Is shaving a zen or meditative experience? No, I don't think so. It's just a very enjoyable experience and an acceptable way for a man to pamper himself. Of course it's different for everybody. many just think its a great way to shave and nothing more.

It looks to me like you'll be fine with your plans.

In the day barbers used a cloth or a neck tape to wipe the soap off as they shaved and used a stropping motion on a cloth to clean up after a shave before putting the razor in the barbicide.