Hi,
I use col conk soap puck, which sits in the bottom of a mug. I used to make lather on top of the soap puck (which seemed to take me too long), and about 4 months ago I switched to face lathering which is working great for me, plus I can keep the lather warm by drizzling hot water into the brush between passes. I also like the face massage...

The key thing is using really hot water-- I let the brush soak in hot water and I also put about 1/4 teaspoon of hot water on top of the puck to soften it up (I do this while I strop). Then I squeeze out about 90% of the water (and give it a shake or two), and load up the brush. The lather usually starts out too dry, but it is easier to drizzle water into the brush vs. starting out too wet. It is just right when it has the consistency of mayonaise.

If you like building lather on top of the puck, or in a bowl, and you want warm lather, that's where the scuttle comes in.

-Chief