Once, I was using a cheap pot metal soap and I dropped it from about into my sink. It didn't break, but I swore it wanted to.
i test latherd my soap at my grandpas and it didnt really work at all then got home BOOM lather soo its the case of pinkie water
Im with you, but face lather it. I load heavy with a damp brush and dip the tips in the sink to add more water. It's not the best soap in the world, but really isn't as bad as people say either.
I fill my mug with hot water, soak my brush in the same thing while I shower. Dump it out and load it probably twice as heavy as other soaps, and face lather with careful monitoring of the water. I actually got a fantastic shave last time I used it. I wouldn't call it really difficult or magic-needing however it definitely (Modern, as in from the factory in the last year) is picky.
Now you've done went and insulted all the pigs out there... I can understand folks not liking the "ritual" of having to soak any soap prior to it's initial use, but when someone is having trouble I suggest it. I've recently experimented with several hard soaps that are often said to be hard to lather. Soaps like MWF, Osma, Williams, and a couple of others I think fall into that group. (I'm not suggesting that everyone has difficulty) What I've found so far is that when any of these soaps are initially soaked for several hours prior to first use, they softened and lathering (even with hard water) became much easier. After that initial soak, if the soap is used daily, then further soaking probably is not necessary as the soap will be maintained in it's softened/hydrated state. But if the soap is not being used daily, keeping the soap damp by adding a bit of water to it once or twice a week (maybe just once per week if it's in a sealed container)will maintain the softened state and when the soap is used again, it will be much easier to load/lather. As with all other things shaving related, YMMV. And if you think the initial soak thing is foolish and a waste of time, then by all means, don't do it. @Omelmad I congratulate you on your will to stay with it and figure it out. And, I stand by my initial suggestion. Even if you have already soaked it for 30 minutes, grated it, and pressed it into a container. It think it will help if you keep it well hydrated and soft.
Thank you =) I did what u said, and I might have exaggerated because I left it overnight I really want it to work, and I don't mind experimenting. I wish I knew this before, I would have soaked it all arround It now has a slippery surface and feels like its moisturized. Didn't test lather it again yet, but I'm gonna do it a bit later =)
I have never tried this, but have you ever tried putting the puck in the mug. I remeber seeing a video fron sterling soap where he lathers by putting the soap in a mug and rubbing the lather back into the puck. Just a thought, as it is called a Mug soap . Good luck.
Hahaha it is called a mug soap =P I'm gonna try it the way I have it now. If it doesn't work I will try that. I have seen rods videos on YouTube so I know what you mean. Thanks for the tip Joe
I was gifted this puck of Osma a week or two ago. The original owner said he couldn't get it to lather at all. I'll admit, it was hard as rock when I got it. I didn't even try to lather it. (and unfortunately I forgot to take a picture as well...) Here it is after a 6-7 hour soak. Here it is test lathered. I loaded the brush for about 15 seconds, and stirred the brush in the bowl for 20-30 seconds. The brush is an Omega 49 that was damp, not wet. I like the lather very thick, similar to a very thick yogurt, so I added very little extra water. As you can see, there is plenty of lather here. Easily enough for 3 passes. After each shave, I leave the soap puck as-is and cover with a plastic lid I saved from the recycle bin. At the next use, if the soap puck is looking a bit dry I add enough water to cover and let stand while I'm getting my razor and other items out of the cabinet, then dump the water. I've shaved using the Osma now 4 times, and it has remained easy to lather. Don't expect much for smell. It rather reminds me of wet cardboard. But, it is very gentle on the face and provides very good protection.
