Where's the Shaving Cream Pictorial?

[Sir Critic]

I asks because I'd like to see a picture of what a good lather from shaving cream looks like. Yep, that right, I'm having problems with trying to get a good lather from creams and need help, so wheres the pictures? Any takers?

BTW, I have no problem making a great lathering with soaps that work wonderful.:scared001 (O.K. I know this is the wrong forum to say how good soap is but I'm tough :p)

[Padron]

Hi Kevin,

Take a peek here, there are some helpful reviews.....:)

http://www.theshaveden.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=50

[Padron]

Here's a pictoral with TSD creams :D

http://www.theshaveden.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2203

[Sir Critic]

Wow, thank you for digging up those links, they look very helpful. Now why didn't I think of doing so searching before?:o

I'll do some studying and see what I can discover. If I can't find any answers I'll be back, either here or in the "shave school" forum, to dig down to the bottom of this problem and see if there are solutions.

Thanks

[Padron]

My pleasure, hope it helps...Lots of knowledgable folks here so if you have questions ask away :)

[Scorpio]

So what is your problem with making lather with creams? If you can describe what you do and what the lather looks like maybe we can help.


Raf

[qhsdoitall]

I asks because I'd like to see a picture of what a good lather from shaving cream looks like. Yep, that right, I'm having problems with trying to get a good lather from creams and need help, so wheres the pictures? Any takers?

BTW, I have no problem making a great lathering with soaps that work wonderful.:scared001 (O.K. I know this is the wrong forum to say how good soap is but I'm tough :p)

It's usually the other way around. What creams you using? Lather too thin, too thick or not enough of it?

[rick]

Lather too runny = use less water
Lather too thick = use more water


Hope this helps ;)
But seriously, folks.
If you are adept with the soaps, creams should be nooooooo trouble for you.
Overall I find creams' lather will be thicker than soaps', but, that may be just me

[mantic]

Have you seen any of my lathering videos?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd7Aj9vwrtc

[Queen of Blades]

Perhaps your brush needs cleaning?

[Sir Critic]

Thank you everyone for the helpful replies, hopefully I can answer some of your questions in this post.

Here's the equipment I am using...
a) Ever-Ready boar hair brush (C-40 model)
b) TSD cream
c) A 2 in. deep by 4 in. wide bowl (the kind with the handle sticking out the side, that I think are call “Onion Soup Bowls”)

My lather technique is as follows...
Soak brush in bowl with hot water, either while showering and/or doing a hot towel prep. [20 min> (time of brush spent in water) >2 min] After removing brush from water I'll flick some water out, collect some soap(or cream), empty water out of bowl and proceed to build the lather the bowl.

The biggest problem with the lather made from cream - is the lack of lather. When I first used cream I flicked out my brush, dipped it in cream and then started mixing in the bowl. While lather usually starts out with big bubbles it soon proceeds to the cream state, this mixture didn't though, even after some time spent mixing. I thought the problem may lack of water - tried it and it didn't help.
Well now I thought the problem is to much water or not enough cream. Scrapped previous mixture and start over. This time I scooped out a finger full of cream and smeared it on my, extra wrung out brush, twas going to start with dry mix and then add the needed water. Starting mixing still seemed runny and with big bubbles, even after lots of mixing, so I added another scoop of cream (each scoop is at least, a small almond size, if not bigger). The extra cream didn't help and so I tried some water and that didn't improve the later either. The extra cream and water really didn't change the lather much from the original try. Because I have/had no experience with creams previously I thought this must be the way creams are and tried shaving with this lather mixture, big mistake. Now I know what it feels like to shave with poor lather and also the importance of lather.
The problems with this lather made from cream is that it seemed to be thinner and without much body or protection.

Would some pictures help?

Now for some clarification
a) what is the consistency of TSD creams like? (in my copy the damp brush did not seem to pickup much cream, I needed to dig it out, is that normal?)
b) does the lather from either soaps or creams end up to be much the same? Thickness? Body? Slickness?

Have you seen any of my lathering videos?
Yes I have seen some of your videos (including this one) and have found them very helpful. Thank you for them. BTW, have you ever thought of offering some of your videos on DVD (marketed in the TSD store:D) for those that have poor or slow internet connection?

Perhaps your brush needs cleaning?
Hum, never would have guessed this could be a problem. How do I tell if it needs cleaning?

Thanks all for the help and suggestions.

[Scorpio]

Kevin,

I have no idea what a Ever-Ready boar brush looks like but you should be able to make lather with soap or cream. Granted, it would be easier to make lather with soap since your brush has stiffer bristles which work best with soaps. In spite of that, when you add water, you add water by the drops. Few drops at a time. Give the brush a couple of good shakes before you start lathering. The almond size snurdle should be enough but dont feel like you have to use small snurdles. BTW pictures would really help!!!!

Maybe investing in a C&E BBB, maybe in your X-mas list. JoAnna might be able to tell you about the consistency of the cream. I use soaps for the most part and my creams are from the 3 T's...well now the 4 T's:D. If you have no trouble making lather with soaps then it should be easier to make lather with soaps. Post some pics of you can. It is always easier to add water a few drops at a time. If you start too wet then you are playing catch up.

Raf

[Michael]

TSD creams take more water than I'm used to. LOTS more water! I had problems too (though not with the soaps). Try this... put the brush in the sink and squeeze all the air bubbles out. When it has as much water as it will hold, let the excess run out and give it one wimpy shake. Still very wet. One finger full of cream, about the size of a jelly bean (maybe a bit larger) and LOOK!!! Awesome lather!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By the way, that's a BLK4 you see there. Who knows what you'll get with a Simpson or one those other brushes! ;)

[mantic]

BTW, have you ever thought of offering some of your videos on DVD (marketed in the TSD store:D) for those that have poor or slow internet connection?
I've considered it on occasion but the demand is actually rather low, and the first dozen or so I only saved at YouTube quality, so it doesn't look very good at the higher resolution of a DVD. However, I will burn one for the cost of duplicating and mailing on request.

--Mark

[PalmettoB]

Every time I see that video on making lather I realize I have gotten too lazy and too much in a hurry!

[Damon]

Hard water definitely plays a roll in making lather. Here in Goodyear AZ we have hard hard water in fact you really have to have a softener in order to keep from replacing your hot water heater every three years (aprox.) any way try using distilled water from your grocery store to see if this is the case.

[Sir Critic]

Kevin,

I have no idea what a Ever-Ready boar brush looks like but you should be able to make lather with soap or cream. Granted, it would be easier to make lather with soap since your brush has stiffer bristles which work best with soaps. In spite of that, when you add water, you add water by the drops. Few drops at a time. Give the brush a couple of good shakes before you start lathering. The almond size snurdle should be enough but dont feel like you have to use small snurdles. BTW pictures would really help!!!!

Maybe investing in a C&E BBB, maybe in your X-mas list. JoAnna might be able to tell you about the consistency of the cream. I use soaps for the most part and my creams are from the 3 T's...well now the 4 T's:D. If you have no trouble making lather with soaps then it should be easier to make lather with soaps. Post some pics of you can. It is always easier to add water a few drops at a time. If you start too wet then you are playing catch up.

Raf

I'll post picture when I get the chance(Dec 3?), and then you'll know what a Ever-Ready brush looks like and how the cream is acting as well.

I have been eying a C&E BBB as most likely my next brush (would it be a good upgrade?), but it probable will be next year when I have the extra money. (no Christmas list(maybe surprises gifts), but generally just time spent with family)

Thank you for your time and help.

[Sir Critic]

TSD creams take more water than I'm used to. LOTS more water! I had problems too (though not with the soaps). Try this... put the brush in the sink and squeeze all the air bubbles out. When it has as much water as it will hold, let the excess run out and give it one wimpy shake. Still very wet. One finger full of cream, about the size of a jelly bean (maybe a bit larger) and LOOK!!! Awesome lather!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By the way, that's a BLK4 you see there. Who knows what you'll get with a Simpson or one those other brushes! ;)


I'll give your thoughts a try. Good looking lather, much how my soap lather looks. Nice brush BTW, it will be awhile before I buy one, but I can drool anyways:drool


I've considered it on occasion but the demand is actually rather low, and the first dozen or so I only saved at YouTube quality, so it doesn't look very good at the higher resolution of a DVD. However, I will burn one for the cost of duplicating and mailing on request.

--Mark
That is a nice option to know, thank you for offering it.

Hard water definitely plays a roll in making lather. Here in Goodyear AZ we have hard hard water in fact you really have to have a softener in order to keep from replacing your hot water heater every three years (aprox.) any way try using distilled water from your grocery store to see if this is the case.

I definitely have hard water, particularly when it below 32 deg. F. ;)
Seriously would hard water just effect creams and not soaps?


Thanks again everyone. I probably, just plain need more practice, and practice I will.:D

[Sir Critic]

Finished this term of school so now I can think of something else, like posting the promised pictures. Thank you everyone for your patience.

Fist here's a picture of lather made from TSD soap. Works great, and I seem to be able to make usable lather from it.
2632

Here's the equipment I will be using, including the Ever-Ready brush.
2633

That's a 1/4 TSP measurer of cream.
2634

Around 15 seconds of mixing with sloppy, wet brush.
2635

45 seconds of mixing
2636

Starting to look like later (90 seconds of mixing).
2637

Finished in around two minute. This is my best lather (as to date) that I've made from cream. It look so good I tried to shave with it, sill have the same problems.
2638

Closeup of the finished lather
2639

In time the lather from the soap seems to dry out and keep it 'body', whereas the lather from the cream seems to melt away, especially when it touches my wet face. When I use the lather made from the cream I can hardly shave 1/4 of my face before it 'melts' away and loses it's protection. After the protection is gone the razor starts to skip and it feels like I'm shaving with just water.

Here's a picture of the cream after 10 minutes, notice how the bubbles have started popping into bigger ones; this continuals until it's about like sudsy dishwater.
2640

I hope these picture are adequate for show where the problem is, if not let me know and I will try and get better ones.

I trust you can help me find a solution to my problem, if not, do you know anybody that would like to trade a tub of cream for some of soap? ;)

P.S. this is the fist time I've attached pictures so I hope I didn't break any forum rules. If I did, please let me know and please help me correct the problem.

[TraderJoe]

Nice photos!

Honestly, I haven't yet tried lathering a TSD cream with a boar brush......but based on the pics alone I would say you need to use more cream AND more water ;) Mostly, more cream.


BTW - how do you like the scents, are they custom?

[Mottern Man]

I have one word for you























Plastics















I mean Badger. ::
As in get a Badger brush (boar dose work well with some soap though)

[Michael]

I have one word for you

Plastics

Wasn't that movie a bit before your time? :cool:

[Mottern Man]

Wasn't that movie a bit before your time? :cool:
Why Mr. Fergie.....are you trying to seduce me?

[Michael]

Why Mr. Fergie.....are you trying to seduce me?

:rofl

Certainly not...Benjamin!

[Scorpio]

use more cream, about double of what you showed in the picture.

Raf

[rick]

Less water.


Soak the brush in warm water for a cuppa minutes and then shake it out.
Make your lather with a damp brush and then add warm water to the breech.
A little practice is all it really takes and there are many variables involved.
You're doing fine.

[Sir Critic]

Nice photos!
Thanks. Photography is my hobby. [BTW, Nikon=good photos ;)]

Honestly, I haven't yet tried lathering a TSD cream with a boar brush......but based on the pics alone I would say you need to use more cream AND more water ;) Mostly, more cream.
I'll try it, the worse thing I could do is fail :)

BTW - how do you like the scents, are they custom?
[Disclaimer: I have little experience with with scents] Crisp Breeze is nice :drool. It has a wonderful fresh scent and a nice cooling affect too. Capital Hill smells much like pepper but with some other stuff in the background too. (haven't decided what - yet). And yes, they'll are custom. Buy some, they're - good :D

I have one word for you
Plastics

I mean Badger. ::
As in get a Badger brush (boar dose work well with some soap though)
Yes, a badger brush would be nice. How do you justify the cost? Any suggestions as to what would be a good one for soap and cream? (don't really want to many failed experiments setting on my self)


use more cream, about double of what you showed in the picture.Raf
Seems to be the conclusion, I'll give it a go.


Less water.
Soak the brush in warm water for a cuppa minutes and then shake it out.
Make your lather with a damp brush and then add warm water to the breech.
A little practice is all it really takes and there are many variables involved.
You're doing fine.
Sounds like practice in getting the variables right is what I need. BTW, Breech=:confused:

Thank you everyone for your time and expertises in replying. I'll take these suggestions and try them out and let you know if anything improves.

[rick]

Breech = guts of the brush = where the badger meets the handle.
...........opposite of the tips.

Adding water to the breech pushes the uberLather down and out of the brush.

[Sir Critic]

Breech = guts of the brush = where the badger meets the handle.
...........opposite of the tips.

Adding water to the breech pushes the uberLather down and out of the brush.

Got it; thank you.

[rick]

Keep us posted.
Pics, of course, are very helpful :D

[herzi]

@Sir Critic:
Can you make a pictorial of the TSD soaps here?
http://www.theshaveden.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3977

[Mottern Man]

"Yes, a badger brush would be nice. How do you justify the cost? Any suggestions as to what would be a good one for soap and cream? (don't really want to many failed experiments setting on my self)"

I shook my head at the price too, then I got one. :eek::1respect

35 dollars for a Crabtree and Evelyn Best is well worth it.

http://store.crabtree-evelyn.com/edwin-jagger-acc130291.html

[Scorpio]

The difference in the quality of the lather and the ease of making it is justification enough. Besides you really dont have to spend top dollar to get a really good brush. Follow Will's advise and start with a C&E Best Badger, excellent brush for the price.

Raf

[Sir Critic]

I used about twice as much cream as I showed above, mixed dry to start out with then added the needed water, a couple of rounds with the brush and I had lots of lather. Now I'm starting to understand all the hype about creams. Lots of lather that was actually lather. I think I needed more cream and less water to start out with and then I could slowly add the water I needed after the lather had its body.

Keep us posted.
Pics, of course, are very helpful :D
Sorry, I was so excited I forgot to take pictures, instead I shaved with it :D

@Sir Critic:
Can you make a pictorial of the TSD soaps here?
http://www.theshaveden.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3977
Just want to clarify. You would like a pictorial, like I did above, but only with TSD soap? And posted on the thread linked?

"Yes, a badger brush would be nice. How do you justify the cost? Any suggestions as to what would be a good one for soap and cream? (don't really want to many failed experiments setting on my self)"

I shook my head at the price too, then I got one. :eek::1respect

35 dollars for a Crabtree and Evelyn Best is well worth it.

http://store.crabtree-evelyn.com/edwin-jagger-acc130291.html

The difference in the quality of the lather and the ease of making it is justification enough. Besides you really dont have to spend top dollar to get a really good brush. Follow Will's advise and start with a C&E Best Badger, excellent brush for the price.

Raf

You guys sure that that brush will work with soaps too? If it does, I will put it on my list for my next purchase along with some of their shaving soaps.

[herzi]

Yes Kevin, this is exactly what I want.

[rick]

You guys sure that that brush will work with soaps too? If it does, I will put it on my list for my next purchase along with some of their shaving soaps.

Kevin,
the whole "soap brush vs. cream brush" discussion is really all about whether you make lather on your face or in a bowl / your hand.
If you like to make your lather in a bowl then I will argue that any brush will work with any product: Soap or cream; doesnt matter.
If, however, you like to make your lather on your face
I will tell you there are certain characteristics that make some brushes more effective than others:

1. Short loft
2. Tightly packed knot
3. Backbone (NO flop)

So,
to answer your latest question re: C&E BBB a good soap brush ?
Yes. If you plan to lather in a bowl / your hand.
Not really if you want to use it to create lather on your face.
For the money, tho, the C&E BBB is really tough to beat.
It was my first brush :D

[Mottern Man]

The answer is YES.

Oh and Rick, works of the face too brah.

[rick]

The answer is YES.

Oh and Rick, works of the face too brah.


I'm sure it does ;)
Just not my favorite for face latherin'

[Sejanus]

As always your results my vary slightly, but I will echo the sentiments for the C&E. It was my first brush and while I am moving on from it, it was more than able to handle me!

Oh, and I lather to the face too.. :D

[Mottern Man]

I'm sure it does ;)
Just not my favorite for face latherin'

Cuz it is a brush for the John Wayne type, not the girly man type :rofl

ya hear me? I'm givin' ya pearls son!

[rick]

Cuz it is a brush for the John Wayne type, not the girly man type :rofl

ya hear me? I'm givin' ya pearls son!


I dont even know what that means :confused:
......course referencing a guy named "Marian" aint exactly proving your point ;)

[Mottern Man]

I dont even know what that means :confused:
......course referencing a guy named "Marian" aint exactly proving your point ;)

Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade.

[Sir Critic]

Yes Kevin, this is exactly what I want.
No promises but I'll see what I can do ;)

Kevin,
the whole "soap brush vs. cream brush" discussion is really all about whether you make lather on your face or in a bowl / your hand.
If you like to make your lather in a bowl then I will argue that any brush will work with any product: Soap or cream; doesnt matter.
If, however, you like to make your lather on your face
I will tell you there are certain characteristics that make some brushes more effective than others:

1. Short loft
2. Tightly packed knot
3. Backbone (NO flop)

So,
to answer your latest question re: C&E BBB a good soap brush ?
Yes. If you plan to lather in a bowl / your hand.
Not really if you want to use it to create lather on your face.
For the money, tho, the C&E BBB is really tough to beat.
It was my first brush :D
Thanks for the clarification on the "soap brush vs. cream brush" talk; I don't even pretend to know all there is to know about brushes. :)

The answer is YES.

Oh and Rick, works of the face too brah.

As always your results my vary slightly, but I will echo the sentiments for the C&E. It was my first brush and while I am moving on from it, it was more than able to handle me!

Oh, and I lather to the face too.. :D

Thank you everyone for the confirmation, it's now on my buy list. I would save up and buy the best but I think I need some 'badger' experience and this brush should do that. I may find the C&E BBB to be all I'll need; ether way I'll giver it a go.