Soap vs Cream

[TonyBrown]

I'm going to try my hand at Soap first thru a generous PIF from Mendel, however, I'm wondering if there is a significant difference in choosing soap over creams and what those criteria might be?? I'm sure the YMMV will be a common thread in replies and I suspect I'm just gonna hafta try a few before I settle on what I like... or maybe I should have a small arsenal of types/scents around, variety and all...

what's the B&B Brotherhood opinion??

[Luc]

From the Interactive Guide to Lathering, I would recommend this article: Shave_Soap_vs_Shave_Cream_vs_Brushless_vs_Canned

[salazch12]

Creams typically are easier to lather, but don't last quite as long. Creams also tend to make thicker, creamier lather. Of course YMMV.

[Marco]

I think it's only a question of personal taste. Soaps are not better than creams and creams are not any better either. You should try by yourself a few products before decing if you are a soap guy or a cream guy, or if you simply like them both.

[Alraz]

You have a task ahead of you, there are many good examples of each and they are not mutually exclusive. In fact, many members use both. There is also no inherent difference in difficulty when you lather them once you load your brush.

Al raz.

[TonyBrown]

lol, I kinda suspected this would be how it would go down... guess I need to just give in to the GearAS huh?? get a couple different ones and experiment a little...

[ackvil]

I think it's only a question of personal taste. Soaps are not better than creams and creams are not any better either. You should try by yourself a few products before decing if you are a soap guy or a cream guy, or if you simply like them both.

+1 on Marco's comments. Each product has it's advantages. For me, the soaps last longer, have a better scent, and are somewhat slicker. The creams are easier to lather. And then there are the hybrids: soft soaps and hard creams. For example, Cella and AK 1869.

I happen to like them both.

[dpmtherrien]

You're right on having to try out the different products. That's the only way to find what works best for yourself.

[BubbleBoy]

I do both. A swirl of Williams shave soap then on to a dab of proraso. Also ordered some Palmolive creams - original (european) and mentholated (Italian) - that should be hear on Friday. I'm a sucker for "throwback" and "old timey" brands, usually because they work. I tried shaving with the Williams only and didn't enjoy it as well, but it is definitely a no-frills old fashioned soap. I do like it mixed with the proraso because it makes a helluva lather.

[Face&Head]

I think it's only a question of personal taste. Soaps are not better than creams and creams are not any better either. You should try by yourself a few products before decing if you are a soap guy or a cream guy, or if you simply like them both.

+1 and if you like both you can use both at once with an uber-lather!

[Banjoman]

I love both.