Thread: Everyone talks about shaving soaps... any opinions on shaving oils?

Hi fellas!

I ditched the multiblade monstrosity four years ago and grew a beard. I've just picked up a new razor, for neatening the edges of my beard (those 6-blade disposable pieces of garbage could never have the precision needed).

However, back when I did shave I much preferred to use a shaving oil over a lather. I appreciate that with oil you can actually see the hair under it (which is more important for edging), and in my experience oils tend to be better on the skin than many other products.

No one seems to even be discussing oils in the straight shaving community; is there a reason for that? Are oils seriously inferior to a good shave soap and brush?

I'd say try it with the oil & see what you think. Being new to straights it may take a few tries to get the technique down.

I trim next a mustache and side burns without problems using soap. I just do a wipe swipe on the line with a finger after soaping to better see what I am doing.

i dont know about oils, but on the days/times that i dont do a full shave and just need a quick touch-up on checks or neck i use ZIHR shave gel. clear so you can see exactly what youre doing, slick as all get-out and works great.

https://www.amazon.com/Zirh-Ultra-Pe...6QRMC8NF6HDTVS

I found a little shave oil (Floids) with a thin smear of Cremo over top works pretty well. I shave the top of my mustache down a bit and needed something less foamy for that area.

No matter what you use the one thing that really helped me was to massage the lather (oil) into my skin. That seemed to "imbed" the lubricants into the skin cells and make for a smoother shave. Give it a try and see how it works for you.

Whatever works for you. SRP members are quite traditionalist. Part of traditional shaving is lathering. No reason why oils wouldn't work just as well. Keep us posted please.

I use shaving oil that I make myself. Softens the skin, makes for a smooth shave and keeps my hands from cracking during the winter as well.

I make my own shave oil. 2 parts grape seed oil, one part castor oil, and about 10 drops of sandalwood essential oil. Shake it up - let it settle and it lasts me for a few months. If you like it thicker - add more castor and less grape seed. If you want it thinner - do the opposite. Costs a couple of dollars and feels just like several of the oils for which I have over paid through the years. I rub into the beard prior to lathering - lather up with my favorite shave soap and scrape away.

Adam



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

I'm with Randy! No matter what I use (although I never use oil) I really rub it into my whiskers. The longer my whiskers are the more I rub it in, after lather, cream or, in an emergency, a creamo like product. It always seems to soften things up and make the shave a little more pleasant (and closer).

Originally Posted by randydance062449

No matter what you use the one thing that really helped me was to massage the lather (oil) into my skin. That seemed to "imbed" the lubricants into the skin cells and make for a smoother shave. Give it a try and see how it works for you.