Soap vs Cream

[tam.audio]

I recently started wet shaving with a DE and brush and have been reading through this forum (because of the wealth of knowledge) and currently use Taylor of Old Bond Street cream. My question(s) then is: What's the major difference between soap and cream? Why do people use one over the other?


Kyle

 

[Kyle]

I recently started wet shaving with a DE and brush and have been reading through this forum (because of the wealth of knowledge) and currently use Taylor of Old Bond Street cream. My question(s) then is: What's the major difference between soap and cream? Why do people use one over the other?


Kyle

Welcome to B&B, and what a great friggin' name!

Creams tend to lather more easily and will produce a more moisturizing lather. Soaps typically require a little more work, but usually provide a somewhat closer shave.

Some gents will base the choice on time of year (soaps in the summer & creams in the winter). They do this, operating under the logic that in winter (air is dryer) they will want a more moisturizing lather to keep their skin from drying out.

For me personally, it is more of a matter of mood and/or availability of certain scents in one format or the other.

 

[roughrider]

Majority of the guys here use both creams and soaps.

 

[Scotto]

I use and enjoy both. Variety is the spice of life, after all. They will produce slightly different lathers, though. Best to play around and see what suits you.

 

[guenron]

Until I came to the forums I was a died in the wool soaper. None of that greasy kids stuff for me. Now I probably have almost as many creams as soaps.

 

[woodbane]

From a relative n00b's point of view I have to agree that creams most definitely appear easier to lather.

To date I have only tried one soap, some 'Porter's Lemon & Witch Hazel' that came with my badger brush and mug set. To say it's sh*t would be an understatement!

I will probably try another soap from a more reputable line to see if I fare any better, however I am thus far firmly in the Cream camp. (oo-er, that sounds kind of rude now that I've read it back! )

Also, correct me if I'm wrong gentlemen, but you will almost surely have better success at getting good lather from a soap if it has glycerin in it. Methinks that was probably the issue with my aforementioned soap, no glycerin.

 

[guenron]

From a relative n00b's point of view I have to agree that creams most definitely appear easier to lather.

To date I have only tried one soap, some 'Porter's Lemon & Witch Hazel' that came with my badger brush and mug set. To say it's sh*t would be an understatement!

I will probably try another soap from a more reputable line to see if I fare any better, however I am thus far firmly in the Cream camp. (oo-er, that sounds kind of rude now that I've read it back! )

Also, correct me if I'm wrong gentlemen, but you will almost surely have better success at getting good lather from a soap if it has glycerin in it. Methinks that was probably the issue with my aforementioned soap, no glycerin.

Correctomundo! Without glycerine there is no joy...

 

[woodbane]

Ron, I'm going to have to nickname you:

Ron "he who gets in a reply to Andy's musings within 5 minutes" lathermeister!

 

[guenron]

Ron, I'm going to have to nickname you:

Ron "he who gets in a reply to Andy's musings within 5 minutes" lathermeister!