For many, many years I had no beard. I'd start the morning by lathering up, scraping my face with a sharp blade (as others in this thread have pointed out) and then covering all of the bleeding spots with a tiny piece of toilet paper to help stop the bleeding. Often when the paper was removed the bleeding would resume and the process would have to be repeated.   Sometimes, in a hurry the shaving stick would be used causing an unpleasant stinging sensation. Also at times during the summer I'd develop a rash under my chin.   

After growing a beard I noticed that it was possible to skip the blood bath and enjoy a few extra minutes enjoying breakfast. Time for a second cup of coffee etc.   

Spending a great deal of time outside over the years often in the sun, I developed numerous skin cancers. They were mainly pre cancers and only one had to be surgically removed. The dermatologists told me that it was probably a good thing that I had a beard.

While sailing I try to sail a course that will put me in the shade of the sails. If that's not possible I face away from the sun. Doing this I frequently got sun burn on the back of my neck. Hmmm, remembering the comments of the dermatologists I decided to grow long hair on the back of my head. It seemed to do the trick and I'd planned to cut it of in the winter. Then, while working in the woods I noticed that hair actually helped warm the back of my neck. Well, now you have a bearded, long haired hippy, eh?   Oh yea, I play folk music to boot.

Cap't Bob