Foam consistency...when is it right?

Austinoire, I'd recommend just grabbing your brush and soap/cream to practice lathering a few times until you get your lathers dialed in to where they need to be. to make it even easier for us to help you, take photos of your final product and/or videos for us to see.

here's a lather I produced using Mike's soaps: http://damnfineshave.com/thread-mike-s-n...3#pid63233

I used my trusty razorock plissoft synthetic and bloomed the soap for a few minutes prior to the shave. I think I probably lathered on the soap for 25-35 seconds before bringing it to my face to lather up.

windsorcitrus
Was that soapy bathman?

You don't want it to be foamy at all. That means there's too much water added too quickly. You shouldn't really see any bubbles in the lather as WindsorCitrus's and Merkur Man's pictures show. Just load a lot more soap than you think you should and you'll be alright.

Oh, and you asked about using a shave stick like Arko. It helps to soak the tip of it in warm water for a few minutes to soften it up. Then just rub it all over the area you want to shave. Take your damp brush and build the lather right on your face with the soap you've applied. Hope this helps!

Thank you guys. My 8th shave was great due to the prep work. As they say the proof is in the pudding or better yet, foam...getting better.

So thankful for all of your positive advice and supportive feedback.

Looks like you got that all figured out Austinoire, well done! It looks like it might be able to even handle a bit more water.

I'd also agree that it could use some more water.

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Looks fine to me, but I would have to agree with the other two gentlemen in saying that it might be able to accommodate a bit more water.
Enjoy the lather!

There really shouldn't be any bubbles visible at all basically should look like fresh whipped cream

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