This is the perfect opportunity to point out a lively Metafilter thread in which the efficacy of shaving cream is debated, largely due to this article on the reputed shaving cream racket (which Dan mentions above).

I’ve been meaning to write about this at GRS, but doubt I’ll ever get around to it.

Me? I’m partial to some pink gunk my barber sold me on. It’s shaving cream for old men, but who cares? I’m almost an old man. I think it’s called “Gabel’s brushless shave cream” or something like that. It comes in a small tubs for about $5 or $6 each. My barber in rural Oregon has to special-order it from California, but I don’t mind. The stuff saves me from razor burn and in-grown hairs!

Also — I like the idea of using cold water during the shave. I’ll have to try that.