The silk fibres in the soap help to hold in the moisture and make for a better, cleaner shave.
For the best experience a shaving brush is the trick, failing that, the palm of your hand. Lather it up good and proper on your face, using hot water, with the brush until you look like Father Christmas. Always let the blade do the work. The silk fibres in the soap help to hold in the moisture and make for a better, cleaner shave.