Quote Originally Posted by JohnG10 View Post

I don't want to buy all the soaps / creams above, or go to the pricey end of the spectrum (T&T, MWF, etc) if I can help it. What do you recommend ?
Please don't make the mistake I did a few years ago and buy loads of soaps looking for the "magic" one. Instead buy a soap like Arko which is cheap, (by which I mean inexpensive) and lathers well or just work with what you have, although lots struggle with Williams. Then again for you, it may not be the soap, it may be your technique or your water hardness.

Almost any soap made for shaving (and some that are not) can make a good lather when the water/soap/technique/brush balance comes together. Check out the video I've attached, experiment some, maybe think about whether it could be your brush (what are you using?), and really work at it. You may be surprised that you start to get some success and you'll be better able to judge how the lather "sounds" and feels. https://youtu.be/_4zESTQWDuw.

There are lots of videos if you got to youtube and search for face lathering or bowl lathering. They'll show you a lot of approaches. Frankly, I think it's patience and practice that get you to where you can get it right.

I'll say again don't just buy a lot of soaps...get a known thing like Arko, that can be much more easily lathered than Williams, and try some different approaches. PM me and I'll send you some Arko.

I've been doing this a number of years and still do it badly occasionally. Enjoy and don't stress over it.