Review (5/5): It's the only shave soap I use and the only soap I will ever use.
I've tried 3 different Barrister and Mann soaps, Haslinger's Ewe's Milk, Imperial Barber, TOBS, Pre de Provence, Phoenix Artisan soaps, and many more. The main thing I'm looking for in a shave soap is protection from the razor blade. I have a very tough beard and without that cushion and glide I end up with a very uncomfortable shave and the occasional nick. I like the aroma, it's very mild. But that's not my main concern.
As for the lathering, I put some warm water on top of the puck and let it sit for a few minutes. I then pour that water out into my hand and rub it on my face. The water is slick. Then I lather up with no problem. I do have hard well water, but we have a softener.
The post shave feel of your skin is just incredible.
There's a reason why this soap has been around for over 100 years. No soap I've ever tried compares to cushion and glide I experience from MWF. It lasts forever by the way so you end up paying just pennies per shave. Can't recommend it highly enough.