Thread: Shaving Soap?

+1 to all the advice give here already. I'd just add two things: You have to really load the soap, get a lot into the brush (it may seem like a ridiculous amount) before lathering. That will really help with the lather. As to the itchiness, there is a chance that you may have a skin sensitivity/allergy to T&H soap. Their soap is quite highly scented and has a fair amount of preservatives, these can cause some people issues. I personally have skin difficulties when using their 1805 cream.

I would advise, while your gaining your skill on the soap, get a tube of Proraso cream. It is VERY easy to lather.

Hi everyone,

Massive thanks for all the help you have given me. I shaved again this morning and it was 10x better . Such a helpful bunch

Here is the kit that I have:



It consists of:

1 Dovo Solingon Best Quality Razor,
1 Truefitt & hill shaving soap tub,
1 Benjamin Barberdouble sided strop (1 coarse, 1 smooth leather),
1 gents shaving brush with stand,
1 Benjamin Barber shaving stick (for cuts),
1 Benjamin Barber strop paste pot (does anyone know how often to use this?).

Thanks everyone!

Barney

Glad you had a better shave this morning. Were you able to raise a better lather? Curious also to know if your Dovo has a factory edge or one that was professionally honed to shave ready by the seller? This is what is meant by "shave ready" The Shave Ready Razor - Straight Razor Place Library . If you have not looked there is a lot of info on the sites library.

Bob

Good to hear that you are getting better shaves. +1 to Bob's remarks about shave ready. I would suggest not using the paste till you know exactly what it is. Is it a conditioning paste or a abrasive paste. If abrasive definitely don't apply. If conditioning then you shouldn't need it as long as you are palm rubbing the strop at every use. Is that definitely a double sided strop. From the picture it looks quite rough on the back and if it is it could be damaging the edge to use it. A link to where you brought it would help to give better advice.

Yep defiantly double sided, here is the kit:

Dovo Shave Kit Total

Thanks for all the help!

I will have to agree with Wayne1963, the Proraso green was what I started out with and it is very easy to later. I did not even use a brush when I first started out. I still use the Proraso now from time to time. It still is a very good product.

From reading on the link you provided it seems that they don't hone razors before sending out so you only have a factory edge on your razor which is considered to be most of the time not shave ready. Being that it is shaving itvis sharp just not truly shave ready and this is likely causing the irritation. The paste is strop balm and you won't need it unless the strop dries out a bit. Palm rubbing it before each use should keep it well conditioned. I would suggest sending the razor out for a pro honing and while you wait you can practice lather making. Good luck and I hope this helps

What sort of place would I need to take it to (in the UK) to get it professionally done? It cuts hair with ease at the moment

Hello! Could I suggest that you go and get a haircut in Nottingham? There is a barber shop run by a guy who is very knowledgable about razors and also very keen to get other people enjoying the art of straight razor.
A nice way to get in contact with him would be to go down and have a haircut and say that you have just joined SRP and are keen to learn!
The Straight Razor Specialist - Barber Shop



Edit here is a video of that barber having a shave to help with learning strokes. There are many many good people to send razors for honing to in the UK, the reason I mention Gary is he is in your town!