I remember reading on the forum about a whole variety of substances that can be used as a shaving oil/ lubricant to allow the blade to glide nicely on the skin without causing exfoliation. At one point someone mentioned Silicone based lubricants as a possible option, but it was quickly shot down by most because of the fact that it is water-proof and might prevent hairs from absorbing water and softening from the lather and hot water.

Recently I decided to do some research on this simply because I am familiar with these lubricants, know they are the best, and am curious about what they would do to my shave. Sure enough, Dow Corning recently did a study on Silicone Lubricants and their effects on hair during thermal treatments (blow dryers and such)... the silicone actually protected the hair and the skin from any form of damage AND it locked in the moisture that was already in the hair, keeping the hair soft. I am really curious now as to what this would do to my shave. If it locks in moisture, imagine lathering, hot toweling, rinsing with hot water, and then spreading the silicone to lock in the moisture and keep the hair soft. I hope I don't sound weird, but tomorrow morning I am going to try it and give a full report. Let me know if you guys have any thoughts!

Safety Note: I will be applying the silicone with a brush to prevent it from getting on my hands and making the razor slip through my grip.