Ok, so far I've tried TGQ, MamaBear, and Castle Forbes soaps/creams as well as a few off brand/store bought etc.

CF does seem to be the best for shaving, but I like the interesting scents offered by some of the other ones (TGQ and MB).. I have a couple of Mama Bear soaps (Smokin and Irish Tweed), and get a real nice lather with them. I've had a few of the TGQ small pucks, highland black cavendish and rum and the scents are HEAVENLY.... but try as I might, I can't figure out how to get a good lather. Either I'm too dry and get nothing, or too wet and it just all runs off. I've been str8 shaving for about 5 months, but 3 of those were at college and I only took the Mamabear ones since they were in the plastic tub so are easier to travel with.

The best luck I've had with TGQ was putting the puck into my "victorian" scuttle so excess water drains out the bottom, but still doesn't seemt hat good. Any suggestions from you TGQ-o-philes?