Introduction to Traditional Wetshaving, Part 2: Lathering

[arbinka2007]

Hey Mantic thanks for the great videos! i am using the same Tweezerman brush and have noticed that when i mix my lather in my ceramic bowl, the brush splits in the middle and sort of dries out making it impossible to create more lather.

[PaceShave]

Another great upload. Thanks for sharing!

PaceShave*com

[lendogz22]

Mantic, I got my first DE shave today using a Merkur Vision 2000 this thing is big and heavy compared to my Mach 3 Power which Im looking to ditch. I got a few niks having my head (I shave bald) but Im sure with practice I will no longer cut myself. I noticed that Im unable to shape up my beard due to the Bulky razor so I had to revert back to my Mach 3 for the shape up of my beard. Do you have any tips for shaping up a beard using DE razor? Or should I consider a straight razor for shaping?

[Helveticum13]

@lendogz22 get a smaller razor - for instance old type open comb gillette or tech, they go for 10-20 bucks on ebay. Vision is a monstrosity.

[Babypuncher260]

what if i use barbasol shaving cream from the can but use the old school razor to shave with?

[mantic59]

@Babypuncher260 you can but you will not get as good of a shave compared to traditional lather.

[JonNicc]

It is recommended that a cat supervise your shave! That way, you come out with a PUUUUURRRRRFECT shave! ;)

[BenGmanUk]

Hey thanks for your videos, very useful indeed! One question I have though is that I'm currently using some Taylor of bond st cream. Should i be generating the lather in a separate bowl? Thanks in advance. :)

[mantic59]

@BenGmanUk you don't have to, you could build the lather right on your face. Its personal preference.

[catcat646]

love your sink

[NIJoe6]

what type and brand of soap is the orange soap?

[Bowser28]

Mantic, is the inexpensive badger brush you're using in the video from the company 'Tweezerman'? they look just like the one from your video and are indeed inexpensive, just wondering about your opinion of them

[mantic59]

@Bowser28 yes, its a tweezerman. for the price they're not bad!

[Bowser28]

@mantic59 would you prefer it over an entry-level boar brush? I'm new to wetshaving and want to try the badger without spending alot of money. Thanks!

[mantic59]

@Bowser28 I absolutely prefer the Tweezerman over any entry-level boar brush.

[OdiseyThe]

my girlfriend likes it when i put my warm lather on her face

[stevekiwilad]

Hi Mantic, great vids. I have a question though. I have just ordered some nice Taylor's soap online and I see on your vid that you have the whole soap in the bottom of your cup - is that right? You unwrap the soap and drop it in the cup?

At the end of each shave, do you just let the soap dry for the next day?

What about when you are traveling? Are cake soaps no good for that?

[mantic59]

@stevekiwilad correct on the 1st 2 questions! for traveling, I have a video that describes what i do, check my channel page.

[Joey3TG]

lol @ the cat in the shot

[jaffarm]

oh it so was!

[daboss212]

was the eyebrow movement necessary lol

[slayerguitar]

-mantic, you need to actually grow a beard so we can see the purpose of several passes

[mantic59]

@slayerguitar have you seen my "10 minute traditional wetshave" video? I'm pretty scruffy at the beginning.

[shavingaccessories]

Great Vid,

Full of good pratical advice on wet shaving. At 200,000 plus views I think you've helped convert a lot of people

[jsj297]

Doug, I bet Mantics cat can make better lather than you. lol j/k

[Doug19752533]

recently bought a cup and brush and cream, cant make a lather worth a shit lol

[mantic59]

Doug19752533 - it takes some practice, hang in there and you'll get it. be sure your brush is clean (i have a video on brush cleaning, see my videos page)

[Doug19752533]

lol i know mantic :) practice makes perfect! and thank you so much for your great videos and your website! very very informative. the set i bought isnt top notch, but it was available so i got it. im sure at some time ill invest the money in a good brush and higher quality products. keep the videos and comments coming!

[daboss212]

lol @ 3:48

[JosephandElissa]

Mantic, thank you for taking the time to create videos that focus on traditional shaving! I am turning 30 in a month, and I have been using can goop and the latest multi-bladed contraption since I started shaving. For Christmas 09 I got a brush and mug (w/ soup) and have used your videos to really learn the technique. I love the brush on my face! You have convinced me to order a safety razor now (or wait till my birthday next month). I really look forward to shaving now! Thank you so much!

[retardno002]

Watching you applying the lather on your face reminded me of when I was little and I used to watch my grandfather do this. I always used to play with his brushes and even though nowadays I find out that they are quite expensive, he didn't say anything to me. Great man. Thank you for the information by the way, and for the memories as well.

[BaronMage]

this video is actually quite interesting !

[Cowboycurtis888]

You sir, have done your homework. This series is of excellent quality THis is the kind of thing I look for in my traditional men's personal care...Im 18, and Ive already found the benefits of shaving this way. Youre absolutely right...it is more fun, and it feels more traditional and such. THiskind of information is so hard to find nowadays.

[szczerbatylukasz]

cute kitten ^^ and very helpful tips old man!

[SteveAndrewLangford]

Oh man, I just experienced a shave! What an amazing, and pleasurable experience! Thanks for this Mantic!

[lewisjamesfegan1994]

i use gel and just rub it in my hand then rub my face. is this wrong?

[mantic59]

lewisjamesfegan1994- maybe not "wrong" but you probably won't get the most effective shave.

[gallah]

haha, he should shave that cat's back

[JoshTurner11]

Hello, what shaving brush would you recommend? I live in England and you can't get shavmac over here. I've tried American companies and they only ship to the U.S and Canada. I've read a few forums and that has confused me more. Thanks.

[mantic59]

JoshTurner11- try executive-shaving(dot)co(dot)u­k and gentlemans-shop(dot)dom

[obesejim]

Nice videos!!! :-)

[geandily]

haha I didn't think somebody could make a video like this entertaining, very funny! And wow I had been using waaaay too much shaving cream thanks for the video

[NOSFERATUalu]

thanks for doing this tutorial

[HLDenounce]

love the cat lol

[rward0]

Very cool video. I love your cat comments- very funny! Keep it going!

[sini8080]

Thanks for posting this vid, I now realise I was using too much shaving cream!!

[Ramsez]

kthxbye

[MrWinston1984]

Why must we hold the brush at the base of the hairs rather than the handle?

[mantic59]

MrWinston1984- Well you don't *have* to but it will give you a little better control of where you put your lather and it will help keep water in the inner-most part of the brush where all the mixing takes place.

[MrWinston1984]

Yeah, I started doing it the morning after I posted the question and found it to be much more comfortable also. Thanks for the tip.

[angelandersoninvegas]

Something we would watch in health class...

[ozyran]

Wow, I've just learned that my lather is unprepared when I set it up in the morning - I haven't been stirring long enough! Thanks for posting these videos up.

[masonbowen]

Great vids mantic59. they are very helpful and professionaly formated and explained

[slipknot998]

Could I Purchase The Kiss My Face Shaving Cream you have here, In any Kiss My Face Store? Thanks

[mantic59]

slipknot998- Yes it should be available anywhere that sells Kiss My Face products.

[bensbravebabybenz]

hah these vids rock. thanks a bunch!

[mantic59]

koabarra- Sounds like you're using too much water.

[roligg]

Why can't I get a good lather? I use trufitt&hills luxury soap and a best badger brush and I follow every step according to the videos. All i get is a little lather on the brush but almost no exess lather in my bowl..why? I've tried addin more water but it just gets watery. What could be the problem?

Thanks for the vids btw, you are really great! Some times I just watch them for pleasure (I'm easy to amuse).

[mantic59]

roligg- You probably just need to load up the brush more. Wipe the brush onto the soap for a longer time.

[roligg]

tried it and it works great now! Thanks!

[chriswright1987]

Thank you for this series of videos, I really appreciate it, it made a daunting task (learning to shave with a safety razor) a much easier and more enjoyable experience.

[mrsuperspeed]

Mark what is written on the side of your mug? great vids by the way.

[mantic59]

mrsuperspeed- "Aggies"

[turokcalde]

I'm a 16 years old, and I don't grow a complete beard yet (you know, still missing some spots here and there). Can I still wetshave? sounds like fun haha.

[mantic59]

turokcalde- Sure, but stick to one simple pass until your beard comes in.

[chevyowner02]

Ever try "homemade" shaving soaps? I just wanted to know if they where worth trying.

[mantic59]

chevyowner02- Yes I've tried "artisan" soaps but as you might guess the quality varies widely. My skin is also sensitive to bendonite clay, which is used in many "home" soaps," which is another complication.

[raven1485]

I use a soap cake, now are the tubes better then the cakes or is there no discernible difference?

[mantic59]

raven1485- Its largely personal preference.  There is a slight variations in ingredients which may make a difference for those whose skin might be sensitive to an ingredient.

[epiak]

So all you need is that little of lather when using a hard soap?

[mantic59]

epiak- There's some variation depending on the brush you use, but yes, you don't need much!

[mantic59]

I accidentally removed a question about dipping a dry brush in the soap mug instead of the sink. I've never tried it but I think it would just load the brush with more soap and not enough water.

[noitora95]

what type of shaving cream you can advice for people who have a hard beard ? and im living in France so i have less access to the best shaving products

[damaband41]

I'd try looking at the reviews section of BadgerandBlade [dot] com. Also, I think it's mostly the razor that is different for hard beards. Look at the reviews for these too to see which ones are more aggressive (better for hard beards). Just about any good cream should protect your face.

[noitora95]

ok thx for the reply i'll try to watch the reviews .

[mantic59]

Martin de Candre, Roger & Gallet (soap) are both available in France and excellent products.

[ypastorchris]

glad to see its not just my cat who is really interested in shaving..

[boriprfinest]

Thanks. Keep these coming....your info is indispensable.

[XxXellusionistXxX]

were can i get a good brush?

[moumou360]

I absolteuly love that omega boar you're using for face lathering.

[boriprfinest]

Check out the Crabtree and Evelyn Best Badger Bruch. Small and inexpensive ($35)but regarded as avery decent brush.

[moumou360]

yeah, already have it, thanks though :)

[newyorkfish]

I bought the pre-shave oil from The Art of Shaving, but everytime I use it, I always manage to cut myself - even with a MACH3 razor.

Am I doing something wrong?

[gerardosmi]

Great videos, they helped me make the decision to get into wet shaving. But for God's sake man, try to save some water.

[CptCurfew]

lol'd at the cat.

[mimizZzZ]

I usually shave after having a bath, and while I'm making the lather my skin dries a little bit , so one I apply the first lathering to my face it's rich and foamy. But when I wash and apply the second lathering, because I have already make the lather, my face is wet and the second layer of lather isn't as good as the first. In the mug it's ok but not in my face.

Any ideas?

[newyorkfish]

In response to mimizZzZ:

Try shaving in the shower.

I don't use a bowl - I apply the lather directly on the brush and lather my face for 1-2 minutes.

Then the 2nd lather is still warm because I am in the hot shower.

I am afraid to shave after the shower because I submerge my face between the first and second passes.

Also, I can run the cold water when I am done much more effective.

[hypnosishobbit]

i like your sink

[ultimorn]

Thanks to Mantic59 for bringing back old-school techniques (and manliness) that make shaving enjoyable again! I just ordered my Merkur HD and blades...can't wait for them to get here! I enjoy the morning ritual and not to mention the savings on those ripoff cartridges. Thanks Mantic!

[malakbain]

I am using a badger brush and a bowl to build lather, but I am not happy with the result. My lather really thin and dissipates quite quickly. I have tried adding more water in small increments, but this does not seem to help.

[mantic59]

malakbain- Thin lather usually means either too much water, not enough cream/soap, or not enough stirring in the bowl. Check my "How To Build And Apply Traditional Shaving Lather" video.

[maddybbboy]

love youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

[malakbain]

?????????????????????????

[DrewGags]

I use William's Soap, and I really enjoy it -- but my lather dries up EXTREMELY quick. Any ideas how I can get a longer-lasting lather?

[mantic59]

DrewGags- Yeah, Williams does that. Try building the lather directly to your face after soaking the brush for a while. You may have to "refresh" the lather by re-brushing periodically.

[CLXXXVI]

"there you go. even the cat is interested in that lather" haha

[mantic59]

dumpling9999- Partly, yes. But its OK to get a slightly thinner lather on each pass (in fact some prefer it) as long as there's enough to hold water to the skin and lubricate the face a little.

[dumpling9999]

my lather seems to get more and more wet after each shave, and it this disheartening. is it due to my wet face?

[rambone81]

just a FYI, this video hasn't been able to load for a couple days now.

[Bluesub6]

Video loads fine for me.

[rambone81]

my bad, i had meant to put this comment on video 1 of this set.

[moalisiddiqui]

These videos are so useful! I've always been using a cartridge razor and gel shaving cream from a bottle (like gillette). Now I'm really interested in looking forward to a wetshave.

Oh, and the cat really helped make this so much more fun to watch! :)

[dilnay]

I use cream from Body shop but I don't know why I stir and it kind of just disappear into the brush, and the lather is very watery?

[mantic59]

dilnay- You're probably using too much water.

[KingOystar]

where can I get a badger hair brush?

[CrazedEwok]

I'm a young person who was already fed up with dealing with crappy shaves and razor burn. I've been wetshaving for a little over two months, but not getting the results I desired (without hacking myself up). Thanks to you today I tried a shave with pre-lathering, and your stroke suggestions, and it's the best shave I've had yet with the least irritation! Thank you!

[gsp2241]

i sure wish i had facial hair

[docattheradarstation]

are you likely to be allergic to badger hair or boar if your allergic to other animal hair?

[mantic59]

docattheradarstation- Not that I'm aware of, as the hair is sterilized beforehand. However, there are good synthetic brushes if you do find yourself allergic.

[sonofeltopo]

can I get these from the usual shops?

[mantic59]

sonofeltopo- You mean synthetic brushes? Very few "bricks and mortar" stores carry them, though I do know that in the UK, Male Concept in Eastbourne carries the Men-U synthetic.

[untilapril]

Mantic -

What kind of shave cream do you use in this video? I bought some Proraso, along with a Merkur Heavy Duty and a nice badger brush just last week, and was looking forward to my first manly shave, but the Proraso dried out almost instantly, and I could never get any lather out of it at all. It literally tore up my face, which was sad (I usually shave in the shower, but didn't this time) What shaving cream would you recommend that lathers well and wont dry your face?

Thanks

[mantic59]

Untilapril- I used Kiss My Face Moisture Shave in that video, which is actually a good cream to "learn" with, as it is very forgiving of water content (too much or too little). Other creams and soaps I've had good luck with that are both easy to lather and non-drying include Crabtree & Evelyn (*particularly* the shave soaps but both their soaps and creams are excellent), Art of Shaving (try the Unscented first), and Castle Forbes (obscenely expensive but really good).

[dumpling9999]

i personally have a sharp chin, and i cut myself up pretty badly...any tips?

cheers!!

[mantic59]

dumpling9999- Sure, use the "sharpness" to your advantage: shave along the flat parts, avoiding going around sharp corners. A picture of your face you can mark up is a good way to determine how to do it.

[dumpling9999]

but shaving with a multi bladed razor is very difficult around the chin area

[drdmac]

Look seriously, these videos are just great. I am laughing and learning at the same time. Thanks a bunch!

[geddes19]

i just bought a merkur razor, what shaving cream and brush would you suggest?

[mantic59]

geddes19- See my "Can't Hardly Miss" Shave Gear video for some ideas.

[elmaschingon142006]

awesome vid my gayass school wont allow any facial hair so i need to learn how to shave this vid is pretty useful

[websiteguru]

i thought you channel was cool stop over and view mine. if you wouldn`t mind subscribing to my channel i do the same and subscribe to yours.

[blackflame03]

How do you shave the back of your neck?

[mantic59]

blackflame03- I have my barber shave the back of my neck when I get a haircut.

[debit256]

i like ur cat

[chieftanzzz]

Just came back from Italy. they use the Prorasso cream there. its a lot better than than the canned stuff i actually bought a Tube of lather and a Brush from there. Thanks for this Video

[sveltaccio]

Proraso, with one "S" :)

Greetings from Italy

[worstMMBNplayer]

thanks so much! i so need to start shaving...my high school doesnt allow mustaches or any facial hair...

[debit256]

WHY?!??!

[captainroger]

Mantic, I cant thank you enough.

Im getting in to all this metrosexual ideology and I have just brought a chrome shaving soap holder (oily skin) stand and a steel Merkur safety razor, and I needed to know how to use it. Thanks!

With the Merkur razor what setting should I use around the face? Or just keep it at an acceptable setting?

The Captain

[mantic59]

captainroger- it depends which Merkur razor you have. I assume its an adjustable and Merkur makes three models. Generally, don't go further than half-scale until your technique gets good. I'm working on a video about adjustable razors right now! :)

[mpringles]

before you lather do you need rinse your face with warm water and leave it wet or do you dry your face?

[mantic59]

mpringles- rinse your face with warm water and leave it wet.

[Danm91]

do you recommed shaving, after or before you shower?

[mantic59]

Danm91- I think its better to shave after showering.

[Danm91]

ah, glad to hear that, cause i always shave after, thanks!

[TheRetaliator]

so that's how they were shaving in the old times...interesting stuff, hehe it seems the cat would like a shave too ;) just kidding :D

Awesome video, i started shaving at 14 years, now i'm 17 and i should now try your techniques like that J-Hook, and later maybe that blade buffing...

[fireshot22]

oh! ok thanks. I see. Thank you

[fireshot22]

i'm a new shaver...umm lather...whats that? why not using shaving cream?? is shaving cream and lather the same things??? can you plz tell me

[mantic59]

fireshot- old-style shaving soap or cream becomes lather after you mix it with water. The stuff that comes out of can is technically lather I suppose, even though its labelled "cream," but its so full of chemicals I think its really an artificial foam.

[mark4life92]

well thanks to your video im about to shave after this video is done

[EccentricFop]

That's a fancy Seashell sink you got there! Also love the humor you put into this video.

[socstax]

at 2:15...on the right side it definitely looks like a neutrogena tube - or is that some after shave balm or moisturizer?

[mantic59]

socstax- ah, I see what you're looking at. That's a tube of Neutrogena Razor Defense Daily Face Scrub. My prep-of-choice when I don't shower before shaving. YMMV.

[BigMilan]

wow. this is so fascinating... one thing though....

i currently shave my head as wel las my face, using a mach 3 shaver. i'd LOVE to start doing it this way, as u describe, but i'm somewhat worried about the old types of razors on my head. lol.

what's your opinion on shaving your HEAD in this way?

[mantic59]

BigMilan- As I don't shave my head I can't give you a specific answer but my feeling is to use traditional lather with a brush, but use a pivot razor like a Mach3 for the head. :)

[mrcleanpunkrock]

I think you would probably want to stick to something with a pivoting head..... to grab the curves of your noggin..

[socstax]

is that neutrogena shave cream? ...how is it?

[mantic59]

socstax-- No, that was Kiss My Face Moisture Shave.

[bigdrmr]

This is a great series.  I couldn't get my grandfather to show me how to shave in such great detail. Plus, I can watch it over and over. Keep up the great work.

[Valentizzle]

LMAO. Even the cat is interested in that lather.

[Narte]

Shave the cat!!

[mikuniLUV]

lol the eyebrow motion was funny xD

[gurutiger]

hehe... how did you make that motion without smiling?

[mantic59]

gururiger- Practice! :)

[fijjibo]

lol

[victoryviolist]

Are you from Plano, Texas,? cause of the Aggies mug and I have the same sink at my house. The architecture is also very similar.

[mantic59]

Victoryviolist-- Sorry, no.

[stephluvspollito]

goood stuff,now i like to shave!!!!

[ULT255]

Awesome. This is the stuff that makes the net great. An enthusiast sharing his passion.

[crimsonskater]

agreed

[Mondocane01]

Well, a vast majority of "Italian" food near you comes from the frozen food section too.

But riddle me this, genius: Would a pre-packaged bag of faux Italian pasta be up to par with a fine Italian dish made completely from scratch, using an old family recipe?

If you answered yes, then I picture you spending a lot of sleepless nights flaming random people on Youtube with uneven facial hair and TV dinners.

[Valentizzle]

you must not have watched video one 'effenwolf' because as he said the canned stuff is 'like junk food, easy to come by but not so good for you'. If you are just going to bash on some guy (who happens to be one of my hereos) for presenting video's on something he happens to be very proficiant at then you need to get over yourself. I doubt you could shave nearly as good as him.

[ema1000]

yet another reason to have beard.

[Paradiddler45]

Is it just me, or does that maroon mug say "aggies". Thanks and gig 'em!

[mantic59]

Yes, the mug says "Aggies"  :-)

[riparianlife97701]

Finally, I know a way to take as long as a woman getting ready to leave the house!

[jinggo78]

The cat is interested because it thinks "why in god's name would you want to REMOVE your hair?" LOL It must simply discover the reasoning behind this odd act. Silly cat

[lovehandleslarry]

Excellent video, I even dreamt about lathering up.

[magicalwonders]

Information with humour, a great combination. I think the cat should get a credit. What's his name?

[mantic59]

Harley :-)

[henriquemaia]

Can you provide me a link to download the complete video?

This sure is interesting to keep. I never had anyone explaining to me how to shave and, after seeing this, shaving sure have become a much more enjoyable (and healthy) practice.

[mantic59]

Working on it....

[chrisvonsimson]

Superb as ever!

[gash26]

"there yo uog, even the cat is interested in that lather..and of course the cat continues to supervise.."

[metalhead476]

This is the kinda stuff that makes me want to be a barber.