I bowl lather. I do this to ensure that I get a good consistency of lather for each shave. I also find that I get less irritation and ingrown hairs when I just paint the lather on, as opposed to scrubbing my face to lather up. YMMV.
I've sent for a bowl from Giles shaving. I'm going to give it ago if you don't try you won't know I suppose. I'm down to the one razor now so I can spoil myself I think.