Hmmmm. Water is what soaks the whiskers and opens up the little tee-pee cuticles of the hair, and soap must breaks surface tension, which allows for better penetration of the water. A good wash with hot water, maybe a hot wet towel, and some good lather should really be all that needs for the shave. Lather in itself, the stuff we buy for shaving, has a natural lubrication to it. Mine I get at Wal-Mart the $1.59 stuff has Shea Butter in it's formula along with Aloe Vera.