I have been using shave oil (Shave Secret) for a while as a base to lather on. Works well and a tiny bit remains to keep the soap from drying out my skin. 2 weeks ago I tried it as promoted: Alone. Egad! Since then I haven't touched any soap or brushes. The oil alone gives a superbly comfortable shave, leaves my skin conditioned, and the wife loves the scent. A bonus is that even razors with blade feel are tamed and feel smooth, notable my Janus LE. Amazingly different shave with that one and oil.