Do you need a mug with shaving soap?

[The Dean]

Basically, as long as your brush isn't sopping wet, you can leave it hanging or standing any way you want. Someone did an experiment here a while ago weighing brushes after use, and came to the conclusion that it didn't make the slightest difference which way you store them.

Sounds reasonable. I have used both methods, but prefer hanging my brush. I figure if there is a weak spot in the seal, water has a better chance of seeping in with the brush on it's end. And, since my prime brush has a wooden handle, I prefer the water not drip down on the handle. Does it make a difference? Dunno, I'd have to look at the data (as well as the methodology)--I don't believe the conclusions I read for the most part. Random personal experience is mostly BS, when it comes to proving disproving any particular conjecture. And for about $5 for a cheap stand (I got mine free with the brush) why not?

Then, of course, there are those who do leave their brushes soaking wet. But that's another story entirely.

 

[Eeyore]

Basically, as long as your brush isn't sopping wet, you can leave it hanging or standing any way you want. Someone did an experiment here a while ago weighing brushes after use, and came to the conclusion that it didn't make the slightest difference which way you store them.

In that case the "wisdom" from the 80's was wrong, because I was explicitely told to hang my brush to dry, to prevent ugly smells, or bristles falling out. Many brushes (Vero comes to mind) were also sold with a "free" plastic stand included.

It may be very true that it does not matter, because of the capillary action. In that case my routine doesn't hurt either, and it is a "which way you like best" case

Like I said, I've been doing it this way since I started shaving, and my brushes always smell clean, and last a long time. And since I (like anyone else) also am a creature of habit, I am going to stick with what works for me

So ... brush stand is not needed as a part of an essential wet shaving kit ..... but I wouldn't do without it.

 

[Mick]

I'm a newbie here and ordered what I thought was a complete kit, DE razor, brush, shaving soap (comes in a wood bowl). However, from what I've seen it appears that I'm also in need of a mug to help work the lather? Is this true or is it a 'nice to have'?

Thanks for any feedback you can provide!

No, it is sort of liking having fries with your burger. You don't need to but it makes it a little more enjoyable .

Just face lather.

Load the brush and build your lather on your face.

 

[john shea]

Some of my brushes came with a stand (Merkur Vision) and some did not (Chubby 1 Best). I have not noticed any difference for drying between upright and inverted storage. As I recall, Simpson prints their labels to read upright while their brushes stand on their flat ends with the bristles pointing up. If there was a significant problem with standing the brush on end, Simpson would not do this. However, I would not store a brush in a position that bends the bristles as they dry.

I load my brushes with soap in the containers that the soap comes in, or a low sided flat bottom mug that is about 3.5 inches internal diameter if the puck is a loose refill. The Old Spice mug is about the right size. Any other mug about the same size from the kitchen, thrift store, or department store would work as well. Using a mug, I whip up my lather in the mug then apply it to my face. If I am using the original soap container almost filled with the soap (ProRaso, Mama Bears, etc), I load the brush with soap and then whip up lather in a separate bowl or scuttle. The bowl or scuttle is also convenient for making uberlather. When the container of soap is well used, I may lather in the partially empty container.

HTH

 

[KodiakAttack]

If you're curious as to how to get by without a bowl to lather the soap in, it's probably simpler than you think.
When you take the damp brush to the soap, don't press down and smush the brush into the soap and swirl. This will result in building up a lather and a big soapy mess will ensue unless you have a bowl to lather in.

Try this: Lightly swirl the wet tips of the brush on the puck of soap. What you're doing here is transferring the soap to the brush (AKA loading the brush), not building up lather. This can take a few seconds, to over a minute depending on the brush, soap, water, etc. Boar brushes will do this faster.
The brush is loaded when the soap accumulates on the tips of the brush, forming a dense cream. If you were to squeeze the brush at this time, it should give you a small handful of cream.
Now, wet your face with warm/hot water and take your loaded brush and start building a lather on your face. Presto! Add more water as needed by adding a few drops at a time directly to the brush.

Or, you can take the puck of soap directly to your wet face, rub it around for a bit, then take your damp brush and start building the lather directly. That's how us ARKO lovers do it! Good luck.

 

[Eeyore]

Or, you can take the puck of soap directly to your wet face, rub it around for a bit, then take your damp brush and start building the lather directly. That's how us ARKO lovers do it! Good luck.

I often feel that works better, because you build the lather on your face from the start. Or maybe it is because you start with more soap, and not too much water.

And it is also how Vergulde Hand, Speick, Palmolive, and other stick lovers do it

 

[KodiakAttack]

And it is also how Vergulde Hand, Speick, Palmolive, and other stick lovers do it

Touche sir!

 

[dpmtherrien]

No a bowl is not needed, though it makes mixing lather nice. I've left my small travel bowl home a couple of times when I've been traveling, and what I'll do is just apply the soap to the brush and mix it up right in my hand. Same good results, just not the bowl experience.

 

[Luc]

In all cases, what works for you is what's best. the best way to know what works for you is to try it. Try a mug, try without a mug!