Gave this a try after reading this thread and the modernmechanix article. Leaving the lather on my face for an extra minute before shaving did help soften up those tough whiskers on the chin.
Would you think that face lathering would take care of this by default? I build up the later over a period of a couple of minutes. Guess it can't hurt to let it sit there a bit longer. Something to try this weekend when i have more time to see if it makes any discernable difference