Thread: How Wet is shave-ready wet?

Originally Posted by newbiehippie

I'm using Mama Bear soaps with a little added Glycerin, so the soap isn't much of the problem as I see it. Maybe switching to creams would work a little better?

I can just never really tell what should be "Lubricating" when I lather up. I don't know if I'm prepping wrong or there is something wrong with how I'm actually shaving.

Here's the thing--I really feel the number one MOST IMPORTANT part of getting a good shave here is LATHER. Once you figure out how to get a good lather, then you will be well along the path to good shaves. Hell, you can get a good shave with a bic disposable, once you figure out lather.

Your soap is good, by all accounts--I've never tried it, but plenty of people have and they like it.

Forget the glycerin. You're adding it because you keep seeing people talk about it on the forums, but let me ask you this: If glycerin is necessary for getting good lather, then why don't any soap makers send little bottles of glycerin out with their soap? (I'll go ahead and give you the answer--It's because they have worked their butts off to make a good soap that should lather just right with a little water, a nice brush, and some skill. If glycerin needs to be added, then the soap has NOT been made right, and it should be relegated to the shower).

I assume you're using a brush, you haven't said which one but it's not that big an issue. Unless it's falling apart on you, it'll do the job for now.

You've got soap. You've got a brush. Now you just need the skill.

Have you watched Mantic's videos? I hope so. If not, do that. Watch them over and over. See how he adds a little water sometimes? See how he checks the consistency? It should be smooth and slick, with no visible bubbles and a slight sheen. You should be able to rub it between your fingers and not feel the prints on the fingers touching each other. THAT is the key--the lather forms a slick cushion, not a thick sticky paste, not a grippy film.

Put that on your damp face, work it with the brush a bit to get the whiskers lifted and make sure they're well coated with lather, and wait a minute. Let the lather be your prep (a hot shower before doesn't hurt, but if you want to avoid it's ok). Wash that lather off, then relather. Strop, and try shaving. You razor should glide smoothly, without any drag from the lather--drag means you need a touch more water.

Your skin should still be slightly damp and a little slick after the blade passes over. If it isn't, you might need to work on your water ratio a bit--if it's too much water, then it won't be slick, it'll be slightly "grippy". Too thick, and it'll leave a sticky layer.. But the number one thing is the shave, and the feeling of the blade over your skin.

Trust your face. If it says "Too dry", then it probably is.

I hope this helps!

I have the same problem with a foggy mirror. For a couple of years I've used a product on all the bathroom mirrors in the house. It's called "cat crap" not the nicest name by far but it works. Go to any sports store and just ask them for some lens defogger it's usually either with in the water sports area or the winter sports. I get the spray bottle, it is easier to apply. But one application lasts for about 1 month and the bottle is usually good for about 3 applications. I think that it is a good deal for 3-4 bucks.

I'm probly lucky, seeing as I have a ventilation outlet situated just over my shower. (Designed to avoid increased humidity in the bathroom) So I won't really have a problem with the mirror fogging up in my flat.

Now seeing as you have that little difficulty, I'd recomend a microfiber cloth, should do a good job at removing that fog. I have to use that on my glasses... they fog up something fearce.. (Imagine trying to shave and not being able to see anything... Had it not been for the microfiber cloth I'd be a head shorter a while ago) lol

newb,

JimR's comments on entry #11 are right on. If you reread them and follow his suggestions, you will be miles ahead at this game.

I've tried several approaches to shave preparation and most of the simplest work just fine. I use the shower after shaving because I like to wash the lather residue off my face - that's the only reason. Shower befor shave works well too. The key, I believe, is to get your skin warmed and your whiskers wetted before applying lather. A good lather is very important, but I've used some poorly prepared soap lathers and have been able to shave with the results, but the result of those results was neither smooth nor was the shaving all that comfortable.

even more good shaving,

I just open the door after the shower's done to clear the mirror. Actually, I put everything but my shirt on before I start my shave. My beard doesn't get hard again that quick. Then it's lather and go!

Thanks for all the great responses! Something tells me from reading over what everyone says is that I just need more experience shaving. Lather is definitely something that should help fix all the problems with "wetness", but thanks for all the tips on prepping!