That's the question. I've been reading, and I've searched, but I still haven't found "the" answer, if there was one. Which one, or both, and why? I like the idea of cream since it looks like a bit less messy (no wet soap in the cup); but soap is sold for a reason, and that's what I want to know. Thanks folks. P.S. I'm about halfway through Mantic's videos.
Think of cream as a soap that still has water in it... For the most part, if not all, creams are quicker to lather than a soap, sort of like an automatic transmission versus a five speed. I use both, but mostly prefer a soap over a cream because there is more ritual involved in making the lather. Then there is the in between; the cream-soap, or croap as it has been called lately... Easy answer; get both!
I have both. I use both. I prefer soaps. Does one give me a better shave over the other? Not enough for me to notice or care. Like Jeff said, just seems to be more of a ritual with using soap that draws me.
If I'm in a hurry, I use a soap. No scuttle/bowl - just brush to puck & back to face. With creams, I do use a scuttle which means an extra step in the process. I think I get a better shave with the cream, but it's not a huge difference.
I enjoy both actually. Just depends on my mood. I was a cream guy and was actually kind of scared that I couldnt lather a soap well due to hard water, but the soaps I have tried have lathered like a champ. Get some soap samples from the TSD store. Its a inexpensive way to try soaps. JoAnna makes a wonderful soap.
The only "the" answer to that question can only be given by yourself, based on your preferences (consistency, prep, scents, what works best...) I've started off with trying both soaps and creams, working my way through several brands and also trying to decide what is my favourite prep. I have ended up with currently using soaps only as I do not use a bowl/scuttle, just pass the brush over the soap and face lather. But again, that is my personal preference. One can also take up cream with the brush right out of the tub or from the tube and face lather. Actually, in my experience and my own opinion, soap and cream can be equally messy/not messy. Using a shave bowl or scuttle gives you so much better results with shave creams. Also with soaps, but if you want to face lather only, soaps are your friend...
I personally prefer the 5 speed over the automatic. Soaps are the way to go in my opinion. But saying that, I also enjoy creams. YMMV.
from my little bit of experience i find that soaps last longer but you can get a cream to lather faster and possibly easier. I personally prefer the "automatic" of the cream as it is easier for me.
Personally I prefer soap. I find them simpler to use. Just soak the brush, rub it on the soap and apply to the face. You can make the procedure more complicated such as soaking the soap, transfering the lather to a seperate bowl etc but I prefer the more rustic approach.
I believe it comes down to personal preference. I prefer soaps, but do use creams also. I feel the lather they produce is richer and provides a lot of protection for your skin, not that creams don't protect. It also for comes down to what I feel using each day aroma wise. Sometimes I am in a mood for Mr. Taylors or Bigelow, sometimes its Cella, AOS Lavender/Sandalwood (soaps in my case) or Tabac. I love the different options which are available to wet shavers, you can enhance your mood just from what aroma you use to shave.
I prefer creams. They leave behind a residual slickness that soaps in my expierience do not. I make one stroke with the razor, flip it over and follow the same stroke again, while creams I still have glide but soap I will get razor chatter.
Then it's the particular products you've selected. The Speick Shave Stick and Arko shave stick leave more residual slickness than any cream I've used and many other soaps are comparable to the creams that are the best in this aspect. I do experience what you're saying from most glycerin shave soaps, so perhaps that's the issue.
I use both. Although I seem to favor creams because I image I get a more comfortable shave with them while using some of my more aggressive razors. Also its been fun experimenting with all the great products thats out there. You should concider going to the Shave Den store and clicking on the sample shop menu. Here you will find alot of great products without breaking the bank. It will be a good way to see what works for you also. Hope this helps.
I suppose I ought to clarify what I mean by "mess". Years ago, when Old Spice was producing wet shaving mugs/soap/brush kits, I got one somehow and started using it. Soon thereafter, I found that using the soap left a bit of a dried up mess in the cup after I was done. No big deal, really-I'm a lot less OCD now (honest). Great info here folks, it's looking like there's no firm "answer", that I'll just have to experiment. I can't wait.
