Thread: Does Good Soap Preclude The Need For A Preshave Oil

I use Shave Secret (very cheap at WalMart) after shower & conditioner, but before lathering.

Originally Posted by Slurryer

A few weeks into SR shaving, and I'm getting closer to settling into a preferred routine, but a few things are still a bit fluid. I had been using Noxema as a preshave (oil), despite it slowing me down a bit by needing to constantly wipe the gunk off of my blade. But after trying a few samples of Mystic Water soap, and Ogallala soap, that's all changed. Here's the thing. Both these soaps provide a far more slick lather than any other soap I've used so far. If your preshave oil is designed to keep your skin slick, and you soap can do that on it's own, do you really need a preshave oil I've not used a preshave oil in a few days now, and I'm not sure I can see a reason to start using it again. I'm sure at some level it's all about preference, but my shaving kit's profile has changed yet again. The Noxema is under the cabinet, and a mug of Ogallal soap has replaced it, and looking for something to put the Mystic Water soap in. But until the next discovery, Noxema as a preshave is out, in favor of a good slick soap. Has anyone else had a similar experience?

I started using a pre shave and would not recommend AOS....very thick and makes the blade hard to rinse. (as others have stated) I have used one or two others with success but I do not notice much difference.

I hadn't given a pre-shave oil much thought to be honest. Haven't used one yet, but may be fun to try one day.

Originally Posted by rolodave

The best experience to date was this morning when I used the Noxema, rinsed it off, and then lathered with MdC. I could not believe how slick the lather was. YMMV

Hmm... It never crossed my mind to rinse it off first! I'll have to try that!

I have no issues with AOS pre shave besides price, but lucky for me I get it really cheap at the exchange on base. If you use it in moderation (small amount) it is real good stuff IMO.

Originally Posted by MattCB

I hadn't given a pre-shave oil much thought to be honest. Haven't used one yet, but made be fun to try one day.

For me it's been part of the learning curve. I've seen some benefit from it. But there seems to be a diminishing return with better quality soaps for me. Still good to know information. I like the feel of Noxema but gunking up my razor was getting a bit old. I'll need to try rinsing it off before I lather one day.

Originally Posted by mdwright

I use Shave Secret (very cheap at WalMart) after shower & conditioner, but before lathering.

I used that stuff in the past with disposables. It did a good job, but around here it's $5 for an tiny 2oz bottle last I looked. Does it leave a film on the edge of your blade?

Originally Posted by rolodave

David

Are you leaving the Noxema on your face and under the lather?

Yea, I've been leaving it on under the lather. Not sure why it never occurred to me to rinse it off first. I'll try that in the morning. I like the feel and price of Noxema, just not the gunked up razor.

Originally Posted by earcutter

Short answer - yes.

...But when the whiskers are long, there is no doubt that it can become quite the chore lol. Hence, other than the Proraso, I have pretty much given up on pre-shaves .

I say that - but the pampering of a pre-shave you like, is not to be undermined by a simple solution like a sponge. You know?

I'm glad you mentioned the pampering thing because I'm having to admit more and more that there is a huge pampering aspect to this whole SR shave thing. I use to have one soap that was good enough to wash my hands with after working on the car, or shower with in the morning. Even safety razor shaved with that same soap. Now I have a growing collection of soaps that are only for shaving! After spending longer in the bathroom than my wife some days, from shower to shave, should I run out and chop some wood or something... the smells, hot towel, the menthol, aftershave ... it's all too much Just kiddin. It all pretty cool stuff.

Originally Posted by Slurryer

I'm glad you mentioned the pampering thing because I'm having to admit more and more that there is a huge pampering aspect to this whole SR shave thing. I use to have one soap that was good enough to wash my hands with after working on the car, or shower with in the morning. Even safety razor shaved with that same soap. Now I have a growing collection of soaps that are only for shaving! After spending longer in the bathroom than my wife some days, from shower to shave, should I run out and chop some wood or something... the smells, hot towel, the menthol, aftershave ... it's all too much Just kiddin. It all pretty cool stuff.

I like the pampering. Maybe a little more than I would care to admit. Being retired does give me the time to indulge myself.

Of course, one soap I will always have is Lava. I don't think it would be a good shave soap

@Lynn I did not know MWF made bar soap. But, I have ordered some to give it a whirl. Thanks for the tip