Today, I Invented "Wilbasol".

[Daiku]

I definitely fall on the cheapskate side of the world of shaving aficionados, and this may be the best discovery I've made yet in terms of quality for the dollar--well, two dollars in this case.

I've been using Williams lately, because it's come back up as a topic here on B&B, and curiosity got the best of me. The biggest complaint about Williams is that it's very tough to lather...well, that and the smell. But no one seems to contest that it's nice and slick. And B&B discussions led me to make another cheapo purchase: a can of Barbasol soothing aloe. I always liked the cushion of Barbasol, which I used in my cart days, but I found it too dry and draggy for DE shaving. When I did use it, I had to use a LOT of water.

Today, I decided to combine the strengths of these two bottom-shelf products. I put on a fairly thin, slick layer of Williams with my brush, then (with a little warm water in my palm) applied a nice dollop of the Barbasol.

Not a good shave; a GREAT shave. Really, really nice. Thick, velvety lather, and my blue tip loaded with a Personna red glided over my face perfectly. No dry, tacky, post-canned cream feeling on my skin. And honestly, not much extra trouble. No, it won't replace any fancier cream or soap, but it is a great way to use up whatever canned goo you have. Or give you a chance to re-experience the Barbasol smell, which is great.

Total investment? TWO DOLLARS. Wilbasol....it's the "Two Buck Chuck" of shaving!

 

[winston61]

I think there are more of us that have cans of Barbasol than would like to admit. When rushed or don't feel like the ritual, it's Barbasol green or yellow.

 

[The Kiwi]

I don't recall with perfect clarity how far back I used Barbasol, but I had some in a tube, and I think I can remember some in a jar on the store shelves, along with the Rise and the Foamie. At least as far back as the early 1970s, I think I was almost always making sure I had some as a backup to my cup and mug soaps. I've never been shy on B&B about my preference for this brand when I need an occasional "quick shave" to save some time when I find myself rushed.

 

[mftoms59]

I liked the Barbasol Tube Latherless Cream & a dab works well in combination with your soap or cream.

 

[Gamma]

Barbasol red - works fine for any blade choice - DE or straight.

Mixing it with Williams.. not sure I get the concept or see the need for it - but whatever works..works.

 

[Daiku]

Well, Gamma, the reason I tried mixing the Barbasol with Williams is because I like a pretty slick lather, and while Barbasol is thick and cushiony, it's not terribly slick. With the Wilbasol, there is a cushion on top, and a slick surface on the skin, which works for me. But if Barbasol red works well for you all by itself, enjoy!

 

[CharlieFoxtrot]

I tend to give Williams a shot of Arko cream to stabilize the lather. Lately I've been using mentholated Palmolive and it's been a great summertime flavor.

 

[PugslyCat]

I did something similar to this back in the spring. I loaded my brush with Williams, put a spurt of Barbasol into a bowl, then worked up the lather in the bowl with the loaded brush. My experiment was not so successful as yours was. It was OK lather, but not worth the extra effort in my case. Maybe applying them separately is the key to success.

 

[Daiku]

I did something similar to this back in the spring. I loaded my brush with Williams, put a spurt of Barbasol into a bowl, then worked up the lather in the bowl with the loaded brush. My experiment was not so successful as yours was. It was OK lather, but not worth the extra effort in my case. Maybe applying them separately is the key to success.

Yes, I think the slick stuff needs to be on the skin, with the cushiony stuff on top. And I used the "soothing aloe" variety of Barbasol; that may have made a difference too.

 

[California Cajun]

I, too, am trying to "fix" Williams. Wouldn't it be nice if Williams would try to fix itself?



My attempt: 3 pucks of Williams + 1 stick of Arko + 30 pumps of Organix Coconut Milk + 20 drops of lemon extract = Faux Vintage Williams

 

[Daiku]

Actually, John, When I came up with Wilbasol, I was trying to fix Barbasol...to add some slickness to the rich lather. And I like the smell of Barbasol, as well as being a fan of the company.

Now, your concoction...Williams, Arko, and coconut. What does it smell like?!??

 

[California Cajun]

Actually, John, When I came up with Wilbasol, I was trying to fix Barbasol...to add some slickness to the rich lather. And I like the smell of Barbasol, as well as being a fan of the company.

Now, your concoction...Williams, Arko, and coconut. What does it smell like?!??

It smelled like Arko before I added the lemon extract. Now it smells like lemon, but not the dishwasher soap lemon smell of Williams. The coconut smell quickly evaporated.