for me its a treat . thick lather better cushion and the glycerin makes my face feel better longer. i can shave well without but most days i mix it up , looking for the right combo. some of the best so far are castle forbes sandelwood /mühle sandelwood soap, dr. harris sandelwood soap /als bomb in sage. proraso/ tabac soap. but then iam prone to all of the dangers of str8 razor shaveing ie. RAD SAD HAD and CAD. i came into this not to save money but just to see if it works at all. that it would work this well was beound my wildest