Obie, Speedster, and others, thanks for your feedback on CF--just placed an order for their lavender. When all the reformulations were happening a few years ago, I largely dropped creams from my rotation because they were just too hit or miss for me.
Obie, also thanks for the tip with going with a wetter lather for straights--that's a bit counter intuitive for DE shaving, but it makes sense. It'll sort be like learning to lather all over again, but I'll definitely start making the adjustment to my routine.
I'm with you on lathering being one of most enjoyable aspects of shaving, Obie--it's what I enjoy most as well. Likewise, I'm with you on getting good products--I do the same. Once I'm more solid on my straight technique (jawline, neck, and chin are a challenge for getting good shaves, but from what I've read on SRP, those areas are tricky for many), I'll return to a few favorite soaps like MdC; likewise, I'm sure I'll be culling a few soaps from the herd as well.
Again, many thanks all for your feedback--most appreciated!