i think this is a common problem with most people when they start wet shaving. they don't take the time to learn how to make lather. i use shave sticks, soaps, cremes, what ever i fancy that day. but i had to, like you, develop my method. try some more with the soaps, try additives like glycerin and see if that helps. or just stick with the stick... there are lots of great ones out there.