This is my method:
- I put hot water in a bowl with my TI best badger brush and a little on top of the soap (tsp worth) and let that sit for 5 minutes
- I empty the bowl, shake the brush a bit and pour the water off my soap into the bowl
- I put some pressure on the brush when I load it, and I rotate it on the soap for 30-60 (I remove it just before I get lather in the bowl .... the brush is well loaded with soap)
- I start lathering in the bowl for about 1-2 minutes and then add a little more water and continue for up to 5-10 minutes

At that point I'm getting a decent lather, but it is not glossy, and if I apply it to my face, it seems thin and by the time I finish my cheek, it's already drying on other parts of my face.... I've played with the amount of water until it's runny and just haven't been able to get that whip cream consistency .... although like I say, if I add a 1/2 almond size amount of Nivea shave cream in a tube, it works perfectly.... I'm happy to keep doing that, but I'd also love to be able to get that same consistency from just the soap.