Thread: Understanding Pre-Shave Oil

Good for dry skin maybe?

I tried an expensive pre-shave oil from Trufitt and Hill when I learned to shave with a DE. razor. I didn't like the results and only used it a couple of times. I found that Noxzema Cleansing Cream is a heck of a lot cheaper and gives superior results. As always YMMV.

Something to consider. I mix my own preshave oil....equal parts of olive oil, castor oil, and grape seed oil plus 6/7 drops of Lavendar oil.

I do a good prep before I straight shave so I don't use oil until after I shave. All of these oils I researched and they have a soothing and healing affect. I leave the oil on until after I brush my teeth. I then rinse with warm water, wipe with a shave towel, and apply shave balm. This helps to repair any micro abrasion and leaves my face looking and feeling both hydrated and smooth.

We all have our special way that works for each of us. Something to consider.

When I was in the army many moons ago, I always used shave oil when I was in the field. A small bottle of that saved me carrying soap and a brush or an aerosol as most of my colleagues did. I only took cheap disposables out with me too. It worked for me back then but it was all about convenience. I've never used oil with a straight, but the idea of a ATG pass sounds interesting.

Originally Posted by MWS

I enjoy a pre-shave oil regularly.
I use it as a skin conditioner and not as a lubricant. A few drops messaged into my face before I strop and lather.
I find it helps keep my face moist and supple in the 5 minutes from shower to shave in the dry winter months.

+1 for this. I believe it helps protect the skin, and not necessarily improve the shave (although it can). I use Village Barber pre-shave oil and I really like it. In fact, I occasionally use it as a post-shave skin conditioner. VB oil is all natural and made of only essential oils. If you do decide to try it...remember that less is more. Just a few drops goes a long way. It shouldn't "shine" on your skin.

I started out using the Musgo pre-shave, and then switched to Dreadnaught. After washing my face, I rub my face vigorously with the oil. I see it as a way to give my face a really strong, vigorous rub-down--the oil lubricates your hands. I then lather on top of the oil.

I can't swear by it, but I do think it helps me shave closer and smoother. I think I do notice when I don't use it.

It also just feels good, and my whole straight-shaving experience has really been first about pleasure, then about pragmatics. It increases the pleasure of it, without taking a lot of time, so I like it.

I tried it, but did not see any improvement and it made my brush so much harder to clean after that.

Originally Posted by Midoio

I tried it, but did not see any improvement and it made my brush so much harder to clean after that.

That's the very reason I never use the stuff, one try for me and it really didn't do anything but sure gunged up my brush. If I'm using anything for pre-shave, for me, can't beat Proraso White or Green Pre/Post Shave cream.

I think I will stick to using oil on my salads

I am new to str8-razoring and have read the post here. I will try both ways to see which does best for me. One would think a base oil would make it glide easier but I do not know for myself. I guess some experimentation will be in order!