Those who have different type beards know nothing about what prep another's beard takes, IMO. Razorfeld (Bless his soul) extols the virtues of the cold shave, while I cannot use it effectively. If I lather up and am preoccupied enough to forget my 2 hot towels over lather, the first stroke tells me something is BAD wrong! The blade acts as if it needs honing! Then, I remember I skipped the hot towel! Two applications of a hand-towel sized towel soaked with hot from the tap makes the same razor seem brand-new. To me! This is important that all should find what works for THEM as everyone has a bit different way to prep. The only way to find what works for you is to try different things! No set way to do it! JMHO