Thread: Pre-Shave oil

Is there any value in using pre-shave oils? I've seen mixed opinions on this topic. Many feel a good shave cream/soap is all you need.

The only way is to try a few and find out if it works or doesn't for you personally. Never in 40 odd years of shaving prior to starting shaving with a SR a few years ago did I use a pre shave. Read about them on here and other forums, gave a few a shot and none did anything to enhance my shave. So it is back to lather up and shave for me. That is not to say you will not find a pre shave beneficial, you just might find it works for you. Everyone is different.

Bob

I'd suggest typing "pre-shave oils" in the Google custom search box on the upper right, and you'll see lots of discussion about their value.

I used one once, didn't like it.

I used AoS preshave when I began because I hoped that it was helping to protect my skin from razor burn while I learned. I'm not sure if it did or didn't. After a month I stopped using everyday. Now I only use it for when I do a full on steaming towel head wrap shave - not so much for protection, but I like the clove smell.
If my face is dry from being out in the sun or wind I use Noxema cold cream as a preshave to moisturize my skin a bit, and it provides a good bit of slickness without greasing up your sink and brushes.

I use Ault Innsbrock. Its one of those products that you can use as a pre/post shave. I use it as a pre shave. I like the way it lubricates my whiskers and IMO it protects the face and provides a good base under shave cream.
H

Some people like it, some people don't think it makes any difference, it's all personal preference. I believe it has to be used in a certain way, too much will hinder performance. I usually only use it if my beard is longer, or I don't prep my face with a hot shower.

Gentlemen,

I have sensitive skin and heavy beard. A new dress shirt must be washed a half a dozen times before I can wear it, and forget wool sweaters. Heavy beard and sensitive skin are a sassy combination for wet shavers. That's why I use a pre-shave product to further help cushion my skin. Through the years, I have tested the top line pre-shave oils, from Truefitt & Hill to The Art of Shaving. Yes, they help my skin somewhat, but they also muck up everything, including some sweet brushes.

Castle Forbes pre-shave, a water soluble cream of sorts, is close to perfect for me. It gives my sensitive skin the proper cushion, and it helps in the glide. So that is my recommendation.

I have not tried the Meisner Tremonia pre-shave soaps that Robin Recommends. I will give it a try at the next opportunity. In the meantime, I have three unopened Castle Forbes pre-shave bottles, but am starting to get nervous that civilization will come to an end and I'll be left holding an empty bottle. OY!

Lots here that I haven't tried. I am looking forward to trying the Castle Forbes. Things I have tried are Skinfood as a preshave - just adds a little extra glide. Also proraso is a staple for me, mainly because I like the menthol effect. Using conditioner in the shower is another useful option I've tried in the past.

As with most things in shaving, I do it because I like the routine and I like a shave thats a bit more involved. not sure it makes miles of difference.

I know how this might sound, but I've had great success with Johnson's and Johnson's baby oil. I've got the kids and the stuff was sitting on the tub sill..Curious, I tried it pre shave. It was amazing. It lubricated the skin just enough to provide a gentle shave without that greasy feeling after. I'll typically shower and massage a pea sized amount onto my face while I hygiene the rest of my body. The oil is a very gentle agent and does not clog or irritate the pores. Good luck!

I've tried some pre-shave oils but I haven't noticed any difference as far as my skin reacts to them or them making the shave better so I don't use them.