I myself am learning and experimenting with lathering in diff ways, I did the face lathering and it worked pretty well and got a good lather. I have a big mug I like and it takes a bit more time so, but in good time I have a good lather though I am in the stage of finding that "Sweet Spot" of wet and dry the perfect lather. Been swaying in between the two dry or wet, centering in on that middle ground.
Haven't tried hand lathering as it seems that one would have to create lather for each pass, for me when I shave I like to take time and enjoy everything as I've never really kicked back and actually liked shaving so.
Trial and error, just another thing to learn on the way.:needcoffee: