Thread: prep is the most important thing

I've been wetshaving for a while now, and it would always be uncomfortable, tugging, irritation, i just thought my beard was too thick to be a regular shaver….i never really did any kinda prep, just lathered up and shaved..i thought my straights weren't sharp enough, or using a straight was bullshit and overrated. i decided to fully prep. i even put conditioner on my skin in the shower, i got out, used proraso pre shave, spent a proper time making a lther and massaging it in, and the hair melted off like butter.

Interesting, I use no prep at all. Everyone is different and you have to find what works for you. Glad you found something that worked for you.

Bob

I know this has been said a number of times on the forum.......It's amazing how much sharpness good prep adds to a razor.

Congrats!!

Best Regards,

Howard

I am sure the prep is helping in more ways than just getting your beard softer and your skin tighter. I bet because you are taking more time prepping, you are focusing on your shave more too. Maybe?

Though a quick straight shave is easy enough to do, like most things, you get out what you put in! Prep sets the whole tone - nice!!

I never do any preparation anymore and consider it a waste of time. I've shaved with Dawn Dish Washing liquid, quickly applied by my hands, and got a fine shave. If my blade is sharp, and I make sure it is, I can dispense with preparation.

I had a wonderful prep the other night. I had a vodka tonic, then built my lather. I followed this with a shot of vodka, then selected my razor for that night. Then another vodka tonic before I stropped. Following stropping, I had a shot and poured me a nice Guiness Stout. I then put my razor away....I was too drunk for straight shaving!

I used to think prep was very important. Over time I've changed my mind on this. I think, if you have the skill and a proper sharp razor you can get a great shave no matter how crummy your prep. I think good prep makes it more enjoyable and may help to varying degrees dependent on the shaver and I think if you have a dull blade or bad technique good prep can help improve the shave to a point.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I used to think prep was very important. Over time I've changed my mind on this. I think, if you have the skill and a proper sharp razor you can get a great shave no matter how crummy your prep. I think good prep makes it more enjoyable and may help to varying degrees dependent on the shaver and I think if you have a dull blade or bad technique good prep can help improve the shave to a point.

My thoughts exactly having learned the hard way.

Bob

Hot shower,lather, shave,works to perfection for me,no voodoo involved.

Agreed! I am still brand spanking new to straight razor shaving (only shaved with mine 4 times now) but my second shave I didn't really prep. I nicked myself a little and I just didn't enjoy the overall experience. The next time (and now every time) I decided to go full throttle with the prep; pre-shave oil and all. Like you said I also noticed the hair just melted off, and the razor just glides over my skin. I also love the aroma from the sandalwood shaving kit I have. I'm a lot happier afterwards with the more prep I put into my shave.