I much prefer the process of using soap over cream, but I've had problem after problem with it. Bear in mind I haven't been using a brush very long. For a while my technique was just off, but today I finally managed to get a decent lather. Unfortunately the other problem I had has remained. The lather breaks down way too fast. By the time I finish my second pass, and I usually do four, it's already evaporting from my face. If I lather up my whole head and start on one side, the lather's gone by the time I get to the other side. Is this a problem common to soaps, or is there still something wrong with my lather technique or is the cheap soap that's all I can get locally to blame?
Soap Woes
- Thread starter sisk
- Start date
What soap are you using? It could be the soap. Typically when the lather breaks down too fast it's a sign of needing more product, but it sounds like you're loading plenty long. Are you soaking your brush and wetting the soap and letting it sit for a few minutes before loading? You might try that. It may help get more soap on your brush while loading. Remember, you need plenty of water (but not too much all at once) while you are loading. You can load a dry puck with a dry brush til the hair falls out and you won't be able to build a decent lather without plenty of water. Try to get it to a thick and pastey consistency and then add water a little bit at a time.
Don't worry, an excellent lather can be built from a soap. It's probably a combination of a less than stellar soap and needing to hone your lathering technique. Keep at it and good luck!
Ben
Don't worry, an excellent lather can be built from a soap. It's probably a combination of a less than stellar soap and needing to hone your lathering technique. Keep at it and good luck!
Ben
+1 to all said above. I'm betting it is just a matter of getting the water ratios correct. If it is drying up on you, it absoultely means you need more water. Indeed, a little bit of water added at a time. Soak the brush ... shake out some water, swirl on the puck until you get it nice and loaded, then either finish in a bowl or on your face, adding even more water until it is good to go. It takes some practice to get it right.
I agree that loading a lot more soap on the brush may be the answer. Try swirling the brush on the soap for a full minute. Also, try putting a teaspoon of water on the soap while you soak your brush. Some soaps work much better when they aren't too dry.
Remember that not every brand of soap works for every shaver. Try mail-ordering one of the artisan soaps that has a reputation for being easy to lather, such as Synergy or Queen Charlotte Soaps or Barrister & Mann. All three are great for learning to lather.
Nick
Remember that not every brand of soap works for every shaver. Try mail-ordering one of the artisan soaps that has a reputation for being easy to lather, such as Synergy or Queen Charlotte Soaps or Barrister & Mann. All three are great for learning to lather.
Nick
- Thread starter
- #5
Actually, VDH soap has a very mixed reputation. The brush is supposed to be even worse, so if you're using the full VDH kit, that may be the reason you're having trouble. Check out this post from the brush forum by a well-respected mod of B&B:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/362025-What-have-I-done?highlight=van+der+hagen
He describes VDH soap as "substandard to almost every other soap I've ever used". While it might be adequate if used with a good brush, it sounds like a poor choice for someone new to lathering soaps.
As I suggested before, try a better soap that you can mail order. Perhaps Barrister and Mann, which is only about $9 a puck and is extremely easy to lather and almost foolproof. It would be a huge step up from VDH.
Nick
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/362025-What-have-I-done?highlight=van+der+hagen
He describes VDH soap as "substandard to almost every other soap I've ever used". While it might be adequate if used with a good brush, it sounds like a poor choice for someone new to lathering soaps.
As I suggested before, try a better soap that you can mail order. Perhaps Barrister and Mann, which is only about $9 a puck and is extremely easy to lather and almost foolproof. It would be a huge step up from VDH.
Nick
My vote is getting the tried and true Tabac. I don't think I've seen anyone complain about its lather ability, or quality of lather. It's a must have product. B&M is very good as well.
More product, more water, more product, more water ... until the lather is just right.
