I posted yesterday that I was going to attempt a shave without lather to see if it could be done. I did it last night, and it can be done. I splashed warm water on my face five times and shaved without lather. I got a fine shave and noticed no difference whatsoever. It certainly made the shave go a lot more quickly, and it does make one wonder how necessary lather, soaps and brushes are. I would rather use them for the enjoyment, but they don't seem necessary.