I haven't tried this, but I never shower directly before a shave. I did at first because of all the advice I read. Then just like you one day I had to forgo the shower and the shave seemed better.

I think for me, whilst the shower did indeed soften the hair it seemed to also make my skin more prone to irritation from the shave.

Now I don't use a pre-shave or anything else I just splash water on my face whilst washing it and then lather up and go. It really seems to work for me. Also showering the night before allows me to sleep in for an extra few minutes which is always a bonus.

The thing with this hobby is to just keep trying different things. What works for one may not necessarily work for another.

Having read this post though I might have to go and get some witch hazel and give that a try.