have to concur with the above posters, just a case of getting lots of samplers of both blades and creams / soaps and trying 'em all in different combo's. Just remember to change one thing at a time though, to help you identify something that suddenly causes you a problem. Above all though, persevere - it's worth it!
Got a decent brush and managed to whip up a decent lather in an old tin camping mug - first pass it dried out too soon on my face, but by the second pass it seemed to be quite silky. That as well as little more focus on blade angle and I actually experienced the 'comfort' I hear others eulogise about, well, maybe on a few strokes towards the end!