If there is a store by you, go there and ask for some samples. I did that to try them out for traveling (I think there's 3 different types) and I didn't like them.
It does not lather period. I have used it w/ water (damp face) and without water. It works reasonably well without water, but better with. It's a good product for travel, for that reason and I get a decent shave with it. But, not something I'd use in my regular rotation... I like my lather too much, I guess. And I could do without the camphor, but like I said, I like the product for travel.
The stores are great about giving good sized samples.