Quote Originally Posted by Aerdvaark View Post
In the natural order of events under normal circumstances, it is common to explore the added benefit of a quality shaving soap when mastery of the honed edge for shaving has taken place.
Probably equally important is the ability to raise consistently good lathers. Surprising the difference, using the same soap/cream, being off a bit in the lather department one day to the next makes in how the same blade performs. Not to mention stropping in the mix. There are so many variables that it can be hard to say which component is giving a benefit or a degradation to a shave.

Most of the 30 odd soaps and creams I have tried do have quality enough not to stand in the way of a close comfortable shave regardless of price. There are notable exception too. What works or does not also varies person to person. You can see that in personal opinions voiced in soap and cream threads.

Bob