I just switched from shaving with a disposable razor to a DE safety razor, and also began using a Rooney badger brush and Proraso shaving cream. Here's my issue: I put a small amount of cream in a bowl, run the badger brush under hot water, let some of the hot water drip off for a few seconds, then start lathering up the cream in the bowl. I get a nice lather after 25-30 seconds, then start applying it to my face. The problem is that by the time I put it on my face, it feels cold (lukewarm at best), and I feel like this may be preventing my pores from staying open during the shave. Any tips/suggestions would be helpful. Thank you!
Google "shaving scuttle", it has a bottom bowl filled with hot water and a top bowl where you whip the lather.
I haven't figured out a great way of doing this with what I have, but I use a small ceramic bowl for lathering that I steep in hot water along with the brush while I shower. The ceramic holds some heat and warms the lather. It doesn't make the lather real warm, but it certainly isn't cold.
Welcome to The Shave Den! Pores don't actually open and close. While warm lather is nice, I don't think there is any benefit to your shave. Prep does more for your shave.
I use a large Cappuccino mug to build my lather in. I soak it in hot water from the faucet while I shower. Then after I build up by lather I refill the sink up with hot water and float the mug in the hot water to rest my brush in. Keeps both brush and lather pretty warm.
Shaving scuttles are the best way to keep lather warm. I used to not bother until I got mine last week and have been addicted to using it. However as JoAnna said, it's really a personal preference, a clean face and preshave oil/balm/etc will do more than just using warm lather.
This week I discovered the benefit of using kettle boiled water for the brush soak and initial lather. I also float the mug I use to lather in a sink filled with hot water. Between these two, I get a warm lather for three separate passes. And welcome to the den from another Newb.
I use a small stainless steel bowl for lather. Just before each pass, I run hot water over the outside of the bowl and then whip the lather a few times in the warmed bowl-it makes the lather warm.
I'm currently using a DB1.5 shaving scuttle. I've also got an RBecker scuttle that is a little smaller that does a good job as well.
I used a scuttle today for the first time (a Dirty Bird 1.5 arrived yesterday). It works quite well. I think it will bring a lot of enjoyment during the winter months.
