2nd Pass Slickness!

Who else experiences slicker lathers on the second pass than the first. My first passes are slick too but not near as slick as the second depending on the soap. I have no complaints about my first passes, just find it interesting. I suspect the second pass it slicker for a few reasons. Reason #1: There is less hair after the first pass which makes for a smoother layer of lather over the skin. Reason #2: The face is moisturized from the first layer of lather and their is a residual slick film layer that doesn't wash completely off after the first rinse. Reason #3: The face has additional water on it from rinsing after the first pass which adds to the lather when painting on the second pass.

What say you?

I say a combination of all three! I know in my experiences it is due to the water left after rinsing passes adds just a tad more water to the lather making it slicker. Also if the soap is exceptionally slick it leaves that slick residue as well which I think adds to the increased slickness on the second pass.

I say a combination of all three! I know in my experiences it is due to the water left after rinsing passes adds just a tad more water to the lather making it slicker.  Also if the soap is exceptionally slick it leaves that slick residue as well which I think adds to the increased slickness on the second pass.

Yea I think all three have to be the reason. I already add a lot of water to my lathers since I use tallow soaps 99% of the time but water alone doesn't do it which is why I think the other two I listed play a part as well. I agree that soaps that are very slick are the ones that result in the ultra slick 2nd pass. The soaps I notice this most on are Stirling and B&M but I know others are capable as well, those are just the ones in my den that I notice it with the most. This may sound crazy but it's almost too slick because I can't tell if I'm cutting the hair and thus start to wonder if my angle is right on my razor. Of course after I rinse I can see and feel that the hair is gone so the razor is definitely cutting the hair.

I've experienced it with the B&M, CRSW, and D.R. Harris. I have yet to experience it with the creams I have (TOBS and Geo F. Trumpers)

I've experienced it with the B&M, CRSW, and D.R. Harris.  I have yet to experience it with the creams I have (TOBS and Geo F. Trumpers)

You're right about CRSW, I should have mentioned it too. The trend here appears to be tallow soaps.

Mystic Water for me also leaves a good amount of residual slickness. I agree that it's a combo of all 3 reasons you listed, but the excess water from rinsing activating the thin layer of soap left on your face being the main factor.

Mystic Water for me also leaves a good amount of residual slickness. I agree that it's a combo of all 3 reasons you listed, but the excess water from rinsing activating the thin layer of soap left on your face being the main factor.

I bought my first Mystic Water soap last week and tonight was my second time using it. It's a slick soap and the second pass was even slicker. What impressed me most was that I did a 3rd pass for touch up without applying lather and it was extremely slick.

I have found this as well but I actually bias my first pass of the shave to cushion and then subsequent passes to slickness by subtly adjusting the lather hydration as I face lather.

I do feel certain soaps excel at this naturally though.

I have found this as well but I actually bias my first pass of the shave to cushion and then subsequent passes to slickness by subtly adjusting the lather hydration as I face lather.

I do feel certain soaps excel at this naturally though.

I always build a thick lather for extra cushion and protection on the first pass. However, on the second pass I don't work the lather at all, just paint it on and it's extremely slick. I prefer more cushion on the first pass for better protection but the slickness is nice for the second and/or third pass for ATG/XTG.

I think #1 and #2. Depending on how wet the lather is I may lightly dry my face after rinsing the first pass. However, I've not been doing that the last few shaves because the humidity is low and didnt want the lather to dry. Seemed to be a bit slicker - so I guess #3 contributes too.