Thread: Pre shave

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.

I never thought of this but now that you mention it, I can definitely see how this could happen. I’ve also been noticing that the Preshave Oil I use prevents water from really penetrating to my skin/beard after it is applied. Maybe it’s stopping the lather from doing so as well. I think my Friday shave will be without any Preshave Oil, only using s nice long, Hot Shower as prep.

I also used to use a mentholated product (Preshave cream) but I find it had a bit too much menthol for my liking. If I do use a mentholated product, I want it to just have a touch of menthol.

Been straight shaving for 47 years and never used a pre-shave......never will either.

I tried the PRORASO Pre-Shave Cream and found that it reduced the slickness of the soap. It actually seemed to make the razor skip and grab. I will stick with a hot shower, lather, then shave. Works well for me.

I always repeat this on these threads.....

I shave in the morning, but before bed, I apply 5 or 6 drops of 30,000 mesh vitamin E oil to my beard. Rubbing it in briskly and concentrating on the edges of my beard.
I typically do an oral rinse simultaneously....Another subject.

I can tell a great difference in the shave the morning after. No doubt.
I have a tough beard. This and a few applications of a hot-water towel over lather ensures things will go swimmingly the next morning.

My best shaves!