Mystic Waters

Your original method* includes loading the brush for only about 10 seconds, correct? I’m amazed that you can pick up enough soap in that time, especially since we’re talking about Mystic Water. I know that the blooming must help. Will have to try the method sometime, I’m intrigued.
* https://damnfineshave.com/thread-mystic-...#pid309701

10 to 15 seconds seems about right.  I've never timed it but I don't spend much time loading.  The blooming really helps with getting a lot of soap loaded and, perhaps, getting to the gooey stage more quickly.  

I've tried many ways of lathering MW and I'm sure there's more than one way to do it successfully, however, I'm with Matsilainen , I load for a lot longer than 10-15 seconds.  We all find our own path in shaving (as in life) and its great to get the perspective and experience of others along the way.  Just because we may have found a way that works for us doesn't mean that there isn't a better or at least different way to get to the same goal.  The key is to keep experimenting and not be worried about failing.

I wholeheartedly agree!  And based on your comments/experience, maybe MW isn't finicky but a better term may be versatile. 

This morning I decided to try gregcss method using a 26mm tuxedo synthetic.  The lather turned out to be more like what I am used to getting.  But, more importantly, one of the things I've really enjoyed the past couple days has been the experience of trying new methods for lathering MW.  Here are pix from this morning with the first being after loading/adding water to the puck for about 30-40 sec:

10 to 15 seconds seems about right.  I've never timed it but I don't spend much time loading.  The blooming really helps with getting a lot of soap loaded and, perhaps, getting to the gooey stage more quickly.  

I've tried many ways of lathering MW and I'm sure there's more than one way to do it successfully, however, I'm with Matsilainen , I load for a lot longer than 10-15 seconds.  We all find our own path in shaving (as in life) and its great to get the perspective and experience of others along the way.  Just because we may have found a way that works for us doesn't mean that there isn't a better or at least different way to get to the same goal.  The key is to keep experimenting and not be worried about failing.

I wholeheartedly agree!  And based on your comments/experience, maybe MW isn't finicky but a better term may be versatile. 

This morning I decided to try gregcss method using a 26mm tuxedo synthetic.  The lather turned out to be more like what I am used to getting.  But, more importantly, one of the things I've really enjoyed the past couple days has been the experience of trying new methods for lathering MW.  Here are pix from this morning with the first being after loading/adding water to the puck for about 30-40 sec:

Wow!  I'm going to give that method a try.  I've mentioned before that I'm not a synthetic fan but this warrants some investigation.  After some comments in another thread from Freddy I took out an Omega S synthetic boar brush I had lying around and lathered with it quite successfully.  I think I'll give it a run at the Mystic Waters soap.

Just received the soap and got my first shave with it. Wow!!! This soap is super slick if lathered correctly. Thanks a lot to the gents that gave advice. I just loaded extra and used mainly painting strokes. What do you guys think of the test lather?

Kirk

Just received the soap and got my first shave with it. Wow!!! This soap is super slick if lathered correctly. Thanks a lot to the gents that gave advice. I just loaded extra and used mainly painting strokes. What do you guys think of the test lather?

Kirk

Looks good to me 

Just received the soap and got my first shave with it. Wow!!! This soap is super slick if lathered correctly. Thanks a lot to the gents that gave advice. I just loaded extra and used mainly painting strokes. What do you guys think of the test lather?

Kirk

Very nice!  How did you like the post-shave?

I remember when I first tried MW. I started with samples and then there was a clearance going on that had her old formula. Picked up a few of those and a couple of the new formula. I was using (still do) my synthetic brushes and have very hard water. I had no problem face lathering both versions and  getting very good results.  I couldn’t understand what all the fuss was about and why people were having trouble.  Must say I was a little cocky thinking I had some magic touch.   Not sure how long I went before I tried using a badger brush and I was  completely humbled by the experience. I know I had left to much water in the knot but for now I will only use a synthetic with MW. I prefer to be a legend in my own mind. 

Looks good but your shave is the ultimate test. I like to wet the surface and the soap soak some/most of the water while I shower.
The way I like my MW lather with as little air as possible. For that you’d add less water at a time and work it in a bit more in between water additions. Again, that’s how I like it.

What do you guys think of the test lather?

The soap in the brush and the lather itself both look excellent. Looking forward to reading more.

Thank you, Gents, the post shave was nice.

Congratulations and that is the lather I always get with this excellent and inexpensive soap.