Thread: Pre-shave Preparation

Where this thread went I don't know, mostly because I lack computer skills, but I wanted to address this again because when I go out to the stores and even on some inter-net sites I look for pre-shave medium. Going into a barbershop the most I ever noticed was a hot towel wrap and the barber never applied anything more than that, at least to my fading eyes.
I found an oil on the market which I found to be rather useless. I have tried Noxema, but I cannot be certain that it proves to be much help. I know much is said regarding honing and popping hairs, but I find that face hair is more course than arm or leg hair. My question is: "Is there a true product that can actually soften face hair?" All my years of using a SR I have used nothing more than a can of foam, learning that over time the true picture is a sharp razor. I would appreciate responses with the hope that maybe there has been a product created to address this. Please forgive my ignorance of not knowing where to find this information. I am simply not skilled at forum ins and outs.

A simple washing of the face prior to shaving will soften the beard, then a decent lather to keep everything hydrated, all the other stuff is ok if you like the ritual. The noxema does a good job of hydration too. Your trying to over think it, what ever has worked for 40 years is what works for you why change? And the edge is where it's at, without a proper edge all it won't come together. And yes face hair is typically stiffer than arm hair, or head hair, but they are good indicators for sharp test as long as you have it calibrated to your needs. Tc

Originally Posted by tcrideshd

A simple washing of the face prior to shaving will soften the beard, then a decent lather to keep everything hydrated, all the other stuff is ok if you like the ritual. The noxema does a good job of hydration too. Your trying to over think it, what ever has worked for 40 years is what works for you why change? And the edge is where it's at, without a proper edge all it won't come together. And yes face hair is typically stiffer than arm hair, or head hair, but they are good indicators for sharp test as long as you have it calibrated to your needs. Tc

I dont use anything pryor to shaving other then shower. TC is right on the money, good lather, Shave ready razor is all you need.

Concentrate on the basics like TC said. I fully believe that all you need for a good shave is a shave ready razor, a good lather and good technique. Personally I face lather up and shave suing cold water for 4 passes. I grant everyone is different but if you have the basics down well all the pre shave stuff may or may not be too helpful. In my case it was not.

Bob

Hot towels for me.

One towel for 30 or so seconds. Then I lather my face and put a hot towel over the lather for 30 to 60 seconds.

Seems to work for me and it especially nice in winter.

Ditch the can of foam, make your own lather and your shaves will improve.

Thanks for the info, and yes, I do tend to over work things to the point of confusion. When I look at all the stuff regarding SR shaving, the complexity and certainly the given skills necessary to retain a sharp blade. I cannot say that I honestly have those skills despite the years I have been shaving with a SR. There have been a lot of rough times with it and purchase of stones to get an edge that has been workable. The Nortons seem to be working fine for me these past years. I am still trying to get a handle on the bevel. Only wish there were someone really close to me who has done this for ages. I am not able to travel any distance. Even 40 miles can put a tough time on me because of my prevailing conditions. So. What I have been doing the past 40 years does not imply that I have been doing anything right. Again. Thanks.

JTmke.
I tried the hot towel. Must be doing something wrong cause it's just not working at all for me. I use a hot wash cloth held tight to my face, usually twice. Whether it is doing anything or not I don't know. Everybody seems to have their own style. Wish I could remember how my grandfather did it. Never noticed that he had a strop, but must have had something he used. This would be about 1900's.
Thanks for the thought

I,ll remind you that you really aren't that far from help up where you are. There are some experienced fellows up that way, plus if I remember Ron Utopian reached out with an offer. Trust me if you want help its there for the asking and you doing your part, look up members that are neat you, PM them and see. If you don't know how to search,mask a mod to assist This bunch will do their best to accommodate you, heck I've opened my house to guys who need the help, and I,m not one of the nice guys, Tc

Originally Posted by Glock27

Thanks for the info, and yes, I do tend to over work things to the point of confusion. When I look at all the stuff regarding SR shaving, the complexity and certainly the given skills necessary to retain a sharp blade. I cannot say that I honestly have those skills despite the years I have been shaving with a SR. There have been a lot of rough times with it and purchase of stones to get an edge that has been workable. The Nortons seem to be working fine for me these past years. I am still trying to get a handle on the bevel. Only wish there were someone really close to me who has done this for ages. I am not able to travel any distance. Even 40 miles can put a tough time on me because of my prevailing conditions. So. What I have been doing the past 40 years does not imply that I have been doing anything right. Again. Thanks.

I am sure without a doubt that close to you there is a post office, that said send one or 2 of your razors to a pro honer, from there the razors just need a touch up once in a while.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/class...wcat.php?cat=4