Originally Posted by
RayClem
I tried using a couple of shave oils as a preshave (Shave Secret and Somersets) as well as concocting my own mixture of vegetable oils. After some experimentation, I stopped using these oils as I never felt they added anything to the shaving experience. I even found that oils high in oleic acid like olive oil were lather killers and made the shave worse.
If you use a good soap or cream mixed with the right amount of water to create a slick, protective lather, preshave oils are of little or no advantage.