RoyalKooparillo
09-24-2008, 11:35 AM
Hey gents--so over the last few months I've noticed a phenomenon that seems to run contrary to what I have read on the forums about 'slickness.' That is, many here seem to rate creams more positively the slicker they are. When I first started wetshaving, I attempted to find the creams that were the slickest, and rated them accordingly. I tried out different pre-shave oils, to some success, in my goal to have the slickest possible face whilst shaving. My supposition was that a slicker face meant better razor 'glide' over the skin, resulting in less irritation.
A couple of months ago, I finally found a combination that allows me to get BBS with a nearly 100% success rate (FWIW: CF Preshave/Derby/HD/Superlather w/ T&H Luxury). One of the things I noticed about this combination is that while the superlather moisturizes and protects my skin better than anything else, it is NOT what I would consider to be particularly 'slick.' Unlike many creams that I consider to be very slick, when I rinse my face between passes, there is hardly any residue or residual 'slickness' left on my face. Don't get me wrong, it still lubricates the skin for a smooth and comfortable shave--but there's no film or coating left over after a pass of the razor. And while the CF Preshave helps prepare my beard and moisturize my skin, it is water-soluble (not being an oil) and not really slick at all.
I have begun to think that, for me at least, it is better to have a rich, thick, moisturizing lather WITHOUT a lot of slickness...the razor seems to grip and cut the hair much better for me this way. In my experience, it seems that if a lather is too slick, the razor glides over the hairs without cutting them as efficiently. Stragglers are left behind, more passes/touch-ups are needed, and I still don't get the same results.
I'm now of the opinion that it's more important to ensure that the skin is hydrated and protected, rather than focusing on creating the slickest surface on which to shave.
Just thought I'd share my experience... :001_smile
A couple of months ago, I finally found a combination that allows me to get BBS with a nearly 100% success rate (FWIW: CF Preshave/Derby/HD/Superlather w/ T&H Luxury). One of the things I noticed about this combination is that while the superlather moisturizes and protects my skin better than anything else, it is NOT what I would consider to be particularly 'slick.' Unlike many creams that I consider to be very slick, when I rinse my face between passes, there is hardly any residue or residual 'slickness' left on my face. Don't get me wrong, it still lubricates the skin for a smooth and comfortable shave--but there's no film or coating left over after a pass of the razor. And while the CF Preshave helps prepare my beard and moisturize my skin, it is water-soluble (not being an oil) and not really slick at all.
I have begun to think that, for me at least, it is better to have a rich, thick, moisturizing lather WITHOUT a lot of slickness...the razor seems to grip and cut the hair much better for me this way. In my experience, it seems that if a lather is too slick, the razor glides over the hairs without cutting them as efficiently. Stragglers are left behind, more passes/touch-ups are needed, and I still don't get the same results.
I'm now of the opinion that it's more important to ensure that the skin is hydrated and protected, rather than focusing on creating the slickest surface on which to shave.
Just thought I'd share my experience... :001_smile