Thread: Castle Forbes Pre-shave

Gentlemen,

The question of pre-shaves comes up often: what's good, what's not, and which is the best. Which is the best is a muddy topic, since the question has to be qualified with "best for whom"? Faces are different, skins are different and tastes are different.

Through the years, I have used scores of pre-shave products, because of a heavy beard and an extremely sensitive skin. When not using a pre-shave, I do feel it on my skin. So pre-shave it is for me. What type and brand are the real questions.

First, I don't make my own soaps, creams, balms or pre-shaves. I neither have interest in making my own stuff nor know enough chemistry to do so. Of the pre-shaves produced commercially, I have probably tried a huge selection.

I don't care for oils, because they muck up things, and I don't particularly care for the greasy feeling. Even though I may use a small amount of oil — the size of a dime or nickel is all you need — I still feel greasy. Of the oils I have tried through the years, however, I find that produced by Truefitt & Hill the least objectionable.

Proraso makes a quality pre-shave, but the eucalyptus gives me a headache, and Proraso is loaded with the stuff. Edwin Jagger's Pre-shave has some eucalyptus, which I find less objectionable — but this, too, is a good pre-shave. John Allan's Slick Water is another pre-shave I have used, but somehow it has not grabbed me.

Which brings me to the Castle Forbes pre-shave — and for me, that is the top of the line. It helps give me a comfortable cushion and a slick glide. The earthy lavender fragrance is muted. The product is also water soluble and non-greasy.

So if you ask what's the best pre-shave, I must admit it is Castle Forbes — that is, best for me.

I use the Castle Forbes pre-shave as well. I find it works well and although it seems pricey it lasts well as you only use a small amount. I tried the Proraso Eucalyptus pre-shave and it rmeinded me a lot of the old Noxema skin cream my mom kept around. I agree that it is a personal preference deal, and for me Castle Forbes is the product I prefer.

preshave products is something i havent tried a variety of. my face loves the proraso preshave, so i didn't feel it was necessary to change.
eventually i'll check out others, and when i do, castle forbes will be on the list. they do a good job on their shave creams.

Castle Forbes is the best; I do break out the tobs jermyn street shave gel now and again.

I stated before that I've never been a fan of pre shave oils. But this one being water based interests me. I can see this potentially being of benefit to me. But at $40, it might be a while before I get around to trying it.

I'm a huge fan of the stuff. Like you, I hate the feel of oils & I really don't see the point in re-waterproofing my beard... I do notice a little bit more protection from skin irritation when using it & it has just a touch of beard-softening going on. Not earth-shattering, mind you, but just a little extra.