Here's an excellent tutorial on how to create a good lather using shaving soap.
I've been wetshaving for over a year now, and it's definitely the way to go. There's nothing like it available from a cartridge or electric razor. A well-made safety razor or straight razor, a sharp blade, a badger brush: those are a man's tools, for a man's shave. Using traditional soaps or creams...now that's luxury. The result is a glass-smooth face and neck, with no irritation anywhere.
There's a bit of a learning curve, though, and part of that lies with lathering. If you live in an area which has hard water, then you'll have to put in a bit more effort with the brush. No way around that. But I live in El Paso, which has very hard water, and I can testify that it's doable.
Creating a great lather is also easier with creams than with soaps, and one of the reasons I love my Taylor of Old Bond Street Lavender is the easily created, extravagant lather I get with it. But I also love my Proraso and Pre de Provence hard soaps, so I've had to learn a bit of patience and technique in order to get the most out of them.
It's learnable, and the tutorial is excellent. Take a look.
Posted by Craig Ceely at July 3, 2007 10:54 AM