Lather problems

[DanJMag]

Hello SBGs. I have recently undertaken DE shaving for my face (about a week now), and I am having mixed results. I think the main problem is with my lather. I am using an apothecary style mug, Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood cream, and a Vilfux Super Badger brush. After some initial lather attempts that resulted in watery lather, I have found that if I use a decent amount of cream in the brush, and add no additional water I can get a (seemingly) great lather - in the mug. I mean I could make snowmen with the peaks I am getting. However, once I go to apply to lather to my face I can not get a decent layer on there. It seems like the lather just does not want to move from the brush to my face, and usually the layer I get on my skin is weak enough that I can see my skin through it. Even if I use the painting method, I get a better layer, but not great. If I try to apply more lather the brush seems to take off more than it puts on. The razor usually tugs and hops uncomfortably across the skin. I find that I usually end up having to shave twice a day because the shaves I am getting are not close, even with three passes. Advice?

[greatnessinc]

Try this:
Instead of soaking your brush, just run it under the faucet as you're filling up the sink then shake out the excess water.
1. Don't overload your brush, make 3 clockwise circles over the cream tub, then 3 counter clockwise circles. That should be all you need for a full shave, now you can put the tub away.
2. In your mug/bowl make clockwise and counter clockwise circles then rapid left to right motions to thicken up your lather a touch. For this step, the faster the movements the better.
3. If in between passes you feel like your brush is caking up a bit just dip the tip in the water to wet it (obligatory that's what she said) then whip it up again [note, no extra cream is needed]. If it helps, imagine that you're whisking up eggs as the process is similar.
Your lather should be wet enough to apply, but it should never run down your shaving area. If your lather is still too watery just whip it more.

[warhawk]

Hi Dan:  Instead of lathering in a mug, try face lathering.  That way you do not have to transfer the lather from mug to face.

WARHAWK

[warhawk]

Here is a great example of face lathering from Teiste of The Shave Nook.


http://shavenook.com/thread-video-how-to-facelather-tabula-rasa

WARHAWK

[Goatee]

I use a cereal bowl and only small a bit of shaving cream, Taylor of Old Bond Street Sensitive and i get awesome lather! I do soak the brush in the same bowl with very hot water first. Only takes a few whisks to get it all creamy and lovely!

[digitaldome]

Here is a great example of face lathering from Teiste of The Shave Nook.


http://shavenook.com/thread-video-how-to-facelather-tabula-rasa

WARHAWK

Good post...Teiste is good
Here's one from Michael Freedberg that may help as well: