I have a really thick beard, and always shave immediately after a hot shower, and don't bother with any shaving cream. My beard is softened up enough by the shower that I can shave "dry" and get a nice close shave.
I've only tried shaving dry without a shower once... and only once... I slept in for work one morning, leaped out of bed and didn't have enough time for a shower. So, like an idiot, I grab the razor and scrape it across my dry face. What made this interesting experience even worse was the large salty tears which followed closely behind the first swipe of the razor...
Needless to say, I haven't slept in since!
