I shave daily with a brush and shave soap and a Schick Hydro razor. Yes it is old school but that is what works for me.
There is a three pack of different shave soaps available at Duluth Trading from Edward Jagger. They are nice soaps and very long lasting as well as reasonably priced. There is also a store chain called The Art of Shaving that has a nice selection of great products but they are more pricey. Caswell Massey also has a nice selection of shave soaps and accessories.

I find a nice warm shave a quiet and relaxing part of starting my day. Use hot water and a quality brush. I have a small plastic container for the shave soap that works well and does not break if I drop it, nor does it deteriorate when it gets wet. Find what works for you. I have a travel brush and a small tube of shave creme for going on trips and getting thru the airport. The soaps last a long time so I do not mind spending a few dollars on what works well for me.

Enjoy

As far as advice about saving, I'd caution against using anything less than a safety razor. There are some serious arteries just below the skin near your taint. Though you'd be dead, dying with a junk full of lather is not the way I'd want to be remembered.

There's some italian **** that my buddy uses. He's all straight razor and strop. Might be good but I can't remember the name.

Personally, I use creme o creme which does a pretty good job but doesn't lather on thick.

Gene, I hear you. I go with the grain, against the grain, and then across where necessary (jawline). Even if you're using a good safety razor with one blade, such as the Merkur, you best go slowly and not use much pressure or you will get cut.

I shower first, splash hot water on my face, then lather before each pass (with, against). With the gel and Mach 3 I very rarely even nick myself and I can be done with the whole shave in 5 minutes.

AnthonyThanks for the advise, that's not the area I was talking about!!! I usually have that area done for me by my female massage therapist.

Gene: thanks, will try the Aramis soap. I also use a badger brush.

Madspackler: will check them out!!!

Shaved door handles are cool

I have a buddy that is hardcore into the old school shaving stuff. He waid to check out Sterling Soaps, Barrister and Mann, Dr. Jon's and RazoRock.

He said if you are willing to do a cream, Taylor of Old Bond Street is the best on the market.

He also said you can get samplers from Sterling Soaps and Maggard Razors.

Don't forget to do the the hoods & trunks also!!!

Hank; thanks for the info.

better than any cream, gel, soap et al is good old Noxema in the blue tub.

Provides a much better glide than all the others...then use any blade you like.

Frank.......can I be your back door man?

Been using Feather Hi-Stainless DE blades for a long time.I collect vintage Gillette DE razors,Fatboys and Super Speeds along with a couple UK made Gillette Rocket's.I also use a Parker 45R DE.............As for shave creams and soaps my daily soap is Arko.......best value out there and it provides a helluva shave.I also love Proraso Green......it has eucalyptus that feels great on the skin.My Sunday go to meeting creme is Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Creme........the soap is ok but the creme is outstanding.I also collect Old Spice shave mugs.......the 60-64 models are my favorites.A couple badger hair brushes and you're in business.

BTW those Arko sticks will press perfectly into a half pint jar.......just warm them about 5 seconds in the microwave and press into the bottom of the jar.

I should have known that an adult response to question seeking earnest advice from knowledgeable participants would be met with mockery and derision from an immature viewer...

so grow up you poopy head.

Oh, and yes, you can.

I use $1.00 cans of BARBESOL shave cream with aloe and cheap AZZ Dollar tree double bladed razors, sometimes cheapies from Wal-Mart, green Wilkinson double disposables..
Believe it or not...those old single bladed white disposable razors with the yellow coverguard
Made by BOX ARE REALLY GOOD...GO SLOW

Made by BIC ^^

I buy bulk packs of good disposables at Costco, and use Cremo Cooling shave cream. I also have a nice set up of shampoo, oils and balm for my beard.

I like to use hair conditioner when shaving my balls. Ron can attest to their smoothness.