Shaving Myths......

Have to agree with Mickey's implication that the more "material" you put between the edge of your blade and the surface of your skin, the less close your shave is likely to be.

My theory -- and I'm fully aware that I may be propagating another myth here, but I don't think so -- is that the key to wet shaving is hydration. Hydration of the skin and, of course, hydration of the whiskers. Yes, lather lubricates, but what is also does is to ensure that millions of molecules of water are efficiently distributed across the area (skin and beard) to be shaved. And water, I submit, is what mainly makes the difference between hair removal and shaving with a blade.

Have you ever tried dry shaving -- no lather, no water, no nothing? I have. With a straight razor. Not my whole face (I'm not certifiably insane   ), just a very small area. And you know what? A blade on dry skin cuts whiskers just fine. True, with lots of irritation, but hair removal takes place. Now if you add water to the equation (still no lather), things get better. Whiskers get shaved off, with less irritation. I *think* you could probably shave your entire face with water alone. It wouldn't be fun, but it would be doable, I think.

So, lather is the X factor that makes the difference between hair removal and shaving without irritation. Following the lead of William of Ockham, I submit that the least lather necessary to avoid irritation is all the "cushion" that's needed. How much is "the least"?

As William would say: YMMV

.....and there it is. Soap commander never gives me a thick lather, but the stuff is slick as hell. The more water I add to saponificio varesino the thicker it becomes, but it is still slick no matter how thick it gets.

From all the discussion about cushion I've seen over the last several years, it appears to be the Big Foot of shaving. Many argue that it exists and is vital and just as many argue that it's a figment of the imagination.

I'll take slickness over cushion any day of the week...

I'll take slickness over cushion any day of the week...

That's it for me also. A soap can provide as much cushion as it can, even if it is an inch thick, but I'll take a thinner lather like soap commander that is slick as hell any day of the week.

the key to wet shaving is hydration. Hydration of the skin and, of course, hydration of the whiskers.

Hydration is "another" attribute and certainly important. This is easy to research, just look up any article on proper face prep. One example ... http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/a...-face.html Complete with close up pictures of how hydration swells the individual hairs and makes them easier to cut. In this article http://thesuperiorshave.com/tss_lather_fuel_dogma.html the author explains why hydration is important to him along with how he ranks the attributes. As to cushion, the prior article also explains: "[shaving soap] ... provides a protective anti-friction layer and improves razor glide for a smoother, more comfortable shave."

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/a...z4HPkgOQn9
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Now how one ranks the attributes in terms of importance is your choice. But, in fact, the soap does provide a layer so you don't cut the skin or get irritation. This review of a soap, although not using the word "cushion" specifically describes the attribute as to how it allows one to get a very close shave without cutting skin.

I have always defined cushion simply as ultimately "thickness". Ability to hold water, small bubbles and creamy texture. Who likes yogurt?

Most recent soaps, from my direct experience, all have the capability of generating what I would call a lather with cushion. Not so in the past when you would often get a thin mess with little to no density.

The slickness then often becomes a question of subtle adjustments in hydration.

I do my own thing do not pay to much attention to myths..

Some that I have heard over years;

Badger brushes are superior and the only brush you should have

That glycerin soaps do not lather

Synthetics brushes do not work

 the key to wet shaving is hydration. Hydration of the skin and, of course, hydration of the whiskers.

Hydration is "another" attribute and certainly important. This is easy to research, just look up any article on proper face prep. One example ... http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/a...-face.html Complete with close up pictures of how hydration swells the individual hairs and makes them easier to cut. In this article http://thesuperiorshave.com/tss_lather_fuel_dogma.html the author explains why hydration is important to him along with how he ranks the attributes. As to cushion, the prior article also explains: "[shaving soap] ... provides a protective anti-friction layer and improves razor glide for a smoother, more comfortable shave."

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/a...z4HPkgOQn9
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

Now how one ranks the attributes in terms of importance is your choice. But, in fact, the soap does provide a layer so you don't cut the skin or get irritation. This review of a soap, although not using the word "cushion" specifically describes the attribute as to how it allows one to get a very close shave without cutting skin.

Using the word "proper" is an indication that it is a universally true method. Face prep is a myth, as many people get wonderful shaves with nothing more than a splash of cold water...myself included...

It is my estimation that slickness and cushion are really the same thing being interpreted in different ways. Clearly there is a layer or film between the blade and the skin. This layer creates surface tension, which aids in keeping the blade close to the follicle without alloing it to come into direct contact with the skin. With much hydration, this layer becomes very slick. With little hydration, this layer becomes very thick. The key to a quality, comfortable shave is finding the right mix of water and product t provide an acceptable level of both that makes the shave close and comfortable FOR YOU.

For me, as a straight shaver, I can do without the creamy, yogurty "cushion". Give me mucho slickness and just enough thickness to keep the lather from falling apart, running down my head in a messy waterfall of bubbles, or degrading mid-shave into either a pasty white crust or a thin, runny mess...

I'll take slickness over cushion any day of the week...

That's it for me also. A soap can provide as much cushion as it can, even if it is an inch thick, but I'll take a thinner lather like soap commander that is slick as hell any day of the week.

I get thick lather from my soap commander 0.o not as thick as cella but not as thin as Godrej. Creams give me the thickest lather though

Here comes that amateur again.

I think the thickness of lather depends primarily upon how much water is incorporated into it. Yes, some lathers can provide thicker lathers with less work but add some water and the lather thins out. That is the beauty of shaving soaps, croaps and creams (SCC's).
They can be adjusted to suit the user. Granted some are a little easier to adjust than others.
I like to start with a relatively dry lather and ad mere drops of water as needed.
That is why I like my electrically heated scuttle. Add too much water and a little (more or less) stirring will cause it to slowly evaporate.
I prefer creams because they lather so readily. Croaps are a very close second. Soaps may be a little tougher to awaken and I have one that is permanently hibernating.
But I am thrilled with the great choices I have from all three lather providers.
I do believe that any one of the three can usually be matched with the other two so we have plenty of first class options.
We shavers are lucky people.

Mickey