So today was my first attempt at lathering Mitchell's Wool Fat. I'd heard how finicky and frustrating it can be to lather, especially for those, like me, with hard water. But I'd also heard it was worth the effort, and some even said it wasn't all that hard to lather after all.

Well, it was easy, at least for me.



Here's what I did: wet my brush, a Vintage Blades 2-band; let water drip out, then gave it one little shake, so it wasn't dry, but it wasn't sopping wet, either; Loaded for about 45 seconds, then rubbed the puck on my face a bit, a la @CyanideMetal ; then brought the brush to my face and lathered vigorously. I could tell right away I was on the right track, and after adding a little water, working it a bit more, and finishing up with slappy back-and-forth paintbrush strokes, I had a dense, slick, protective lather. In short, I did what I do with every soap, and it worked great. Only difference was that I loaded a little longer than average.

I added a bit of water for the second and third lather. Results were if anything better than the first. Plenty was left in the brush for a fourth if I'd needed it. Left my face feeling great.

The only criticism I have is of the scent. It is a bit boring. It smells like old fashioned soap, mild and inoffensive, but I do prefer a strong, interestingly scented soap.

Resources:

- This video convinced me that special techniques were not necessarily necessary:



- Lots of helpful tips in this Sharpologist post, though I mostly ignored them except for loading heavily.

Whoops, didn't mean for the photo to be so big. Is there any way for me to size it down besides just, uh, sizing it down?

Needs more cowbell.

Update: I've now used MWF three times. Far from being difficult, I think it's the easiest lathering soap I've tried. And the quality of the lather is as fantastic as everyone says. Even the scent us starting to grow on me. Loving this stuff.

I have this on my list of soaps to have.

I feared the fat because of my hard water. Now I can put that fear to rest. Fat will be on my buy list. Thanks for the post!

YMMV and all that, but hopefully it works as well for you as it does for me.

I see no reason why it won't. It's more of the fear that's been associated with MWF that's kept me away. If it doesn't work. I'll PIF...

If it doesn't work, I'll take it.
HA!

PIF MWF!

I used MWF today for the 1st time, it was as easy to lather as Cella. I watched every video to be found, and to be honest, I wish I never had! Don't fear the FAT!

I got my MWF about a week ago. Excellent. I didn't even try another soap all week.

I'm pretty sure I'll follow what you did.

I got some MWF last week and I've used it twice with great results. Not hard to lather for me, either, and I love the face feel!

More converts this week

I hadn't heard about the lathering issues before I purchased mine and am glad I didn't. The soap lathers itself for me in the bowl or on my face. I will probably use it exclusively during the coldest winter months.

Size it down? Why? Is there something wrong with it?

Now to get them to try Tabac.

I have hard water as well. Never had a problem with MWF. I just use a tad more product. It is a must have for every wet shaver.

Yes, even though I used cella all the time, I haven't gotten it out since I got the Fat. I have been converted.

It lathers very well if it is stored moist. I recommend storing it in something like this.