Shaving soap vs cream from a beginner's perspective.

[Jason T.]

Hi, this is my very first posting here so your help will be appreciated.

From recommendations from a friend, Ive decided to bin the unpleseant canned stuff and buy some proper shaving cream.

I went to Geo F. Trumpers in Jermyn Street, Central London and purchased a Super Badger brush and a tub of GFT Shaving Cream.

After trying it out for the first time, Ive noticed a drastic improvement in comfort and the quality of the shave (though Im using a Gillette Mach 3 razor). I just wanted to know if the shave could be even better if I was to use a hard shaving soap, or sticking with the cream.

 

[htownmmm]

Welcome to B&B Jason!

You should stick with the cream(excellent choice!) for now and continue working on your technique and lather building skills. The soaps will be there once/when u r ready.


marty

 

[Jason T.]

Thanks! I also like to try using a double-edge razor, but the man in the shop advised to continue with the Mach3 while I improve my technique like you mention. I will also take a look at the threads on double-edge razors.

 

[Alaskan Eagle]

Welcome to B&B! Go ahead pick up a DE razor and go to town.

 

[Leche]

I would get a DE first than buy soaps. Us soap users find them vastly superior, slicker, and more cost effective.

 

[sanuginz]

I'd research the DE and buy one. Start with creams and then move to soaps.

 

[Mr. Igg]

i'd research the de and buy one. Start with creams and then move to soaps.

+1

 

[rbaloha]

IMO creams and soaps each provide close and comfortable shaves.

Creams are less messy and lather quicker. Soaps may provide a denser lather (but if this is important just use more cream). The other qualities important to de shavers are pretty much the same. However soaps have a huge advantage in price.

 

[treebeard]

I have been using shaving soaps for over 10 years and have never tried a shaving cream, so I can't comment on how they compare or if it's easier to build a quality lather with one compared to the other.

What I can say is that building a quality lather with a hard soap is not rocket science. There are a lot of great tutorials and instructions on here that walk you through the process very thoroughly.

If there's a soap you want to try - and there are a lot of fantastic soaps out there - then try it.

And I used a brush, soap, and cartridge razor for years before making the leap to a DE. I'm so glad I finally did it. It's not as intimidating as you might think provided you do the research on technique and take the time for carefully implement that technique.

Good luck!

 

[Jason T.]

And I used a brush, soap, and cartridge razor for years before making the leap to a DE. I'm so glad I finally did it. It's not as intimidating as you might think provided you do the research on technique and take the time for carefully implement that technique.

Good luck!

Hiya. Ive just ordered my very first DE razor. I bought it off eBay for £10. Its a Parker Interceptor razor and came with 6 Feather blades.

 

[adonnellyr]

Make sure you scour this site until you receive it, devouring every tip you can. That's what many of us here have done, and as a result, the transition can often be quite seamless (just don't be discouraged if it takes some getting used to).

 

[Random Nerd]

Hiya. Ive just ordered my very first DE razor. I bought it off eBay for £10. Its a Parker Interceptor razor and came with 6 Feather blades.

If the Parker doesn't work out for you, don't assume that all DEs are like that. Parker razors tend to be... eccentric, and most people seem to get better results from either a new Merkur or an old Gillette.

 

[Lavaine]

Congrats on the move to wetshaving. I made the switch to wetshaving with a Mach3 more than a year before I bought my first DE. One of the big shaving retailers had me convinced that I was better off sticking with my cartridge than switching to a DE ("those are for people who like nostalgia, they won't give you a better shave"). I think the reality is that he wanted me to buy one of the overpriced fancy cartridge razors they sold. Then I found B&B, and it all changed. Now I found myself searching antique stores and B/S/T for good buys, and keep discovering great new shaving e-tailers. I haven't saved ay money switching to a DE, but I'm having WAY more fun, and getting better, irritation free shaves.
Oh ya, as to your question. I'm using both creams and soaps right now, having recently started with soaps. I don't have a preference yet, but I am also still able to make a better lather with cream. I still need more practice with the soaps.