Thread: On Hold for Uncle Sam

Greetings SE Nebraska. I had to wait for 21+ years to delve into the world of wet shaving; the marine Corps and Army frown on straight razors in the barracks! Not to mention the process of wet shaving isn't exactly in line with the "hurry up and go" lifestyle usually required in the military.
My wife is now amazed at how long it takes me to "just shave" when it used to take me 10 to 15 minutes before and now might take up to 45, depending on how much I am enjoying myself. She simply cannot understand how something can go from being a monotonous chore to an enjoyable experience.
I have an issue I would like some input on. Would using a preshave cream reduce or eliminate irritation?

I rub some shave cream into my beard while showering, then rinse. I think it softens the hair slightly.

Michael

You could try olive oil. I have found it helpful. Also you might be over Shaving an area on your face. I'd limit myself to two passes and see if my results improve.
Good luck!!!

Welcome! I've only found two preshaves that seemed to do anything for me: Truefitt & Hill Ultimate Comfort Pre-Shave Oil and Floid Sandolor pre-shave gel. I use one or the other sometimes in lieu of my normal prep (a shower), and they seem to help a bit. After showering, though, they don't really add much, other than a nice smell. Just my experience.

Hot shower and maybe some Proraso Pre/Post shave. A good soap goes a long way though.

I found olive oil, or almond oil, useful as a pre-shave. Hair conditioner -- especially the "silky" varieties that contain silicones -- work also.

Charles

PS -- I suspect _any_ vegetable oil would work fine. One day I'll try "Mobil 1" . . .

Make sure that Mobil is synthetic, I hear the glide is terrific. Seriously, I would try some Proraso pre shaving cream. Seems to help me. BTW I have the same problem with my wife. I'm retired now and just love a long luxurious shave every morning. It's certainly not a chore anymore.

Bob

First, Welcome to the SRP, thanks for your years of service.
Most irritation is from having a heavy hand on the razor. Use the minimum amount of pressure on the razor, let the edge do the work. Having said that, good prep is required as well. I use Stephan's Stay soft shave cream in the shower. I rub it into my whiskers which softens the beard. After my shower, I use a shave oil on my skin then shave cream. I have a tough beard and the shower and prep always help.

Take your time, go slow, as you get more shave under your belt, the irritation should subside.

Enjoy.

Thank you, one and all for the advice. I will have to invest in PRORASO preshave cream. I am hesitant to use any oils because my skin is oil enough and a 40 something year old man looks funny puberty marks on his face
I am pleased with the welcome I have received here. It it much better than the way my vendor has treated me. I have sent 2 emails over the last two weeks requesting information about getting a razor honed and neither of them has been answered yet. While here I received multiple replies to a basic request within hours.
Now I am waiting for one of the site's members to reply to an email about honing. I have given up on my vendor. If I can't get my razor honed I will be forced to buy another one just to keep shaving.

Thanks for serving OldSoldier. You did not mention how you did shave in the military. Electric perhaps? And you did not say
how long you have been wetshaving. Perhaps your skin is still making the adjustment to very sharp blades.
We have members here who can hone your razor to the perfect edge. So take a little time and then invest in another razor
so while one is away being tuned up you can shave with the other.