Brush, bowl, and shave soap

[BillOnBass]

I bought a shaving kit from Rite Aid today (the only type available).  It came with a boar bristle brush, ceramic bowl, and shave soap.  It seemed to work pretty well the first time, though I know I can make a better lather.  I'm interested in using HeadSlick with a brush, too.

Does anyone have any tips on creating a nice lather (amount of water on brush, etc.)?  What's your routine with a brush?

[D.A.L.U.I.]

Two uses for the brush for me:
1. At home, I wet the brush w/ hot water, add about a teaspoon of HS and 1/2 teaspoon of gylcerine, then apply to the dome w/ vigorous scrubbing action and a little quick dip in running hot water.  The stuff whips up into a nice lather for around the chin mitten too.  Then, shave #1, rinse, some Shave Secret and lather again, w/o more HS and then the second pass--Baby Butt, everytime.

2. On the road,  w/ airlines restricting the liquids and jells, I pack a disk of shaving soap and the brush-no TSA restrictions there.  I use a glass or cup in the hotel room to whip up a nice lather--and basically the same, two passes.  I like the fact that I save my liquid "quota" in the one quart plastic bag for some after shave balm and some sunscreen. 

I really like the feel of the brush on the dome--nice way to start the day.

[Gambrinus]

I'm assuming that you purchased the Van Der Hagen kit.  More than likely you will notice that the brush in the kit will shed alot.  But for less than 10 bucks what do you expect.  The soap is actually one of my favorites and a bargain at 2 dollars a puck.  My routine is fairly simple.  I take my brush and put it in a coffee mug with my soap puck at the bottom.  I fill it with hot water and let it soak while I shower.  Then I pour out the water and shake the brush once.  I load the brush by working it in a circular motion.  Then I either lather straight to my head or if you want a really good lather Superlather!  I add a dime size dab of CO Bigalow (from Bath and Body Works).  You will NEVER desire a can again.  Once you are hooked (and you will be!  )  You will want to invest in a badger hair brush.  I also use my brush with Kiss My Face brushless cream.  My all time favorite is Nana June hand made glycerin soap.  Here is a video of how to load a boar brush that will be more useful for sure. 
 <a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/OIsj58fqVjY" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">http://www.youtube.com/v/OIsj58fqVjY</a>

[BillOnBass]

Thanks guys!

Good video, Gambrinus.  I definitely wasn't using enough water in the brush and I didn't agitate the soap long enough.

[Gambrinus]

Thanks guys!

Good video, Gambrinus.  I definitely wasn't using enough water in the brush and I didn't agitate the soap long enough.

It's definitely an art.  I tend to not bowl lather anymore.  It's much easier to face lather in the shower.