Appreciate the input, gents. I've done some experimenting since last post. I think the hot towel thing really does help. I've found that I can microwave a wet hand towel for about 1 minute so it's very hot but without too much water in it. If I rest or hold it gently over my face for a few minutes it doesn't drip but will soften my beard up. Hot shower alone doesn't seem to work quite as well. So long, and thanks for all the fish!
I like to apply a hot towel over the initial lather and then reapply the lather after when I do a pamper type shave,, now on the quick shaves it's just splash and lather , but I always have the towel to first wash and to use to wipe the blade. When there is time the hot towel treatment is great. Tc
I apply oil and leave on for 5 min then a hot towel before lather. Seems to work very well and helps start the day.
I've been using the hot towel or a large wash cloth for many years usually adding aftershave or even a bit of Vicks, depending on my mood, For me it's more for relaxing than a beard prep, after the hot towel treatment I still prep my beard with hot water from the tap, then a nice lathering. Denis, Happiness is a BBS
