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View Full Version : Soap vs. Cream


classicshaving
10-14-2009, 02:52 PM
Hey guys very new to wet shaving... I keep reading and seeing soaps and creams of different brands and scents.

I understand either can be used for wet shaving, but what's REALLY the difference? Is it just preference?
Hughies_online
10-14-2009, 02:55 PM
Creams are generally easier to lather (especially for beginners), have a stronger scent and don't last for very long (uneconomical). Soaps are the opposite.
DirtyDave
10-14-2009, 02:58 PM
The general difference between the two is soap is slicker and cream offers more cushion. Preference to me is a large part of it. Creams are a bit easier to lather at first and many experienced shavers do overtime drift to soaps more than creams. Soaps can also cost less in the long run. Both have their fans and detractors.

I like both, mix it up and keep it interesting.
Emmett
10-14-2009, 02:58 PM
Hey guys very new to wet shaving... I keep reading and seeing soaps and creams of different brands and scents.

I understand either can be used for wet shaving, but what's REALLY the difference? Is it just preference?

If you don't know the difference between creams and soaps, why are classified as a vendor? :confused:
Hughies_online
10-14-2009, 03:00 PM
If you don't know the difference between creams and soaps, why are classified as a vendor? :confused:

Very observant! Why indeed?
classicshaving
10-14-2009, 03:14 PM
Emmett oversight on my part... thank you for pointing that out to me!
classicshaving
10-14-2009, 03:16 PM
HAHA I honestly don't even know how I got that classification! lol
classicshaving
10-14-2009, 03:16 PM
I am a vendor of computers, laptops, etc. :)
gaj90027
10-14-2009, 03:27 PM
You have the same name as a popular shaving related website classicshaving.com

If you are not related to that website maybe you can explain that to a mod or have the mod change your user name.
HoratioCaine
10-14-2009, 03:34 PM
I am a vendor of computers, laptops, etc. :)

It might be worth noting that your screen name is the same as a very widely known and reputable vendor, ClassicShaving.com. Given your "vendor" classification, that will no doubt result in some confusion, even though in this thread your admitted lack of experience made it clear right away you are not affiliated with the company.

The other lads have pretty much spelled out the differences between soaps and creams. I'll just chime in to say that I've been at this wetshaving thing for a number of years, and I still prefer creams, so certainly not all people with experience end up gravitating towards soaps - not that Dave was actually saying that, of course.
classicshaving
10-14-2009, 04:12 PM
Thank You Everyone for the helpful clarification on soap, I got started and have stuck with creams and am content but was just curious in the event I ever decided to try something different.

I would imagine even those that have been wet shaving for years have yet to try every safety/straight razor, cream , soap and lathering technique out there.

My apologies for my general lack of experience, I appreciate the quick responsiveness of the forum.
uktenore
10-14-2009, 04:30 PM
Currently, I use both soaps and creams and I like both for different purposes.

When I use soaps, it's usually on my face because I enjoy face lathering from time to time and it seems I can get a better lather from soap when I face lather as opposed to lathering in a bowl.

But I'm also a head shaver and I prefer creams when I shave my head because I bowl lather with creams and I can ensure I have a good lather quality before I apply it to the back of my head (where I have to relay on feel alone to know whether or not I have the correct consistency).

Another reason I like soaps is because there is a much wider scent variety of soaps than creams.

That's my opinion. Now my advice to you...try a ton of both and see what you like best! :thumbup:
classicshaving
10-14-2009, 04:34 PM
Thank You uktenore! I appreciate that very much
andycrump
10-14-2009, 04:39 PM
Can someone tell me why its such a BIG deal that classicshaving has the same name as classicshaving.com?

I mean do they have it trademarked or something?

I mean if he didn't ask for vendor status, why hold his feet to the fire?

Does anybody every really "know" everything about anything?:tongue_sm
RILEY
10-14-2009, 05:01 PM
You have the same name as a popular shaving related website classicshaving.com

If you are not related to that website maybe you can explain that to a mod or have the mod change your user name.

Except changing it to Stan-The-Man might be a problem :wink:

Stan-The-Man (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=19512)
HoratioCaine
10-14-2009, 05:03 PM
Can someone tell me why its such a BIG deal that classicshaving has the same name as classicshaving.com?

I didn't say it was a big deal. I am saying that it could prove to be confusing. What's the matter, did you take too much estrogen this morning?

Edit: BTW, welcome to Badger and Blade. Way to introduce yourself to the forum.
vitaman
10-14-2009, 05:33 PM
Can someone tell me why its such a BIG deal that classicshaving has the same name as classicshaving.com?

I mean do they have it trademarked or something?

I mean if he didn't ask for vendor status, why hold his feet to the fire?

Does anybody every really "know" everything about anything?:tongue_sm

I think a proper introduction is in order before you start telling the fine gentelmen of B&B how and why they should reply to another member. They are simply just trying to prevent possible confusion down the road. (They are just looking out for him) And, to answer your question....NO, anybody every really "knows" everything about anything! :confused:
Gravy
10-14-2009, 07:25 PM
I mean if he didn't ask for vendor status, why hold his feet to the fire?



Does this mean the caning has been cancelled? We're using fire now?
And I just got my cane regripped. :spockflam

And I prefer soap. Noone told me cream was easier to lather but I'm already hooked
on soaps.
Cutter
10-14-2009, 09:04 PM
At the risk of returning to the original topic, I personally find it easier to rinse soap out of the sink than cream.
andycrump
10-14-2009, 10:23 PM
HoratioCaine, I think I forgot that pill this morning come to think of it!!
Leche
10-14-2009, 10:35 PM
The difference is preference just like you said. Dave says that creams give more cushion, while I feel tallow soaps give the most cushion. So its a YMMV thing. You'll get used to hearing that.

So why do I like soaps better.

1. They last longer. People are using soaps that are 50 years old and loving them. When you consider the cost these are economical.
2. They work better for me. Cushion, slickness, and ease while I face lather.
3. The scents are typically more muted therefore allowing me to really notice the complexities.
4. Its the old school aspect.
LinuxMintyFresh
10-14-2009, 10:44 PM
Except changing it to Stan-The-Man might be a problem :wink:

Stan-The-Man (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=19512)

Holy crap! That is kind of funny, and yet just sad...

:em2100: "I Am Very Serious Take My Name Of The Rolls Of Your Forum As Of Now. I Am 64 Years Of Age And Have BEEN CALLED Always Stan The Man."
SiBurning
10-14-2009, 10:51 PM
Welcome to B&B. The first thing you need to learn is that YMMV. So, without further ado...


The general difference between the two is soap is slicker and cream offers more cushion.

I find just the opposite. To be more specific, I think glyrcerin soaps are slickest, but fat and oil soaps, especially tallow, give the most cushion. Creams are all over the place, with some even made from glycerin or tallow, but they tend to be in the middle.
classicshaving
10-14-2009, 11:19 PM
Thank You for your input Gravy & Cutter ( that was pretty funny... at the risk..) lol
Emmett
10-15-2009, 06:44 AM
Except changing it to Stan-The-Man might be a problem :wink:

Stan-The-Man (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=19512)

Classic!
uktenore
10-15-2009, 07:14 AM
Thank You uktenore! I appreciate that very much

Anytime. :wink:
kingfisher
10-15-2009, 08:43 AM
There's no difference. They are both vehicles designed to produce a lather with which to shave your face. One is hard and one is soft or semi-liquid, but the ingredients are essentially the same. There are good soaps and bad soaps, good creams and bad creams.

The only difference I can see is that soaps generally tend to last a long time, especially those that are triple-milled. I prefer soaps mainly because it seems more old school. No other reason. I get a fine shave out of a good cream, too.
DirtyDave
10-16-2009, 04:15 AM
Then there are the Italian soaps that really like either soft soaps or hard creams.

Describe them as you will, they are outstanding performers.
classicshaving
10-16-2009, 03:04 PM
Yeah DirtyDave! I have read a lot about Italian soaps which I am curious to try next !

Thanks for all the great feedback guys! I appreciate it
dmnall
10-16-2009, 04:02 PM
Well I use both soaps and creams.. I just order 2 more soaps *tabac refill puck* and proraso white soap... Whoever says creams give better cushion, should try Tabac! Tabac gives a great cushion and lather that will be on par if not out perform some the better creams.. Proraso soaps produces just as a good of a lather as tabac as well with that kick of menthol.. Not sure about the aloe/green tea in the white but I will find out! I prefer to face lather and find it a bit easier with soap, plus the soap lasts a lot longer...

Cheers,