I have been using Blue Beards Beard Wash for about 2 months now and it works really good. Wash you face with a good natural soap, then wash with this stuff. It smells like limes, but some people say it smells like pine sol. IMO, it smells good. There is also a product called Wild Man Beard Wash. It's ok. For softening, I use Wicked Cookie Duster beard wax remover by Petal Pusher Fancies. A couple of drops is plenty. Rub it in after a shower. And finally, my Maxterpiece micro straight razor to clean up the lines. I got so into shaving with a straight, I figured, I got it down, so now it's time to grow a beard so I can slay the wiskers later with one of my straights!