Ok, I had the same problem that you described and here is what I can share. 1) let the brush break in 6-8 uses so it reaches close to its full bloom. 2) load the damp brush for 30 seconds and then start working up a lather in your bowl. Here is the key, water, water and more water. My CH3 Super badger loads a ton of soap easily, but it takes an ocean of water to get the soap out of the center of the brush and into a lather. The first several teaspoons of water creates a paste that sticks to the bowl sides and won't lather. Keep adding water! From the paste stage to a full lather is an exercise in patience as you will add water 2,3, or more times to fully develop a full lather.
Here is my brush now...It easily creates lather
