The use of a shave stick and face lathering is my favorite way to shave. With this twist container, I need not be limited to using this method by the very few companies that produce ready-made sticks. I have yet to find a shave soap which does not work as a shave stick with the use of these twist-up containers. For italian style soaps, "croaps" or artisan efforts (another reviewer mentions the fabulous Stirling soaps), the conversion could not be easier. You can easily work the soft and sticky soap into the container (the use of a butter knife helps). Once in the tube, allow the top surface to dry out a bit for a few hours before putting the lid on. Then, as long as you don't use too much pressure, the application of stick to face for lathering could not be easier. For harder soaps, the best method I've found is the use of a sharp utility knife. Rather than trying to melt the soap, slice thin layers off of the puck and push them down into the twist tube. Once the tube is filled to the top and firmly pressed down, you're ready to go. The first few face lathers will smooth out any unevenness in your newly created soap stick. For fans of the face lather, this tool is pretty handy. I currently use 12 different soaps this way in rotation.