Overrated! or Things that never worked for you that others deem necessary.

I'm really confused how comments providing an alternative view of the value of analysis (after remarks that disparaged those who 'over analyze') can possibly be interpreted as offensive. hrfdez, from what I can tell no one is taking it personally or is saying that you are wrong or shouldn't hold that opinion. And certainly no one is getting "aroused" by that analysis, as you so eloquently put it :p. I hope not anyway lol.

It is certainly your prerogative to pity whomever you like, even people who over analyze shaving products. It's not an especially polite comment to make, especially since a few of us are obviously the type to heavily analyze these things, but it's your opinion. As I understand them, the comments to the contrary (including mine) are simply attempts to provide reasons for that same over analysis which you find worthy of pity.

Different strokes for different folks.

NeoXerxes I'm out, you are taking it personal, is not. You obviously are mistaken me. This is fun for me, I don't live and breath this stuff. I have nice gear, use it, and move along. Not too much thought process. My opinion is in no way an insult or disparaging, is just that.

You want to heavily analyze? Go for it, enjoy it. You are giving this much more thought that it really deserves.

Observing that it is impolite to openly state that you take pity on those who embrace the analytical approach (which many of us clearly do) does not necessarily mean that I am taking anything personally O_o. That statement is quite different from stating your own opinion of the hobby: It's perfectly fine that you don't take an analytical approach. I respect your opinion and your right to articulate it.

"To each their own" is not just a pithy platitude - I think it is important to respect others regardless of the view they take of the hobby, whether or not one finds that view to be meritorious.

NeoXerxes I'll pump your ego, you are right, I'm wrong. That should settle this nonsense. Can't please everybody and that's not my intention. I'm sorry if I'm brash, but that's me.

Have the last word, I'm moving on.

Some time ago I developed the habit of lathering up a thicker, cushiony [is that a word?] lather for the first pass. After that I really hose the lather down and go for more slickness.

Each is still plenty hydrated and it is more of a shaving quirk that took hold some time ago.

Works for me but couldn't tell you why other than it has become a habit.

Totally agree kwsher. I believe it was Hobbyist who posted a thread about while back about how the 2nd pass is always slicker than the first. I'll do that intentionally too by leaving some water from the rinse on my face before re-lathering. Like you said, "Works for me"...

I've also adopted the method that wyze0ne mentions, probably due to the post that (I think?) Hobbyist made some time ago. Dense and well-hydrated lather is more useful than visually voluminous later. I love slickness .

Re: "slickness", "cushion"

From my perspective, slipperiness, and cushion (i.e. barrier between skin and blade), are two concepts that - at a certain point - overlap each other.

Low viscosity substances (e.g. water), yield little resistance (i.e. high slipperiness), but, also yield high friction (low cushion). On the other hand, high viscosity substances (e.g. honey), offer great protection/lubrication (i.e. low friction), but little in the way of slipperiness (due to high resistance/viscosity)

^^^^ this

The concept of glide and cushion are not mutually exclusive. Look no further than the oil in your car. It MUST be slippery. At the same time it MUST be protective. Back in the day one protected parts from friction via higher viscosity oils. No more. Modern synthetics can have low viscosity and be just as slippery. In fact, the lower viscosity helps in gas mileage - think slippery.

Cushion is probably a bad word to describe the process. I suspect its more like the ability to prevent the blade from cutting the skin. Make not mistake, without cushion, you would be miserable. Without slickness or glide, you would be miserable. And residual glide, although not often discussed, helps us lazy people who don't want to relather

Well, my inaugural post might be polarizing but I have to be honest. I think Simspon brushes are overrated. Particularly their Best grade of hair, which I have personally found to be one of the least pleasant that I've tried. But I'm partial to soft tips and can't tolerate much scratchiness.

Well, my inaugural post might as well be polarizing but I have to be honest. I think Simspon brushes are overrated. Particularly their Best grade of hair, which I have personally found to be one of the least pleasant that I've tried. But I'm partial to soft tips and can't tolerate much scratchiness.

Can't argue with that. I still have a few, but I don't use them. I found others much nicer.