I was a 'badger' shaver, but am now a firm convert to 'plastic'. I no longer own anything but fibre, and luv em. I agree it's surprising how much water a fibre can hold, my method is now to swirl the brush in warm water, squeeze the knot and load the brush. I am in a soft water area which helps, I find lathering this way is easy as you can always add some water if needed by dipping the tip of the brush. I only face lather but think the method may be the same for bowl lathering.