My MWF Story

[blindmouse]

I got my puck this spring, while I was house sitting. It was incredible. Thick cushiony lather and plenty slick. Used it every day for two weeks.

I got home, and I can't get it to work at all. I know the difference is that the house I was sitting had a water softener. Tried it again today and it was just okay. Putting it back up on the shelf for now. Maybe until I move. haha.

 

[Mandina]

I had the same sort of problem, but some experimenting showed that in my changed circumstances a drier-brush method works well (versus the wetter-brush method I previously used). Of course, maybe the opposite approach--or maybe neither approach!--will work for you. Best of luck!

 

[htownmmm]

You can also try using some distilled water.

 

[BrentS]

I found that this made a big difference with my Mystic Waters soap. It was amazing what that little bit of tap water vs bottled water can do to totally change the lather.

You can also try using some distilled water.

 

[Optometrist]

I have very hard water and no issues with MWF. I'm interpreting from your post that your puck has been sitting idle for some months without use? If you haven't already done so, try soaking the puck in luke warm water for half hour or so, and then try loading your brush in a slightly damp state.

 

[noahpictures]

I got my puck this spring, while I was house sitting. It was incredible. Thick cushiony lather and plenty slick. Used it every day for two weeks.

I got home, and I can't get it to work at all. I know the difference is that the house I was sitting had a water softener. Tried it again today and it was just okay. Putting it back up on the shelf for now. Maybe until I move. haha.

That's the norm with MWF; after a couple of weeks it becomes more stubborn. Pour warm water on the puck and leave it for a couple of minutes. That should help.

 

[Griffo]

That's the norm with MWF; after a couple of weeks it becomes more stubborn. Pour warm water on the puck and leave it for a couple of minutes. That should help.

Yep I do this. I put warm water into the ceramic bowl and put the top on and let it soak while the brush soaks. Works fine and I get a lovely lather from it, even withthe hard water wehere I live. always use a dryer than wet brush and apply to the face adding water as required.

 

[blindmouse]

Interesting. I'll give that a shot.

 

[Rattray]

The first shave after a while can be tricky. If you keep using it, it will stay hydrated and easily lather. I had it stashed away for summer, dug it out for the upcoming winter. After some soaking and 2 shaves it's fantastic. Having a rather dense/stiff brush does help IMHO.

 

[Teddyboy]

Is it really such a special soap that we go through this nonsense? I am referring to me as well. I keep practicing via palm lathering. Even if I finally get it to work, I probably will not reorder.

 

[Absolute Mustard]

I have never had to treat my MWF any different than my other soaps...

 

[Rattray]

I don't have any issues lathering The Fat, despite pretty hard water. Just in the case mentioned above.

 

[The Kiwi]

I got my puck this spring, while I was house sitting. It was incredible. Thick cushiony lather and plenty slick. Used it every day for two weeks.

I got home, and I can't get it to work at all. I know the difference is that the house I was sitting had a water softener. Tried it again today and it was just okay. Putting it back up on the shelf for now. Maybe until I move. haha.

Pick up a small electric teapot to heat soft water in. I save rain water, and /or water from the dehumidifier, but I also purchase distilled water for the coffee maker. Our water is drawn from a porous layer of limestone called the Edwards Aquifer, and the dissolved Calcium makes it quite "hard", so much so that a flush with vinegar every week is required to keep coffee makers from becoming clogged by the deposits.

I started using soft water on my hair, because I have to shampoo frequently, so this time around, when experimenting with creams and soaps again, I'm using soft water, and probably getting much better lather this go-round (last time I shaved regularly with shaving soaps and creams, 1993, I used the tap water).

 

[jazzguy]

+1. I get better lathers on everything with distilled and my tap water lathers are darn good to begin with.

You can also try using some distilled water.

 

[celestino]

You can also try using some distilled water.

+1

 

[VT_Hokie]

I don't even bother to touch mine anymore. When it's on, it's on. Problem is that you can use it for a week straight and get 5 great shaves and 2 terrible shaves with all other variables remaining the same.

Also have other soaps that perform, smell and leave my skin feeling better so I don't lose sleep over it.

 

[vegaskid74]

I don't even bother to touch mine anymore. When it's on, it's on. Problem is that you can use it for a week straight and get 5 great shaves and 2 terrible shaves with all other variables remaining the same.

Also have other soaps that perform, smell and leave my skin feeling better so I don't lose sleep over it.

+1. It works sometimes, and it doesn't other times. There's nothing special enough about MWF to make it worth the hassle. I do love the scent, though. If anyone can make some MWF scented Cella, I'll buy two or three kilos.

 

[Mike Schutz]

MWF loves to be corressed. If you leave her alone, she turns into a tough old wrinkled bat. Regular attention rewards you.

 

[cdrross]

I was getting ready to PIF mine a while back but then a strange thing happened - I went to face lathering a vol-la! This has went from my least favorite to my favorite. I couldn't get it to lather in a bowl/scuttle for my life however building on the face is great. Who knew?

 

[InHotWater]

Soaking your Mitchell's in the dish for a few minutes does help I find too. It will soften the soap, allowing for easier brush loading. And hydrating it will prevent drying, and cracking of the puck too.