Stirling Lather Problems

I can't get a good lather (bowl lathering) out of my Stirling I got for Father's Day. Any tips? I've tried more & less water, more product, badger brush, boar... what should I expect out of Stirling? Is it a rich lather, thin.... etc. Thank you

 

Usually, it's a matter of not enough water. Load a lot of soap, and then in the bowl whip it up, adding a few drops of water at a time, and it will suddenly become great lather. It takes a lot more water than you might think, though. Just make sure to add a little at a time. Stirling is my favorite soap, but you have to dial it in.

 

I has similar problems with the Stirling puck: poor lather development, thin, blah. Someone recommended a long pre-soak of the puck before use and this made a world of difference in getting the puck to yield the rich ,thick lather Stirling has become known for.

 

So just while I shower?

 

Same problem for me, recently, too. A puck soak does help.

 

Rod (the creator of Stirling) recommends face lathering. It also needs more product and water than other soaps.

 

Sure. A little water wont hurt the puck. Leave the puck moist post-shave as well.

 

Thank you fellas. I'm glad to see I'm not alone it was slick, but I felt like I was making my first ever lather today. Rather newbie feeling

 

I didn't soak the cake and did fine with my moderately hard Chicago water. All it needs is a lot of water. Also I think lather expectations can be deceiving- it won't look like most soap lathers. You're never going to get an Arko like lather. Stirling lather isn't fluffy it's more soupy/slimy weird looking.

 

Thank you Fram. I'm going to soak next time around. We'll see how it goes.

 

Weird you mention this as just the other day I saw a video on you tube about how to lather stirling soaps. It was down by the guy who own the company, I think there is a link to the video on Stirling Soaps website.
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCsT--KkSYSUIdRzffGJ6U3g

Hope this helps

 

Joe, thank you.

 

Dapper
I use my Stirling soap almost exclusively. I usually take my mug and fill it with Hot Tap Water. (not water heated in the Micro-Wave, DON'T ASK) I let it sit while I shower or while I am washing my face.
Since I started letting soak and get excellent lather. Good luck.

 

Success!
I loaded for 10s, bowl lathered for roughly 1:30. I had to take it very basic all over again. A thick yogurt like lather. I felt so creamy. I wasted this batch because I only shave every two days. I was to determined to get it right.

 

10 seconds sounds way too low... no wonder you were having problems. But if it's working now it's ok I guess.

 

I loaded for 10 seconds today. I've been spoiled on RR. It made me have to step back and reevaluate. It was a great lather.

 

Musta been really bad alcohol to last only 10 sec. But, I can see the advantage.

 

you are welcome, glad to see you had success with the lather

 

For Stirling, I start with a wet-but-not-dripping brush and load for 45 seconds, then face lather. Comes together without much effort and I rarely have to add any water until I'm lathering for the 3rd pass.