For the last few shaves I couldn't get a decent lather so I decided to pay more attention and go back to basics.
This is what going back to basics means to me when preparing lather:
1. Soak the brush for 2 to 3 minutes in a cup (I never soak the handle).
2. Pour about a teaspoon of water over the puck of soap (Tabac) and leave for 2 to 3 minutes while washing face...etc.
3. Shake/squeeze (personal preference on how much) some of the water from the brush.
4. Lap the brush over the puck for 10 to 15 seconds.
5. Pour a teaspoon of water on puck, lap and repeat one more time for a total time of approximately 30-45 seconds.
I face lather and tested the following three brushes: Simpson Berkeley in Best, Simpson Colonel in Best, Shavemac 177 23mm Silvertip.
The brushes' size and density vary and all three passed the five-pass-test with flying colors. I have a lot of face and after five passes I had enough lather left for possible touch ups. The quality of the lather on the last pass was as good as the first pass.
In the next couple of days I will test other brushes including some boar brushes.
Anyone interested running your brushes through the five-pass-test, feel free to post your findings here.
This is what going back to basics means to me when preparing lather:
1. Soak the brush for 2 to 3 minutes in a cup (I never soak the handle).
2. Pour about a teaspoon of water over the puck of soap (Tabac) and leave for 2 to 3 minutes while washing face...etc.
3. Shake/squeeze (personal preference on how much) some of the water from the brush.
4. Lap the brush over the puck for 10 to 15 seconds.
5. Pour a teaspoon of water on puck, lap and repeat one more time for a total time of approximately 30-45 seconds.
I face lather and tested the following three brushes: Simpson Berkeley in Best, Simpson Colonel in Best, Shavemac 177 23mm Silvertip.
The brushes' size and density vary and all three passed the five-pass-test with flying colors. I have a lot of face and after five passes I had enough lather left for possible touch ups. The quality of the lather on the last pass was as good as the first pass.
In the next couple of days I will test other brushes including some boar brushes.
Anyone interested running your brushes through the five-pass-test, feel free to post your findings here.
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