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

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 have never used a preshave oil, and have never found my shaves lacking as a result.

I don't think you HAVE TO HAVE a pre-shave oil. One or two times with that stuff from AOS was enough for me.

But, as we discussed in another thread, I really like using Noxema (thanks Glen for the tip) as a beard prep. Like you, I did not like having to wipe it off the blade.

Now, my face is much less irritated since starting Noxema.

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

A part of my routine has always been to have a moist sponge beside the sink when shaving.

I use it to "wipe off the gunk" now and again. Works like a charm - makes it super simple.

Hope that helps.

David

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

Originally Posted by rolodave

David

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

Short answer - yes.

Two things. One, I have used just about every type of pre-shave from oils to Proraso to Noxema. The second thing is, I have used all of those pre-shaves using 4/8's after applying the later on top of the pre-shave. In each and every case, the sponge worked fine.

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've never used a preshave oil (except once when I had a free sample). I didn't like my one and only experience, so I just concentrate on using a quality soap or cream, and washing my face really well, and really wetly, with a super wet rinsing before I lather (I face lather, BTW). I find that process gives me all the glide and cushion I need.

If you don't see a reason to use a pre shave oil, don't. There is obviously no reason to as you seem to be seeing no benefit from it. I did not see a benefit to pre shaves either so I don't use them either.

Bob

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 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.