I found an interesting link that i thought I would share with the TSD forum, Hope that it helps someone. http://menshair.about.com/od/shavingadvice/a/shavingface.htm
This seems to be the common recommendation in both 'print' and video when explaining the basics of wet-shaving. Probably the 'KISS' principle is involved here.
Although trying to wipe one on your face while it is in this live state would be far, far worse than if it were dead!