So this morning I did something different, I used an electric water kettle to heat up my pre-soak water for the brush. I let the brush soak for maybe 12 minutes.

This produced the best lather I have ever been able to attain. Now I understand what you guys are talking about when it comes to crazy creamy thick lather. And it produced more lather than normal given the amount of cream used. IT WAS AWESOME!!!! and the lather stayed hot through the hole shave!!! Thats an awesome side benefit!

So here's the question: Why did the crazy hot water produce more lather and higher quality lather than my norm?

I lost several bristles out of my brush, and yes its sorta cheap.