I started using a mug and a brush decades ago. The M-I-L gifted me with an Aramis (badger) set and it wsa too good not to use. Then J. Peterman came out with really fantastic shave cream in a tub (Taylor of Old Bond Street) which was the bomb. Of course, I eventually decided convenience was better and went to an electric shaver, saving the blade and brush for just that "Sunday shave." I got 20 yrs out of the 1st brush, and now with the light schedule, don't expect to need another this side of eternity. I do think the Riv cream in the tube is worth a try though. The RBW brush ad mentions "Mach 5" shavers, but I get a year on a Mach 3 blade (record was 14 months of everyday use). Seriously. And as Grant notes, with a brush, tiny bit of cream does the job and the container lasts a loooong time.