Experienced Newbie - Shave Cream vs. Shave Soap

[Wilpar76]

I have been DE wetshaving for almost 7 months now. I still have a basic question. With personal preferences put aside, what are the advantages/disadvantages of shaving with a cream vs. a soap? To date, I have only been using creams (TOBS Avocado, TOBS Eton College, TH Ultimate Comfort, Eshave White Tea).

[arghblech]

Soaps take a bit longer to lather.
Soaps more frequently contain tallow.
Creams seem to more portable (not counting sticks).
Creams always come in their own container.

That's pretty much all I can think of difference-wise. Really it's all about preference. None of those is important enough to make me commit to one style of product.

[cvac]

Soaps generally allow for a closer shave than creams. That could be bad if you're not careful or if you have easily irritated skin.

[pal]

Soaps are slicker. I like Mama Bears because they come in a plastic tub with a lid. I have found you can save alot of time by face lathering and the tubs make it easy.