I agree with Devilpup. Experiment. There is no one way to create shaving lather from soap or cream for that matter.

My practice is to get a coffee cup from the kitchen cupboard. I place the puck of soap in it and just before shaving, run some hot water on the soap and soak my brush while I shower. I shake out the excess water from the brush, pour off the water from the soap and swirl the brush on the soap for 30-40 seconds. Once the brush is loaded with lather, I apply lather to my face, massage it into my beard with my fingertips, then rinse with hot water. Then I apply some bay rum to my face and reapply lather with my brush. That method gives me a very close, smooth and comfortable shave.

Let us know how your technique works.

Take care--and smooth shaving.