Shaving cream

Mirrors are for sissies - I shave in the shower by touch.

What part are you touching? :-)

What actually is the function of shaving soap? I used to get refills for my beautiful wooden bowl religiously at Boots, but they have ceased to stock it. So I am forced to use ordinary soap, which as far as I can see it just as good.

It's just so you can see where you have been but it's part of the paraphenalia that gives joy to the ritual and (in deference to your address):

'Stately, plump Buck Mulligan came from the stairhead, bearing a bowl of lather on which a mirror and a razor lay crossed.'

wouldn't have been the same without the bowl of lather.

Many, many years ago was talking with a senior public health person. No idea how we got there, but this subject arose. He very firmly told me never to use ordinary soap for shaving - but I didn't get an explanation. Wish I had...

Plenty of foams and gels on the market - they last ages. Soap is not a good idea.

I believe that foams and gels just act to retain moisture and provide a lubrication.

Easy, grow a beard :-)

I've shaved using ordinary soap for the last 30+ years and haven't experienced any problems. Never seen the point in buying all those fancy soaps, gels or aftershave lotions. Same with anti-antiperspirant. I use creosote. 10p per gallon. :-)

It seems to give me an easier shave, even if it does nothing for you.

I quite like Palmolive - it's dirt cheap compared to the "pansy" gels, and lasts forever, as you only need a tiny amount (

I bet every time you shave you think of JJ. You will now, anyway ;-).

In the shower you certainly do not need shaving cream. I believe the function of the cream (beyond the lubrication that soap provides) is to retain moisture - not in short supply in the shower. A bar of soap and a Bic razor, which lasts me a few weeks.

About 17 years here also without any problems. Gave up shaving products when I went back packing around China and the Far East for several months. Didn't want to carry anything more than absolutely neccessary. So just a toothbrush, razor, soap and shampoo (washing hair with soap really doesn't work...).

Bet that fatigued ponce "because you're worth it" uses a mirror.

watch out for those shop window reflections!

Almost all the supermarkets and most cheap 'drugstores' stock real shaving soap, in a plastic bowl. Much better than the cream or the gel stuff. Currently I'm using Erasmic, which smells rather nice.

What's happened to the real shaving soap, in a stick? Have I been asleep too long?

I avoid mirrors on principle ;-)

Over 20 years ago I went from messy soap in rucksac/pannier to a 150ml (lemon juice) bottle of Ecover washing-up liquid - it's OK as soap, shampoo and for washing clothes. Very little needed, so will last 2 - 4 weeks and do everything.