This is going to be picture heavy, so apologies in advance. I am dedicating this thread to @9nein9 and anyone else struggling making lather with this iconic soap. First off, the list of players: Unwrapping the puck, it is dry as a bone. With the fine side of the box grater, I grate up the puck. The next step is to press the soap back into the container. First with my finger tips and then with my 58mm espresso tamper. This is going to take about 4 layers, until all soap has been returned to the container. Ready for the initial bloom. After my shower, I pour off the bloom water into my bowl. Notice the soap that has oozed from the puck. Now we begin the loading. With a soaked and well wrung-out boar brush I start. What you see at first is not going to work as a stabile lather. I will keep at this for about 90-120 seconds. Yes...that long. Really get a lather going. Then I will take my fingers and pull out the excess soap from the container and rub it into my face. Then I start the face lathering. It's still a bit dry. This is looking good. I barely dipped the tips of the brush into the bloom water. This lather is completely stabile. I had enough lather for 4 passes and this is what came out of the knot. Here is that lather applied to my face. Sorry about these photos of my unsightly neck and chest. I guess I should have worn a t-shirt. In conclusion: MWF can be mastered and when it is, it provides and excellent shave and some of the BEST post-shave feel of any soap on today's market. Feel free to ask questions.
I will add this comment. MWF can get airy at the drop of a hat. To avoid that, I eschew bowl-lathering and am not afraid to use my hands to massage the lather into my skin, thereby removing excess air bubbles.
I am talking about after applying the lather to my face. I rub it in as if I were washing my face with soap.
Thought that would do two more lathers, using a synthetic and badger brush. Both without blooming the soap. First the CH2 Synthetic. Now the Thäter Badger (got even better results) Check out this shine! Everyone having issues with this soap, I understand. Don't give up. IMO, it's worth the effort. Remember, I did nothing extra to this puck other than to grate it up. I do think that helps.
hello gents.not trying to steal any creds from Joseph's fine thread but thought i would add my experience with MWF.i usually use an Omega boar brush as i like the scrub. the sunday shave #15 brit aristocrat gillette blue box platinum rubberset 200-3 omega boar MWF burberry brit my MWF procedure.. i will add a little water to the puck if i haven't used it for a while and let it soak while i soak the boar brush and fit the blade to razor,usual prep.i drain any water left on the puck.i make sure the brush is damp .not dripping.,giving it a good squeeze and a flick or 2.i then swirl the brush tips LIGHTLY on the puck but for a good 30-45 seconds,very little bubbles if any,just a creamy residue on the puck,checking for a good load once or twice.at first i transfered to the bowl,building a creamy paste and working it,then i add drops of water SLOWLY and work it some more.when i get the consistency i want ,it's off to the races.i have experienced a little dissipation once in a while but was my error.it is a little finicky compared to others.we have very soft water in this region.one can lather most anything here.. MWF is a fine soap and can be mastered following some simple procedures...it may differ a little for everyone..
