Recently, somebody suggested 2 items to improve my wet shaving experience.
1) Use room temperature water. I have done so for the last 2 days and I am getting very close, very comfortable shaves with my DE Merkur 33 razor and Astra blades for my face, and HB Sport for my scalp. My skin stays tighter; I do not have to hold my face to keep it from "bunching up" in front of the razors. It also saves energy and therefore money.
2) Squeeze the brush out before you load it with soap. ( I have used both Col Conk Lime, and Proraso Shaving Soap) You get a lot of soap loaded on it and the soap puck stays dry (no need to rinse it off before putting it away). You must add more water than usual to the bowl when you start whipping it up, but you will get a lot of thick, rich foam quickly.
Both of these methods seem contrary to what we have always been told to do, but give them a try before you knock them.
That just don't sound like any fun, Tom. But plez tell us how you like it.