creamy lather. I was able to get it stable enough so it wasn't breaking down, but I felt like it still had some more mixing to go. But as I said, I had loaded a ton of water into the soap already. I didn't want to add too much, so I stopped. This one is going to have to go through some trial lathers.

 

[Watasha]

I always start with a fairly dry brush no matter what I'm using, you can always put water in but you can't take it out. When using Mike's I always load for 60 seconds or more & I don't add anymore water than I usually do with anything else, despite some saying it is a "thirsty" soap. I think you might actually be using TOO MUCH water.

 

[cryhavoc]

As the others have said, you probably need to load more soap. Mike's is thirsty so you may have to do a couple of practice lathers so find your sweet spot. Glad you enjoy the soap, Mike's is my favorite.

 

[jazzguy]

Start with less water in your brush. I mean get it as dry as you can and then add water as you lather.

 

[SEnSE]

I mean the the lather is lighter than ideal. The issue isn't the amount of soap. I had enough lather left over to do another three-pass shave after I finished my own three-pass shave. The issue is that the soap never really formed into that dense, thick, creamy lather. I was able to get it stable enough so it wasn't breaking down, but I felt like it still had some more mixing to go. But as I said, I had loaded a ton of water into the soap already. I didn't want to add too much, so I stopped. This one is going to have to go through some trial lathers.

There's a difference between lather and soap. I can load a soap for 15s and still end up with a ton of thin, airy lather. Or I can load a soap for 45-60s, get tons of soap on the brush and make the dense and creamy lather I like. It just doesn't look as prolific in the lather shots that many take showing what is honestly airy & thin lather.

 

[mhdena]

Those lather pictures give many the wrong idea. IMO

 

[OccamsBadger]

I find that Mike's works best loading with a damp, not wet brush. I bowl lather it and just keep adding a few drops at a time until it's right. When it was new to me, I'd overshoot and get too airy a lather. Sounds like you might be adding a bit too much water. When you get it right, you'll know. Mike's is a great soap.

 

[k2clones29]

After some trial lathers, I think I got it! My forearm is about the size of Popeye's, but it was worth it.

 

[Jefebadskin]

There it is!

 

[celestino]

I find that Mike's works best loading with a damp, not wet brush. I bowl lather it and just keep adding a few drops at a time until it's right. When it was new to me, I'd overshoot and get too airy a lather. Sounds like you might be adding a bit too much water. When you get it right, you'll know. Mike's is a great soap.

+1 Congrats on the success. Enjoy the soap as it is fantastic!

 

[k2clones29]

+1 Congrats on the success. Enjoy the soap as it is fantastic!

Used it again this morning. Gotta say it was a great soap. Good protection and nice glide. The one thing I liked about it is the same reason why I like Mystic Waters. The lathers in both soaps feel like they are clinging to the individual hairs so that when you glide over lather, the hairs stay attach to the lather. Makes shaving much easier! This was only my second shave, but I'm pretty high on this soap. I may have to do a head-to-head between the two soaps.

 

[bwhite]

I just bought one of Mike's new sticks they look awesome packaging looks great also. I have one of his tins orange pepper and love the smooth shaves I get with that soap.

 

[Brewshooter]

I have a couple of his soaps on the way, can't wait to try them.!

 

[shamful7]

Ive been wanting to try mikes for awhile but im in love with arko at the moment I love the manly smell of it. Would you all say mikes is the best you can get for the price.

 

[Link8382]

I usually fill the tin with hot water and let it sit while I prep everything else. When I am ready to shave I dump out the water shake off my brush well and it lathers perfectly. Mikes lathers wonderfully on the face as well. Mikes lime was posted in my sotd for today.