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

I keep it pretty simple. Wash face with plain old bar soap while in the shower. Get out, throw the robe on and while still wet, lather up with plebian Williams shaving soap, shave, rinse, dry, splash on a bit of Bay Rum and call it "good enough for who it's for." Maybe if I had a heavier beard or more tender skin a pre-shave oil might be of use.

Originally Posted by OneeyedFatman

I keep it pretty simple. Wash face with plain old bar soap while in the shower. Get out, throw the robe on and while still wet, lather up with plebian Williams shaving soap, shave, rinse, dry, splash on a bit of Bay Rum and call it "good enough for who it's for." Maybe if I had a heavier beard or more tender skin a pre-shave oil might be of use.

+1 Snother member here, Ace, even shaves with just plain water and has used just dish soap in the past and there was a recent video posted where there was no lather either just water. So I think the bottom line is if you like it and find it beneficial then by all means do it. If you don't like it or find a benefit then don't do it. My 2¢

I think in this case it is whatever floats your boat, I have moved away from the oil option myself.

Donkey years ago, I tried a drop or two of olive oil for a few shaves. I also sometimes used Proraso pre/post cream, the hot towel face prep or Hâttric pre-shave. I think they all helped with some technique issues. Now I just cold shave with no prep and couldn't be happier about the results.

I've never tried an official pre-shave, but I did use hair conditioner when I first started, that helped at first

Like a lot of the stories here, i used to use all sorts of crutches to improve my shave comfort, now i have better technique i dont need them.

Tried various oils, both pre-shave and actual shaving oils (to be used instead of soap/cream) and did not derive any benefit from it.

Hence, I don't use either, but wash my face before the shave and let the warm water soak into my skin. A washcloth or sponge come handy here.


I only keep a small bottle of Cade shaving oil for emergencies.
On a trip overseas a few years back, I forgot my shaving soap at home and the little bottle of Cade shaving oil came handy.

But otherwise, no need for oil; in fact I consider oil counterproductive for straight shaving where you need to tighten the skin with the free hand.


But the again, some shavers swear by it.
To each his own....



B.

Originally Posted by rolodave

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

Wow! I haven't seen a bar of lava soap in years! Agreed, probably not the best shave soap. Might be good for setting a bevel. LoL.

Gentlemen,

The pre-shave oil or cream is designed to not only enhance the razor glide, but also to further help protect the skin. No, it is not a necessity if you use quality products; it is a preference for extra protection.

I have an extremely sensitive skin: my new dress shirts must be washed several times before I can wear them; no wool sweaters for me; and I am most comfortable with silvertip brushes with silky soft tips. (That's why I love the Thater silvertip brush so much, because the tips are pure silk).

Since I use top of the line soaps and creams, I can get by without a pre-shave. Still, I prefer to use a pre-shave — Castle Forbes — just for that extra bit of protection for my Hollywood face.