I like to have enough slick, not overly fluffy, lather for three passes with enough for more if needed, loaded into a fairly small brush, either a Kent BK4 or a Simpson T2 synthetic. I like to build my lather by wetting my brush with hot water, swirling it on top of the puck, and then painting it on, using a little more swirling on my face only if needed. Although over the years I have used a wide variety of soaps (and a few creams), in recent years I have had original Pre de Provence in the small tin, TOBS and AOS sandalwood bought by the refill puck and kept in a wooden bowl, and a big puck of MdC Fougere in its plastic tub. I have observed that in order to get terrific lather by swirling atop the puck it takes on the order of a scant ten seconds with the PdP, a little more with AOS, thirteen or more with the TOBS, and about two (!) with the MdC. I find the little badger works best on the MdC, and the T2 is more effective with the others. I realize everyone seeks something uniquely theirs as they go about lathering, but I would be interested in the experiences of others, primarily those who just jump onto the top of a dry puck with a wet brush. As I nibble away at these pucks I am looking for evidence on the issue of whether having to work longer or more aggressively to build lather has a material impact on the life of the puck and, conversely, whether the almost instantaneous lather I get with the MdC will also lead to longer puck life, supporting my delusion or rationalization for buying that expensive soap. in that regard, it was a tub of AOS cream that went away astoundingly quickly, that convinced me to drop my flirtation with creams. It simply got used up far too quickly.