What percentage of the total shave 'experience' is the lather?

[Mark1966]

.. some people claim 80%, others have different figures in mind. Let's do some research!

 

[rhodes96]

I saw some votes for 80 - 90%. What the hell are you doing with the lather.

 

[Rider_159]

I don't know how someone would ever quantify something like this.

But I think it's fairly important - a good lather can improve the shave hugely for me, while a poor one can ruin it.

 

[Holiday]

I'll stick with 80% because if you get the lather right it can make or break a great shave regardless of razor/blade combo. A nice slick smooth cushioned lather will make the worst blade glide while protecting the skin. The last 20% is where the different razor and blade combinations make the difference between good enough and damn fine. Within reason of course a blunt burred or rusty blade no amount of lather will fix.

 

[admarlity]

IMO technique, right razor and blade are the most important. Quality of lather has minimal impact on the total shave, hence why I only gave 20%. Poor lather simply requires better technique.

 

[Pbgoose]

Some might say 50% as the razor and lather are equally important.
DE shavers might say 30% as the razor and blade are equally important?

 

[SpeedyPC]

I'll stick with 80% because if you get the lather right it can make or break a great shave regardless of razor/blade combo. A nice slick smooth cushioned lather will make the worst blade glide while protecting the skin. The last 20% is where the different razor and blade combinations make the difference between good enough and damn fine. Within reason of course a blunt burred or rusty blade no amount of lather will fix.

 

[Mark1966]

Interesting to watch these results - genuinely!

Come on people, have your say!

 

[Hos]

I would have voted but I don't see 27.3% listed as an option.

Joking aside, the soap buying part may have been more than 80% of shaving cost for me.

 

[Ozymandias]

Since the emphasis is on the word “effect”, I’ll assume the question simply refers to the action of cutting whiskers off effectively. For that reason I give 20%, as any old canned goo will get the job done.

what % of shave “experience”? That’d be a totally different matter and I’d vote 70-80%

 

[SpeedyPC]

Come on people, have your say!

 

[Mark1966]

Since the emphasis is on the word “effect”, I’ll assume the question simply refers to the action of cutting whiskers off effectively. For that reason I give 20%, as any old canned goo will get the job done.

what % of shave “experience”? That’d be a totally different matter and I’d vote 70-80%

OK, question clarified and you CAN change your vote

 

[Ozymandias]

OK, question clarified and you CAN change your vote

vote changed accordingly

 

[nav1]

My answer is based on interpreting "experience" as how enjoyable lathering it is...in which case I've selected 70%.

Creating the lather and enjoying the scent and the feeling of the brush. Lathering is my favorite part of the hobby.

If the interpretation was how much does lathering contribute to the shave result, I would select 30% as I find the razor/blade combo to be the actual tools that do the job and my shave result is dependant on this combo rather than which soap I use.

 

[Razor Burn]

I'll chane my vote from 60% to 50% as razor, blade & technique also play an important role.
Having an optimal lather allows the other factors to operate smoothly, efficiently and minimise post shave irritation... YMMV

 

[admarlity]

Changed my vote to 70% as I really enjoy creating the lather on my face.

 

[Mark1966]

My answer is based on interpreting "experience" as how enjoyable lathering it is...in which case I've selected 70%.

Creating the lather and enjoying the scent and the feeling of the brush. Lathering is my favorite part of the hobby.

If the interpretation was how much does lathering contribute to the shave result, I would select 30% as I find the razor/blade combo to be the actual tools that do the job and my shave result is dependant on this combo rather than which soap I use.

I can see a follow up poll coming up!

 

[rhodes96]

Sticking with 30%, Even with the change to title wording.

 

[Straight up]

I reccon around 30% with a straight razor. Weak cushioning and slickness require more expertise but you can still get a good shave. I find the lather prep far less of a zen experience than the actual blade on the face;later prep fail = no big deal while blade on face fail = tears.

 

[Pbgoose]

OK, question clarified and you CAN change your vote

O come on. That's a different question. It should have been a multi question poll. Preferably multiple choice, no pass mark, everyone's a winner, and a participation certificate for everyone.