Quote Originally Posted by RayClem View Post
Human hair when dry has a tensile strength that is similar to that of copper wire. Would you want to use your razor to cut copper wire?

Surfactants such as the detergents (shampoo) and soaps can reduce the tensile strength of hair by 50% or more. Thus, I massage both shampoo and soap into my beard when showering before shaving. Then I follow up with a moisturizing hair conditioner that leaves my beard soft and my face slick.

If you do not shower, then at least thoroughly wash your face with soap before you start lathering. Apply lather and allow it time to soften your beard, just like barbers used to do when a shave and a haircut were two bits. Otherwise, you might as well be using your razor as a wire cutter.
What does tensile strength have to do with shaving? You're not pulling the hairs out. It's the hardness of the hair that matters as the blade cuts through them.

As far as prep goes I start with a clean face. The shave soap provides all that is necessary for a great shave. My experience of course.