The week of Williams has begun!

[DougK]

For those new to the thread, I suggested last week that we do a week of shaving with Williams for those of us willing to attempt it. Because we didn't want to conflict with the week of glycerin soap and the also-running week of Van der Spice, we decided to start the week of Williams on January 18 at midnight (for whichever time zone you're in). That day is here at last

I will forthrightly admit that while I have been able to shave, and shave well, with Williams in the past, I've never really been able to get a great lather with it. Today's shave, however, was something else. I soaked my puck of Williams in a mug and my VdH boar brush in a bowl while I took a leisurely shower this morning, then poured out the water, squeezed out the brush, and loaded the brush for about 30 or 40 swirls. I then stuck the brush in my lathering bowl with a couple of drops of hot water and went to work.

Much to my surprise, within 30 seconds I had enough thick, rich, lemony lather for my normal two-pass-plus-touch-up shave. Smooth and slick, my razor glided easily, with no facial tightness or dryness after rinsing. My wife even commented, saying "Wow, which soap did you use this morning? You smell great!" Definitely a promising start to the week.

I look forward to reading about everyone's experiences with Williams this week!

 

[Navig8tor]

01-18-2010
00:30 GMT (5:30 EST)
36 Degrees Fahrenheit
Wind: 6 Knots WSW
Barometer: 29.9 and rising.
Gillette Red Tip
Personna Red Blade
Omega Best Badger Brush

As we left port all signs point to a good cruise.
The Williams whipped up nicely and provided a comforting 3 pass shave.
The men were glad for the fresh scent and happy in the knowledge that the money saved on Williams was sure to be spent on grog.
To celebrate the first day all were given a liberal splash of Aqua Velva to finish off a fine shave.

 

[Saltchuck]

The Week of Williams has begun! I put a little hot water on the puck while I showered and soaked my brush. Then, just before lathering, I poured a little water from the hot pot on the puck. I shook out my Omega 80097 brush well, poured the water off the puck, and loaded the brush, spending maybe 20 or 30 seconds on the puck. I face lathered as usual, and the first layer went on pretty thick and dry (sticky). Then I started dipping my brush in the sink and building the lather on my face. I was surprised by how much water it took. Topgumby was right, Williams will take a *lot* of water and be the better for it. The result? Lots of thick, creamy, tallowy lather goodness. I use a brush scuttle (made in Germany, found by my wife in an antique mall), and it did a great job of keeping the lather warm for the 2nd and 3rd passes.

The result? A fantastic shave, very nearly BBS. No cuts, no nicks, no weepers. I used a Ball End Nickel Tech with a Made-in-St Petersburg Gillette Green Pack blade, and finished off with another American icon from way-back-when, Mennen Skin Bracer.

Like the Top says, Williams may not be a top-drawer product, and it's not the only soap in my shave den, but I love that rich creamy lather, and it delivers a fine shave. It could use a little more slickness, but even so it delivers an enjoyable shave.

 

[Moe]

Merkur 34C (HD) with new Red Pack Personna blade, Rooney 3/1 Pure Badger brush
21 Jan 2010 11:00AM EST (Hey, it's a holiday)
Shower, dry off, apply deodorant
Brush set soaking in hot water in mug
Lather bowl and soap dish submerged in hot water in sink
Hot water applied from sink to face with wash cloth for about 2 minutes
Soap dish retrieved from sink, brush retrieved from mug and squeezed out
Twenty or so swirls to load soap in brush
paid particular attention to get soap down in center of bristles
Lather bowl retrieved from sink and drained, lather whipped up for 2-3 minutes,
dipping brush tip in sink periodically to add water. Nice fluffy lather.
Applied lather for two minutes or so, scrubbing bristle tips into skin.
WTG, XTG, ATG, followed by very light J-Hooking and Blade Buffing
Hot water rinse, pat dry, Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel
Clean up/cool-down followed by a splash of Aqua Velva, no cold water
BBS result, no nicks, weepers, or irritation.
Breakfast at 11:30AM

This is actually my second day of Williams, yesterday being done with a USA Personna on its fifth shave. No pulling, nicks, or weepers then either, but some very minor irritation cured by a few splashes of Thayers throughout the day.

I see learning to use Williams Mug Soap like learning to drive a manual transmission vehicle. VDH is like an automatic transmission--easy, excellent results, but no real challenge.

 

[Schwert]

Williams has been one of my weekly choice soaps since last summer. I have never been able to understand all the difficulties some see to have lathering it as it has always provided plenty of lather for me and a classic scent.


First shave of the week....Williams cake in one of my old....Old Spice mugs hit with a half-teaspoon of hot water for a presoak. Scrubbed up with my restored EverReady with Best badger, whiskers sliced clean off with my Fat-handled Tech loaded with a fresh Feather. Excellent abundant clean-smelling lather--super shave.

Topped it off with Nivea:Speick ASB 95:5. Good start to the week.

 

[mblakele]

Williams
Penworks STR1-22
Norpro scuttle
Merkur vintage slant (Chessman)
Derby Extra blade (4)
Alum
Witch hazel
Pinaud Clubman

DFS - another bloodless day with the dreaded slant, and this time with Williams. I'm neutral on the scent. It seemed easy to lather, and I overloaded my brush to ensure plenty of it. At the start of my shave the lather bowl was overflowing, but in the end I had just enough left to help rinse the stubble out of the sink. The lather seemed protective, but I noticed that it would disappear completely on contact with water. Perhaps I can do even better tomorrow.

Normally I would change out the blade after three shaves, but this Derby seems to go on and on. Maybe it's the slant. Anyway I'm going to leave it alone until I notice signs of dullness.

 

[Greybeard]

I've used Williams many times in the past. I keep mine uncovered in a ramekin where it's been for the last 6 months. I find that the scent has toned down over that time and it doesn't bother me anyway. Although I prefer other soaps, I don't understand the hate. It's a more than adequate product that I've never had any problems with and has always given me a good shave.

I soak my Omega boar in hot water in a cup while I'm showering. I also cover my puck of Williams with hot water. After the shower I let my Omega drip over the sink until it stops. I don't shake it out. I pour the water out of the ramekin and then lather directly on the puck. After about a minute I have enough thick, slick lather for a 3 pass shave. I then apply it in circular motions and finish by painting.

Today I used:
My Slim adjustable set on 6.
New Astra SP blade
Witch Hazel
Mennen Skin Bracer

Near BBS. My skin was a touch dry but I didn't feel like using a balm.



- Peter

 

[masonjarjar]

I see learning to use Williams Mug Soap like learning to drive a manual transmission vehicle. VDH is like an automatic transmission--easy, excellent results, but no real challenge.

yup.. and then you have guys complaining that the "car sucks" because they can't figure out how to drive it..

 

[Chevyguy]

After soaking the williams and my boar brush in hot water for a half hour I dumped the water and shook out my brush. Went to loading my brush from my old spice mug and it basically exploded with tallowy lather. I then moved on to my lather bowel where I added about a tablespoon of hot water from my sink basin and went on to whipping up enough lather to do a two pass shave on both my face and my head. I ended up with a shave that was irritation free and DFS on my face, and BBS on my head. I used my 65' slim adjustable with a lord super chrome on my face, and my schick quattro on my head. Followed up with a cold water rinse, an application of witch hazel, and a splash of aqua velva ice blue. After todays shave I feel like I could use williams everyday with no problem. With tabac like lather and being priced just below a dollar it's a real value.

Clayton

 

[Moe]

After todays shave I feel like I could use williams everyday with no problem.

Well then, join the rest of us here and do it for a week. Sounds like you got this thing whipped--not the other way around.

 

[Chevyguy]

Well then, join the rest of us here and do it for a week. Sounds like you got this thing whipped--not the other way around.

No problem with that Moe, signed up on Friday.

Clayton

 

[JCD]

Lol the first week of Williams and I get distracted, look behind me in the mirror and get my first DE cut and I don't mean a weeper I mean a crybaby.
Bled out for a couple min then washed up almost undetectable but I'm gonna have to be careful around that spot tomorrow. Other than the distraction error Williams provided a DFS.

 

[DunEdinRanger]

I shaved this afternoon with Williams.

The Set Up:

Merkur Open Comb Barber Pole with a Red Pack Personna Blade.

Like DougK I soaked my first brush, the Burma Shave Boar Brush in hot water while I showered. I dropped some hot water on the puck.

After the shower, I proceeded to lather up. At first, all I was generating was a runny, watery mess. But in short order, just before suffering Carpal Tunnel Syndrome from whipping the brush, there was an explosion of lather.

Three passes later - BBS. And of course, had to follow it up with Williams AS.

Now I understand the rave. Sign me up for the Williams Fan Club.

 

[Topgumby]

Well, I was a little hesitant about the Week of Williams, as I confess, sometimes the lather I get dries up pretty quick, but just as I was thinking of chickening out...

Lil' Gunny came screaming across the counter and started kicking my den apart..."Are you trying to wimp out? Grab this box of Williams and give me about twenty minutes to get your shave in order, numbrush!"

What could I say but, "Aye, aye Lil' Gunny!" I hesitated a moment. "What brush should I use with Williams, Lil' Gunny?"

"Are you trying to be cute?" Lil' Gunny roared. "Get your Omega #49 and fall in! Get that puck in that mug! Soak that Omega in real hot water for a few minutes, and agitate it! Get some hot water on my beloved Williams! Use more water than you think is needed, and more soap! Now, you disgusting can of goo, start your prep! I'll get started on loading this brush, since you couldn't load anything but your trousers with that lump of lard you sit on!"

I started washing up, and began to suspect this shave wasn't going to be as relaxing as I'd hoped.

"What other gear should I use, Lil' Gunny?" I asked, and braced myself for the torrent of abuse that was sure to follow.

"Where were you when they were issuing brains, you worthless sack of Fusions? Grab these Sharks, and take this Krona! You have to take that razor like you mean it, sweet-pea, because I won't give a Schick!"

To my surprise, soaking that brush in piping hot water and using more water and product produced "A Lasting Lather!"

I face lathered and let the lather sit for two minutes while Lil' Gunny made me do bends and thrusts. I then refreshed the lather and made my first pass. It was outstanding! I was going to tell Lil' Gunny how motivated I was, but he was thirsty.

"What have you got to drink in this place? ARRGHHH! LILAC VEGETAL? Are you trying to kill somebody with this noxious stuff? Take that!"

I had to save my LV from Lil' Gunny and his sword. I finished the shave, and the hydrated Omega produced a good thick Williams lather for every pass. I turned to thank Lil' Gunny for his help, and that's when I found out he'd raided the juice locker and got all my Bay Rum.

"Yeah, that's me, one foot of twisted steel and sex appeal," I heard him say to the blonde, "and I'm always BBS, it's the magic of plastic...No, you dizzy dame, I'm not a doll, I'm an action figure!"

I left those two alone, and pondered what I'd learned...

• Hot water for the boar brush
• Hot water on the puck
• Use more soap and water than you think you'll need
• Don't stop when you get that airy lather...keep adding water and product!
• Lil' Gunny don't rock the Veg
• I'm ready for this week of Williams. Bring it on!

 

[synapticmisfires]

I don't think I used enough water. My lather was pretty weak. I keep falling for the trick of believing that I already have too much water, when I think actually I'm just not using enough to draw the product out of the brush. Sadly I didn't realize until after my shave when I lathered my whole face thrice over with just my dregs from the brush.

That said, I made a couple of really quick passes anyway and only got a couple of little nicks: this may seem bad, but I usually get this many or more on every shave. I was rushing around so I didn't even remember aftershave. I certainly didn't give Williams a fair shake today, and it still performed passably.

I'm gonna get my ratio down better and keep trying, this is maybe the most amateurish Williams' lather I've gotten so I know it gets better. In fact, one of my best lathers ever was with Williams and proper prep. This is gonna be a fun week.

Edit: And the best part is that since the puck is getting on in the months and is no longer bone dry, it stinks less than it used to, and I do mean that literally.

 

[faster_than_u]

Tomorrow after work will be my first shave of the week sorry i couldnt start today.

 

[mblakele]

I soak my Omega boar in hot water in a cup while I'm showering. I also cover my puck of Williams with hot water. After the shower I let my Omega drip over the sink until it stops. I don't shake it out. I pour the water out of the ramekin and then lather directly on the puck.

Thanks, that sounds like a good technique for ensuring that you have enough water. I'm going to try something like that tomorrow.

 

[Saltchuck]

Well, I was a little hesitant about the Week of Williams, as I confess, sometimes the lather I get dries up pretty quick, ...
...

• Hot water for the boar brush
• Hot water on the puck
• Use more soap and water than you think you'll need
• Don't stop when you get that airy lather...keep adding water and product!

My technique with Williams is a little different. I soak the puck and the brush just like the Top, but then I shake my brush out good before loading up the brush. Once I get the brush loaded up, I start face lathering. At that point the lather is way too dry to shave with. It's kinda "sticky". But that's okay at this stage. Then I dip my brush in hot water and work it into the lather on my face. It does take lots of water! Lots! Keep adding water that way, a little at a time, until you get rich, creamy, moist lather on your face. Your brush will be full of that rich, creamy, moist, tallowy goodness too. With this technique you bypass the "airy lather" stage.

This morning I had plenty of lather for 4 passes, probably more. I did add more water for the 3rd pass, but didn't need to go back to the puck.

There is more that one way to build good lather from Williams. This is just one way that works for me.

Williams. It's not just for Marines. Real Navy men (not foo-foo navy men) use Williams too. I'll take Williams to sea with me any day.

 

[Topgumby]

I'll have to try that, Saltchuck.

Don't worry about any friction between the retired sailors and retired Marines. We are all old fogeys together!

 

[Storer50]

Recently picked up a puck of Williams at an antique shop. The box has a bar code, and was made in NJ. I don't believe it is very old. That being said there is no scent.
yesterdays setup for my first Williams shave ever.
Lots of hot water in the soap mug and on the brush
Gillette Slim
Derby Extra blade
Tweezerman Brush
Proraso pre
Williams Shave Soap in an Avon Gentlemens Regiment mug
Proraso Aftershave Balm

That, gentlemen, was a mighty fine shave. I dont know if the age of the puck had anything to do with it. Maybe it was made before a reformulation? A great, great lather. I just worked it a bit longer than my other soaps. No weepers and very little irritation. round 1 of Williams vs. Van Der Spice goes to Williams. HAs anyone ever melted a puck of Williams? I had no success on my candlewarmer.