It's all important, but....
I think, based on a recent "experiment" I conducted, that perhaps the most under-appreciated and least practiced is the generation of a good lather that really helps your beard stand up and or soften, your razor glide more easily and your face feel better when you're done.
I put this in the beginners section because I still consider myself one, after 8 months.
My experiment was to do shaves on three consecutive days with 3 different razors (all honed by Lynn) that I have used a lot since I acquired them, but with the same face prep and lathering techniques and the same cream/soap. For this experiment it was DR Harrisw Arlington Cream whipped up in my scuttle. The Razor were my Dovo 5/8 Prima Klang, my 6/8 R. Aust Stainless and mu original from 30 years ago a Hoffritz 5/8. Previously, I have had issues getting a perfect shave with the Dovo and the 6/8. I blamed on on technique, and blade size differences. The Dovo is Extra Hollow and the 6/8 is my only 6/8. Lynn currently has my R. Aust 5/8 for my free re-honing. It was my first new SR bought in June.
Interestingly, the result was that I got great almost BBS shaves with all three. My stropping has finally settled down as has my technique, so...
I have concluded that I recognize and can build a great lather (at least with that cream) and that it is just as, if not more important than any other aspect of the whole process, as long as you have a shave ready razor. My mistake, looking back on my earlier shaves was I either use too little or too much water, resulting in either a lather that was sticky and dried quickly, or watery and didn't do its job.
Hope this helps some other beginner.
Man am I happy!
