For you guys with lather problems, just wet the tip of your brush and try face lather. If it's dry, just add a little more. It's a fine line between superb lather and wet bubbles. But it's an easy fine line to stay on the proper side of. I don't know how it would work in a bowl or hand lathering, as I don't do that.

But it is a superb (and fast) face lathering soap in my medium-hard water. I haven't even attemped it in my parents' softened water when i'm visiting, i'm afraid it might explode.

(FWIW, my cake often gets drought-like cracks, too. I don't pay any attention to it.)