Thread: Castle Forbes Pre-shave

Originally Posted by Obie

Gentlemen,

We seem to be drifting way off topic in this thread since the discussion centers on the pre-shave Castle Forbes. Thanks.

I ordered some Castle Forbes to try. Looing forward to using it.

Back on subject.

Originally Posted by Jack0458

I ordered some Castle Forbes to try. Looing forward to using it.

Back on subject.

Good show, Jack. You'll find the product worthwhile. You don't need much. The way I use it is to leave the face slightly damp and massage in a nickel-size amount of the liquid cream before lathering. Good stuff.

Obie,

Sorry about that, well let us pull it back. Pre-shaves eh? Well I have used the following and in this order:

Castle Forbes
Proraso green pre-shave
L'Oreal Men Expert
Art of Shaving Pre-shave oil
Lather and a hot towel (141 degree Farenheit towel)

I've also used Castle Forbes, Proraso pre-shave, L'Oreal, and the art of shaving pre-shave oil both with and without the hot towel.

All of these products work. In order of preference for me:

1- Castle Forbes
1- Proraso green pre-shave (ties with Castle Forbes but only when I feel like menthol)
1- Lather and a hot towel (I use this the most now)

So I have a three way dead heat, the Castle Forbes works very well at moisturizing your beard and at least for me I like that it is water soluble. It doesn't make a mess. It is a bit pricey, but it definitely works well. I still have about half a bottle because a little goes a long way. I'd like to get a full complement of Castle Forbes products (soap or cream and aftershave) and try them together. The Castle Forbes product almost disappears under a hot towel (just like most soaps), but indeed it leaves my beard softer and helps with glide on my face.

The Proraso is really only used when I feel like menthol and then I use the whole green team (cream and aftershave). All three products used together is a very nice menthol experience and the Proraso pre-shave also softens my beard but not as much as the Castle Forbes.

Hot lather with a hot towel is the easiest to apply and very inexpensive. This method softens my beard nicely.

2- Number two in the hit parade is L'Oreal and this product works but is also expensive. Again a little goes a long way and it does a surprisingly good job softening my beard and moisturizing my face.

3- Definitely third is the pre-shave oil. This softens my beard some, but mostly increases the glide. It says unscented but to me it has a mild clove scent. It does work, but I am not a big fan of oils. I wanted to try an oil and this came well recommended. My complaint is that of course it is not water soluble. The oil sort of mucks up your brush and requires more cleaning. Also I don't like the greasy feeling of the stuff; although I do like the smell.

All of these products work, Proraso green for me is only for a menthol shave. So it comes down to Castle Forbes or hot lather with a hot towel in a dead heat. I think the lather and hot towel works because many soaps contain steric acid which breaks down hair follicles add some hot steamy heat and the beard softens up. I use a lot of glycerin soaps so there is some extra glide and skin conditioning. It works.

My Castle Forbes .02, I am saving the half bottle I have left to try in combination for an entire Castle Forbes shave. If the other products work as well as the pre-shave? Together it should be a really fine shave.

Best,

Ed

Since I got the Castle Forbes pre-shave I have gotten smoother shaves. And, I've always had two spots (opposite sides of neck right beside my adam's apple) that had stubble remaining. These two spots always required a second pass to even considered being close. Now, in addition to my entire face feeling smoother and softer after I shave these two spots do not have the stubble I remember. Every single time I've used the Castle Forbes pre-shave my shave has been much better. I don't mean improved slowly as it has over the months I've been using a straight razor. I mean it's a drastic improvement immediately. Castle Forbes is the only pre-shave I've used. I'm going to try others over time but I know I can always count on Castle Forbes. I got the small travel bottle to try. Now that I've seen how it works I'll be getting a regular bottle. Actually, I would never try another pre-shave except for the possibility to find something that works as well at a lower price. If I don't find something less expensive that works as well I'll be a Castle Forbe's man.

Thank you for this thread.

I,ve been on the Castle Forbes bandwagon also, I do like the performance of the Proraso pre/post but not really wild about the menthol, and I seem to get the same degree of hair prep from plain old noxema and it's cheaper. But then again the smell of the menthol. So you've went a good direction , especially since it's working. Tc

Another great use I've found for it is after the 2nd pass, when doing spot touchups. I put a tiny amount on the offending area & do the touchup. I've found it to work better than lather or water.

Originally Posted by tcrideshd

I,ve been on the Castle Forbes bandwagon also, I do like the performance of the Proraso pre/post but not really wild about the menthol, and I seem to get the same degree of hair prep from plain old noxema and it's cheaper. But then again the smell of the menthol. So you've went a good direction , especially since it's working. Tc

Glad to hear you like the Proraso pre/post shave cream other than the menthol. I ordered some along with a menthol Proraso menthol soap. I'm thinking this will give me an entirely menthol shave. I have always liked menthol. Maybe I'll like it when shaving. I also ordered some Proraso styptic gel. I've read several good reviews about Proraso products. Also seen some negative comments but they were followed that it is a personal thing, not that Proraso has poor products. Actually, I don't think I've seen a single product that absolutely everyone likes. Guess I just need to try things for myself.

I have a styptic pencil I got at Wal Mart. It works but it leaves a residue if I don't wash it off. Anyone tried the Proraso gel?

Still gotta say if I don't like the pre/post Proraso I know I do like the Castle Forbes. I might not like smelling like a cough drop after shaving.

Yes I have used the styptic gel. Not in a while(now I did it) really all the Proraso products are good stuff, like I said only a scent issue So it will do the job Happy hunting. Tc

Oh by the way the scent doesn't last past the shave that much, it's just that blast in my nose when applying. But if you like menthol , it's right up your alley for an all Proraso pre, lather, post, and aftershave

I'm a big fan of Castle Forbes. I like the fact it is non oily & water soluble like Obie says! That is probably why it is a higher end pre shave but it works great & thickens up the beard for shaving.

amazing stuff