Do pre-shave products actually help to soften the whiskers? My beard seems to be pretty coarse; that is to say that, if we compare beard hair to copper wire, then mine may be a thicker gauge than most. I haven't yet found a routine of heat, water, and lather that seems to soften the hair. I also am beginning to suspect that this is contributing to my edges dulling rather quickly.

So, do any products like Proraso pre/post shave help to soften whiskers?