Quote Originally Posted by RandyIdaho View Post
I find "Shave Secret" (available at WallyMart, at least here) helps (it smells a bit like cloves to me). It is an oil, you only use several drops (5-6). For pre-shave, I rub it in pretty well. For shaving using only this oil (what its advertised for - have done it a lot with cart razors, once with DE), more smear it around and leave a film on the surface.

Unless in a big hurry, I shower, put on a hot towel for ~30 sec., rub the oil in/on, and then face lather (dry method, using Trumper Coconut Cream right now). Shaving with a DE. I expect this would work fine with a Str8 as well.

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Forgot to mention - The Trumper Cream seems to lather real well over the Shave Secret if you rub it in a bit. I have some type of Glycerin Soap from WalMart (VDH?) - it is not as friendly on top of the Shave Secret. I have a puck of Williams, but haven't tried that over it.

I also have some pre-shave oil (brand? round dark glass bottle abt 1½" dia x 2" tall, black plastic screw cap). Quite a bit more viscous than the Shave secret. Tends to be less lather friendly than the Shave Secret.
I also use Shave Secret, but I rub several drops all over my beard and then cover with a hot towel for a bit. I then face lather, then shave. I still use a safety razor but I am in the process of getting a straight razor and learning as much as I can.