How to Use Big Ass Brick of Soap for Shaving: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you've ever stared at your Big Ass Brick of Soap and wondered, 'Can I actually shave with this?'—the answer is a resounding yes. While shaving creams and gels dominate the market, traditional wet shavers have known for centuries that a high-quality bar soap can produce an incredible lather for a close, comfortable shave. Duke Cannon's Big Ass Brick of Soap, with its dense, moisturizing formula, is an excellent candidate for this time-honored technique.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the entire process, from prepping your skin to building a thick, protective lather that will have you questioning why you ever spent money on aerosol cans. Whether you're a seasoned wet shaver or a curious newbie, you'll learn the tips and tricks to get the most out of your soap bar—and your shave.

Why Use a Bar Soap for Shaving?

Bar soap isn't just for the shower. When formulated correctly, it can rival any commercial shaving cream. The key lies in the soap's ability to create a dense, creamy lather that lifts the hair and provides a slick surface for your razor. Duke Cannon's Big Ass Brick of Soap is crafted with high-quality ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil, which not only produce a rich lather but also moisturize your skin, reducing the risk of razor burn and post-shave dryness.

Using a bar soap for shaving also simplifies your grooming routine. You don't need to stock multiple products—one versatile bar can handle your body, face, and shave. Plus, it's eco-friendly: no plastic packaging, just a sturdy brick that lasts for months. If you're looking to streamline your bathroom shelf, this is a smart move.

• Cost-effective: one bar replaces several products
• Skin-friendly: natural moisturizers prevent irritation
• Eco-conscious: minimal packaging, long-lasting

What You'll Need

Before you start, gather your tools. You'll need your Big Ass Brick of Soap (or any high-quality bar soap), a shaving brush (a synthetic or badger brush works best), a bowl or mug to build your lather (optional but recommended), and a sharp razor. A pre-shave oil or warm towel can be a nice addition, but they're not essential.

If you don't have a shaving brush, you can still lather the soap directly on your face, but a brush helps whip up a much richer, more protective lather. It also lifts the hair for a closer shave. If you're new to this, don't worry—we'll cover both methods.

• Shaving brush (synthetic or badger)
• A bowl or mug (or your hands)
• Sharp razor (safety razor or cartridge)
• Warm water

Step-by-Step: Shaving with Your Big Ass Brick of Soap

Start by washing your face with warm water and a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oil. Then, soak your shaving brush in warm water for a few minutes. While it's soaking, you can also wet the surface of your soap bar by running it under warm water or swirling your brush over it. This helps pick up soap more easily.

Next, shake the excess water from your brush. If you're using a bowl, swirl the brush over the soap bar for about 10-15 seconds to load the bristles with soap. Then, move to your bowl and begin whipping the lather in a circular motion. Add a few drops of water as needed until you achieve a thick, yogurt-like consistency. If you're lathering directly on your face, apply the soap-loaded brush to your face and work it in circles, adding water gradually.

• Don't overload the brush—you can always add more soap
• Add water slowly; too much will make the lather runny
• Aim for a lather that's slick and glossy, not foamy and dry

Applying the Lather and Shaving

Once your lather is ready, apply it to your face in a thin, even layer using the brush. The lather should be thick enough to cushion the razor but not so thick that it clogs your blade. Use short, gentle strokes with your razor, always shaving in the direction of hair growth for the first pass. Rinse the razor after each stroke to keep it clean.

After the first pass, you can re-lather and go for a second pass against the grain if you want a closer shave. However, be careful—this can increase irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin. After shaving, rinse your face with cool water to close the pores, then pat dry. Follow up with a moisturizer or aftershave balm to soothe the skin.

• Use light pressure—the lather does the work
• Rinse your razor frequently to prevent clogging
• If you experience irritation, stick to one pass

Caring for Your Soap After Shaving

To make your Big Ass Brick of Soap last, it's important to let it dry between uses. Store it on a well-draining soap dish, like the Big Ass Soap Tray, which allows water to run off and keeps the bar from sitting in a puddle. This prevents the soap from becoming mushy and wasting away prematurely.

A dry soap bar also lathers better the next time you use it. If you notice your soap developing a white film or cracking, that's normal—it's just the surface drying. Simply rinse it off before your next shave. With proper care, your brick can last for months, making it an incredibly economical choice.

• Use a draining soap tray to extend bar life
• Keep your soap away from direct streams of water
• Let the bar fully dry between uses

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your lather is too thin, you're likely not using enough soap or water. Add more soap by swirling the brush over the bar for a few more seconds. If it's too dry and sticky, add a few drops of water and keep whipping. The perfect lather should have a slick, cushiony feel that allows your razor to glide effortlessly.

If you experience razor burn, it could be due to a dull blade, too much pressure, or shaving against the grain too aggressively. Make sure your blade is sharp and replace it regularly. Also, consider using a pre-shave oil to add an extra layer of protection. And always listen to your skin—if it feels irritated, take a break and let it heal.

• Dull blades cause more irritation than a bad lather
• Experiment with water-to-soap ratio to find your sweet spot
• Consider a pre-shave oil for extra glide

Shaving with a Big Ass Brick of Soap is not only practical but also a rewarding experience that connects you to the timeless art of wet shaving. With the right technique and a little practice, you'll achieve a close, comfortable shave that leaves your skin feeling refreshed. Ready to elevate your grooming game? Explore the Big Ass Soap Tray to keep your brick in top condition, and pair it with the Soft Side Hydrating Body Wash for a complete post-shave routine.