I have to agree with Phrank on Razorfeld's bowls... hands down the easiest for me to lather in (and also, many thanks for the new addition and the housewarming gift, Richard! The new version is even more perfect than the original!).

RazorCut, I got your PM, so expect a response here shortly. I'm definitely down for a "mini meet", and if I was smart, I'd try to organize a full on meet, at least for all of the Georgian's! I know WillN and DonR are in Georgia (DonR is actually in a neighborhood around the corner from the house we just moved out of). I know there are more...

Anyway, I'll definitely bring an example of Pope Razorfeld's fine work for you to see, as well as some specimens of various soaps/creams, razors, strops, etc.

I'm also going to bring a stick of Arko soap and a twist up container that if you like the scent, you can have. I personally love the scent, but some folks don't. On top of that, it's a cheap, good quality soap... In fact, I only kept out the stick I'm using to shave with while all my gear was packed up during our recent move (still unpacking boxes, sigh). I'm also going to bring a puck of Williams Mug Soap, because if you can successfully lather that, you can handle just about anything! I don't know that I'd try shaving with it just yet since you're still learning your angles and technique, but just to practice lathering to get the same consistency as some of the better soaps out there it should do you fine.

PM incoming... Stay tuned.