Hello everyone!
I have a question for all wet shavers out there and it's regarding the soaps that we use.

So far I've tried several of them (soaps and creams) and I have to say that although I do have some favourites I keep getting some of the same results.

I get a nice foamy lather either on the bowl lathering or face lathering but after just a few minutes it starts to feel rather dry and sticky. I usually lather using a circular motion and then stroke it side to side as a paintbrush and the feeling is just slick and soft. But after a couple of strokes with the razor it starts to feel harder and dryer.

I'm guessing that this is because of the water/soap mix but I wanted to know if you had any advice. Would pre-shave oil work? is that necessary or should I just focus on the lather itself.

I also believe that this is what's giving me a harder time shaving and making me do more passes causing me a terrible burning feeling when I use Captain's Choice Bay Rum... As for the razors, I have a Dovo EnVouge Stainless Steel and a TI Carbon Steel. I strop them both every day, both honed properly and still very sharp. (Arm hair and Hanging hair tests.)

The one's I've tried so far are:
Crabtree & Evelynn Nomad Soap
Jack Black Triple cushion cream
Body Shop Maca Root cream
L'occitaine CADE cream
Hermes Terre D'Hermes cream
Mitchell's Wool Fat Soap
Art of Shaving Lavender cream
Penhalligon's Blemhein Bouquet cream.

So far the last three are the best ones for me, and I have to say that hands down the Penhalligon's is my favourite scent.
Absolutely intoxicating.

Any helps and tips are really appreciated!

Cheers.

E.