[Sondheim]

I have few questions here, and I've been searching around the forums for a similar post/sticky, and haven't found one yet, but if this is being repetitive, a mod can feel free to move/edit/delete.

What is the real difference between soap and cream? I know some people prefer one over the other, but is there really a benefit to one or the other? Does one last longer, or is one better for sensitive skin? I've only ever used soap, and not even soap meant for shaving specifically with my mach3, and am curious about what to start using with a straight, 'cause I definitely want to use something that is actually meant for shaving.

Also, how is cream used? Is it lathered or directly applied?

[Wildtim]

The only difference that you can count on is that soaps are a solid and cremes are cremey. Everything else varies by brand.

Within the same brand I find that creams tend to give me a more cushy shave while soaps tend to be slicker. Other than that I think they are mostly the same.

You will find that any shaving soap or cream will give you a much more comfortable shave. The majority of cremes are lathered just like soaps. Some guys will lather directly on the face with either a soap or a creme and I think cremes make this easier but thats just me.

[jnich67]

I think Tim pretty much hit it on the head. Its totally a personal choice. I use some creams, but generally prefer soaps with a straight. For me, the less cushy soap= more feedback and knowing where/how the edge is. Try a few different products - for a while - and see what you think.

Jordan

[poona]

I used to only use creams exclusively, but now I have seen the light of soaps and the wonderful scents that accompany them.

I think I may be a convert after so so many years of creams.

[OLD_SCHOOL]

As stated, its simply a matter of choice. I have tried a few creams but find the scent is much too strong and long lasting for my liking. I like soaps because the scent is milder.

I highly recommend you give Colleen's soaps and creams a try. Her website is thegentlemansquarter.com
They are worth every red cent.

[Marquinho]

I use both, creams & soaps. With creams I found easy to create plenty of lather very quickly and the perfume they contained last longer; with soaps I have to use my favorite bowl to create enough lather but for some reason, I get closer shaves with them, when time is not an issue, I enjoy shaving with MWS. Marco

[welshwarrior]

For me, I find soap quicker and easier to use. However, I find creams gentler on my skin and more indulgent. I tend to use cream when I fancy taking a bit more time and spoiling myself.

[thebigspendur]

In general I'm a soap kind of guy and think its all a matter of personal preference. The only exception to that I have found are the Castle Forbes Creams. I think they are the best shaving prep products in the universe. They are pricy but they last a very long time.

[PA23-250]

Well, for TGQ, the soaps tend to be easier to lather, but the creams tend to have a stronger scent because the fragrance is added at the end. For the soaps, they're added earlier and the heat generated by the process thermally denatures the oils, giving a less strong scent. Totally your choice. I like them both!

[Sondheim]

I'm definitely picking up some soap and cream from TGQ when I get paid, along with getting one of my razors honemeistered(yes, I made a verb out of it.) Now I just have to decide whether or not to get a new brush, mine's quite old.

Has anyone else noticed that on TGQ, that they're gift special basket thing on the front page is kinda overpriced? You can get 1oz soap + 1oz cream + boar brush for $19, and it's priced at $25... I find this a little strange.

[gssixgun]

I refuse to even strain my brain, as to which of the two might be better, I simply mix the two with a few drops of pure glycerin and create a self-indulgent Uberlather.... See no questions easy as pie

I mean really we spend all that time honing, stropping, and shaving, why shouldn't we spend a few seconds, and pennies more, and really have fun

[SIB]

Originally Posted by gssixgun

I refuse to even strain my brain, as to which of the two might be better, I simply mix the two with a few drops of pure glycerin and create a self-indulgent Uberlather.... See no questions easy as pie

I mean really we spend all that time honing, stropping, and shaving, why shouldn't we spend a few seconds, and pennies more, and really have fun

No you didnt....and i knew i had it all cover...i am trying this next week...can i get the glycerin in a healthfood store right? couple drops on top of the cream and start lathering with a brush previously loaded with hard cake style soap?
sounds indulgent and sinfull...love it...

[welshwarrior]

Originally Posted by SIB

No you didnt....and i knew i had it all cover...i am trying this next week...can i get the glycerin in a healthfood store right? couple drops on top of the cream and start lathering with a brush previously loaded with hard cake style soap?
sounds indulgent and sinfull...love it...

Yeah, this thread has inspired me to try uberlather. gssixgun, you are a good uberambassador!

[Doc]

Thats right Glen is the lather KING!!!!!!

[OLD_SCHOOL]

Originally Posted by Sondheim

Has anyone else noticed that on TGQ, that they're gift special basket thing on the front page is kinda overpriced? You can get 1oz soap + 1oz cream + boar brush for $19, and it's priced at $25... I find this a little strange.

I imagine that the few extra $ will be for the box, the ribbon(s) and of course labour. This seems like the most logical explanation.

[HenrikWL]

I'm a cream guy. I don't own a bar of soap at all, neither regular soap nor shaving soap.

Naturally, I will try a shaving soap at one point, but to my mind creams are - well, the cream of the crop.

[Hawkeye5]

I started with creams, but now I'm about 80% soap. I have two creams that I do use, Proraso in the summer because it feels so good, and Castle Forbes because it is just a softer soap and provides tons of lather.