First shot with Proraso

jpolaski · Post by **jpolaski** » Mon May 21, 2007 5:18 pm

It's no secret that I've been a Williams user for years. Well, a parallel topic on the Fountain Pen Network for shaving (that very same post that led me here) led me into a deal with a member there for a pen I didn't want for a selection of Proraso product. Namely, two tubes of shave cream, a tub of pre-shave, and a bottle of aftershave. They showed this afternoon along with my Crystal blades (thanks again). Being the impatient type, and bored, I set to work to attempt my first bowl of lather from a cream. I figured it would be a pitiful affair, and wanted to get in the practice now, rather than when getting ready for the day.

All I can say is WOW. This stuff is amazing! The bowl quickly filled with a rich creamy lather that easily allowed me to stand my brush in it bristles first (a test I like to use). It happened much quicker than my Williams, though admittedly, didn't smell as nice. I was ready to wash the lather down the drain, as I figured I didn't need any more practice for regular shaving (and I had already shaved that morning) when I decided I just couldn't waste it. I loaded a fresh Crystal in the superspeed, and went to town with the host of products. What was originally a one pass test turned into a 4 pass shave, ending with an ATG pass, and it was my SECOND SHAVE OF THE DAY. Wonderfully close, no burn and I can easily see myself getting spoiled with the wonderful feeling of menthol on my face after shave. What a wonderful wakeup.

Anywho, diatribe over, I figured I'd post a shot of the lather. This was done with my ol' boar brush. Didn't know if you could see that under the lather

FWIW, the lathering bowl is a Corelle cereal bowl I found at Wal-Mart (that stuff is wonderfully durable)

Leisureguy · Post by **Leisureguy** » Mon May 21, 2007 5:23 pm

Cool---literally. Proraso is a great summertime shaving cream.

brderj · Post by **brderj** » Mon May 21, 2007 6:00 pm

My one and only run in with Proraso was pretty good. I loved the cooling effect and I see me using it more when the nights get hotter (I work mids here) I like Proraso but from what Mike (DEsquire) says its even better with the pre post shave.

jpolaski · Post by **jpolaski** » Mon May 21, 2007 6:43 pm

That's what I used it with, the Proraso Pre-post cream. Wonderful stuff. Oddly enough, it looks, smells and feels just like Noxzema Deep cleansing cream. It even has the same texture and odd pearlescent color. I wonder if it's the same stuff??

brderj · Post by **brderj** » Mon May 21, 2007 6:49 pm

To me it smells just like Proraso feels.

Does that make and sence at all?

It smells a lot like Vicks vapor rub,

brderj · Post by **brderj** » Tue May 22, 2007 3:00 pm

This post had me wishing and wanting that Proraso shave!! So thats what I did when I woke up, even used DEsquires pre post shave. Great feeling, even better then last time. Same bad shave.

Is it possible to like Proraso just for that feeling?

sysiphus · Post by **sysiphus** » Tue May 22, 2007 3:52 pm

Must. Get. Proraso.
Best online source?

brderj · Post by **brderj** » Tue May 22, 2007 4:27 pm

www.leesrazors.com has wicked fast shipping and really good prices. Plus Lee is a great guy!!

armeck · Post by **armeck** » Wed May 23, 2007 8:23 am

That is a really nice foam you got going on there (my urge is to call it a "head" a la a beer, would that be correct?). I never can quite whip up a foam like that, but I have been using only hard soaps. Is that possible with a soap and I am just not quite up to speed on technique?

jpolaski · Post by **jpolaski** » Wed May 23, 2007 10:54 am

It's quite possible with Soaps. I've been doing it for years with Williams Mug soap. Have you watched the videos recommended in the University? They're a great help, and let me tell you, a good lather makes all the difference...

merkur07 · Post by **merkur07** » Wed May 23, 2007 5:21 pm

All hail to Proraso!!!

The Red is my go-go cream!

brderj · Post by **brderj** » Wed May 23, 2007 6:26 pm

armeck wrote:That is a really nice foam you got going on there (my urge is to call it a "head" a la a beer, would that be correct?). I never can quite whip up a foam like that, but I have been using only hard soaps. Is that possible with a soap and I am just not quite up to speed on technique?

Also check out www.bear-haven.com they have a how to make lather, which is made with a soap (she sells soaps mostly) Now I can make as good a lather as anyone, but I have NEVER made lather like that.

I have found that lather from soap is easier to make then lather with cream. Its either easier or funner, I don't know which.

Lil' Shaver · Post by **Lil' Shaver** » Wed May 23, 2007 7:04 pm

Try mixing your Williams and your Proraso cream. Great lather that way!

Even better, use a common glycerin shaving soap ($1.50) , such as Van Der Hagen and add Proraso cream. You will get wonderful results.

Keep posting and tell us how your shaves are doing.
dwight