Best soap lather / cremes for straight razor shaves

[Blade_Runner37C]

I can make a great lather to use with DE razors and get plenty of slickness and a good post shave from what i have to work with. It seems it doesn't translate the best to straights. any suggestions? here's what i'm working with. I have Badgers, Boars and Synthetics brushes. Do you guys usually hydrate more, make less lather or what seems to works for you?

SV
PAA CK-6 (order on the way)
PAA Cube 2.0 varieties (pre-shave)
Stirling (beef tallow & sheep tallow)
Razorock (soap and stick)
Goodfellows smile
Arko
TFS
Cremo
Proraso soap and creme
chiseledface
and a few others..

 

[Koop]

I know when I first started with a SR I didn't hydrate the lather enough. My lather was too thick and dry. It took me a while to figure out how to add small amounts of water to my brush and continually add more moisture as I face lathered. Once I got that down, my shaves improved. Check out Stirlings lather video with a boar brush - Here.

 

[Ravenonrock]

My lather is the same for DE or Straights. I’ve always liked that glossy, creamy thick, slick lather for straight razor shaving, just my preference. I usually do a single pass, so I’m particular about nailing it, taking my time hydrating and mostly use a boar brush. I load heavy, even for one pass, so I have plenty of lather, it’s ridiculous really, but fantastic also. The soaps are so good, it makes things foolproof…just add water.

 

[silverlifter]

Most of the soaps you have will do the job. I like my lather well hydrated, to the point where it is about to break down.

 

[miankapal]

Yes, it could be that the lather should be hydrated a bit more during the process. If you are shaving as fast with a SR8 as with a DE probably you shouldn't notice any difference. I agree all soaps you mention would work. For me LPL works also outstanding for a SR8.
Finally, technique can play a role as well. A shave can feel a somewhat harsher if the angle and/or pressure is not the adequate, while the lather quality is the same.

 

[Jud]

As others have stated your soaps look good and will work. I travel for work and take Arko or Cella Milano
in a recycled Stirling tubs. I can get a good lather regardless of where I get sent, so far. I also use a boars brush.

Your edge, angle, and pressure play a huge role in comfort. Also you might try shaving after a shower, works better in winter months for me. Also you might want to try a different grind if you have a chance.

 

[Blade_Runner37C]

Yeah i'm really struggling and the razor seems to wan to jump if that makes sense. I had a gentleman on the forum that has been helping me via PM and I was trying to shave at a 30 degree angle (like a DE) when he explained about 1/2 of the spine to the spine's worth of angle it made me understand why the razor was "jumping" lol

 

[Jud]

Yeah that will do it. Also make sure you have time to shave and are not rushed. That caused me a lot of blood in the beginning.

Have more than one razor that is shave ready. If one edge starts failing just grab the other razor and finish up. You can always hone it later that day or send it out to get honed.

 

[Saloogie]

Have more than one razor that is shave ready. If one edge starts failing just grab the other razor and finish up. You can always hone it later that day or send it out to get honed.

That's a good point.

Or you can always finish up with a DE. I did that quite often when I started out. I still do it every once in awhile when I just didn't hone my SR correctly. Yeah...that still happens! I keep a cheap Bic handy for that.

 

[LJS]

Yeah i'm really struggling and the razor seems to wan to jump if that makes sense. I had a gentleman on the forum that has been helping me via PM and I was trying to shave at a 30 degree angle (like a DE) when he explained about 1/2 of the spine to the spine's worth of angle it made me understand why the razor was "jumping" lol

Couple of comments to offer. First, try a little wetter lather and see how that goes. I can make a lather that you can sit quarters on, but not my favorite shaving consistency. I like it a little wet but firm enough to not be running all over my blade and not so thick it doesn’t wash off almost instantly under running water.

Second, using a straight well does require a little confidence. A sort of half-*** swipe moving too slowly and without enough pressure is likely to jump around. Don’t be scared - it won’t cut you unless you attempt any sideways slicing motion. Actually I intentionally slice in some areas and without any problems, but I would not recommend that to start. But to my point, I have seen people start to shave with a straight who seem a little trepidatious and this lack of confidence or slight fear of the blade causes them too slow of motion, too light pressure, and other issues that prevent them from making nice smooth strokes. That’s what you want. Nice smooth confident strokes.

Good luck!