Ditto on the Cremo. Inexpensive. Readily available.

Also, they're product testing some new stuff soon (I don't work for them, just appreciate the slickness of that stuff. I use it in an uberlather)

I like using Shave Secret as a pre-shave oil. Again, inexpensive and readily available in brick and mortar. It has cloves and eucalyptus(sp?) which has a really nice sensation as well.

Glad to hear of your success. I'm pretty sure my 5w-30 synthetic would be just fine as well. Bit more toxic, perhaps, as I like to enjoy the emulsion.... heh heh,,,