I tried Rick's method and it worked great. The only change I made was instead of a dry brush, I dipped the the tips of the brush in the soap water before swirling on the soap puck. I'm afraid a dry brush right onto the puck might damage the tips quicker. I only let a puck stand in water just enough to soften it a bit. Otherwise, I noticed it wasted a lot of soap. Then again, the faster I use a soap, the quicker I can try new ones. What a dilemma. 12 soaps plus 6 on the way and counting.
Tried it this morning, worked pretty well. I will build more dry lather on the brush next time to see if I can get a bit more "oomph" in the thickness/volume of the lather, but this method worked really well and gave me more than enough lather for three passes.
Well...... it seems I need to add a disclaimer to my "tutorial". I have been researching Method Shaving a bit and Mr. Roberts is concerned with a condition he calls "Dry Breech". I read thru several of the CAR forum entries and decided there was enough discussion to warrant me relaying the info to my peeps. Charles talks about brush damage and other problems associated with dry breech ....altho I have not yet experienced any. So.... proceed with caution. I'll let you know if anything bad happens to my badger.
Rich.... not sure about the tips so much, but it seems the breech (insides....guts) may be subject to some issues. I dunno I find it hard to believe these things are that delicate. Just wanted everyone to know there is some concern regarding this technique. ......I'm gonna keep doing it cause it works for me !!
Don't know. It's kind of like your own hair? More brittle when dried out? The moisture plumps and cushions the hairs?
A good point Rick discovered here. The inner core of the brush could potentially suffer some negative effects if you start lathering it up dry and bristles are not softened up and flexible. Maybe soaking the brush then thoroughly shaking out all the excess water would avoid any possible problems.
Me thinks this is the way to go.... did it that way yesterday. I soaked (re: ran hot water all thru) the brush and then shook as much water as possible out of it. Results were very good and the peace of mind was calming
That works better for me too. I tried it after the dry breech comments. So, now. 1) Soften up the soap with a little hot water for about 2 minutes. 2) Hot water throughout brush and shake out all excess. 3) Pour soap water into bowl. 4) Charge brush with soap 5) Make lather in bowl using about 2 tbls of soap water 6) Add water as needed until lather starts to explode.
The old method worked great for me yesterday, but in deference to the new regime, I will follow orders!!! :signs015 Wait, no, this one! -->:signs090